New Line Theatre has put us in its debt by reviving “We Will Rock You,” the jukebox musical based on the music of Queen. I cannot recall another professional staging since the national tour came to The Fox in March 2014. Queen’s songs are entrancing in the New Line performances.

Ben Elton’s book is set three centuries in the future. Earth is now called iPlanet. It is under the thumb of Global Soft. a corporation that maintains strict control over what people see, hear, wear, and think. Rock music has been banned along with the instruments needed to play it.

The central characters are nonconformists Galileo Figaro and Scaramouche, whose names appear in songs by Queen. He is a prophetic dreamer whose head is filled with the lyrics of long-lost songs. She is a headstrong, rebellious Goth. They encounter a group of rebels who call themselves Bohemians. Some of them believe a prophecy that a dreamer who will bring music back by leading them to instruments that have been hidden is a place of living rock.

This story is thin but works as framework for the glorious music. I seldom listen to Queen, but I adored the numbers in the show. The New Line program lists two dozen songs by Queen, including two reprises. A key song is not listed, but you will hear it as an encore if you cheer loud enough during the curtain call.

The New Line actors give winning performances of their roles under directors Chris Moore and Scott Miller. The musical numbers have anarchic energy under Brayden Bessette’s music direction and Josiah Gundersen’s choreography.

Braidy Kirkegaard radiates great personal warmth as the confused but well-meaning Galileo who has a great deal to learn. Chelsie Johnston is a commanding presence as Scaramouche. Jeff Loeffler is a delight as Buddy, the free-spirited former librarian whose knowledge of sacred musical texts makes him an invaluable resource for the Bohemians.

De-Rance Blaylock is greed incarnate as Killer Queen, the CEO of Global Soft. Evan Bronkema is a thoroughgoing villain as Khashoggi, the head of Killer Queen’s secret police, who is relentless in his mission to stamp out nonconformity.

Ronmal Mottley as Brit and Adrienne Spann as Oz are instantly likable as the first Bohemians to encounter Galileo and Scaramouche. The fine chorus of Bohemians include Michael Kramer, Ian McCreary, Nathan Mecey, Rachel Parker, Reagan Posey-Mank, and Corrinna Redford. The excellent band includes Brayden Bessette, Zach Kempen, Xander Gerdes, John Gerdes, Joe Winters, and Becca Rose Bessette.

On what must have been a limited budget, the artistic staff acquitted itself well. Its contributions include Becca Rose Bessette’s costumes, Ryan Day’s sound, Nathan Mecey’s scenic design, Eric Wennlund’s lighting, and Beth Burton-Livorsi’s props.

“We Will Rock You” continues through at the Marcell.

—Gerry Kowarsky

Photo by Jill Ritter Lindberg
Adrienne Spann as Oz, Chelsie Johnston as Scaramouche, Braidy Kirkegaard as Galileo, and Ronmal Mottley as Brit, singing “Headlong” in New Line Theatre’s “We Will Rock You.”