Music Theatre International has secured worldwide licensing rights to the hit musical Rocky, coinciding with the anniversary of the show's Broadway debut on March 13, 2014 at the Winter Garden Theatre.

Rocky is a new musical with music and lyrics by Tony® winners and Academy Award® nominees Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, and a book by multiple-Tony winner Thomas Meehan and Sylvester Stallone, adapted from the acclaimed Oscar®-nominated screenplay by Stallone. The show had its world premiere in Hamburg in 2012 and opened on Broadway in 2014. The musical follows the plot of the Academy Award-winning Best Picture classic, Rocky.

Rocky brings to life the story of Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer from working-class Philadelphia, who is unexpectedly chosen to take on the reigning world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed, when the undefeated fighter's scheduled opponent is injured. While training with Mickey, an embittered former boxer and owner of a local gym, Rocky tentatively begins a relationship with Adrian, the wallflower sister of his meat-packer pal Paulie. They establish a touching rapport, especially in the scenes featuring Rocky's efforts to coax Adrian out of her own shell.

Ahrens and Flaherty provide a beautiful and energized score, including two moving duets for Rocky and Adrian, while Stallone and Meehan's book explores the depth, complexity and humor of their relationship.

"It's likeable and decent in a basic way that makes you glow. You go away from Rocky hugely entertained, with a song in your soul and hope in your heart." - Rex Reed

"Everyone has a preconceived notion of Rocky, whether from the award-winning original film, or its many sequels," stated Drew Cohen, MTI's President and CEO. "In fact, this American story is so iconic, people smile at the thought of a stage musical. But Meehan, Stallone, Flaherty and Ahrens have created a work that hearkens back to the spirit and humor of the original independent film, with two of the most lovable and enduring characters ever created. In an America of haves and have-nots, Rocky resonates now more than ever. Since its Broadway run ended, we have been inundated with requests from groups of all sizes who are excited by the audience-pleasing nature of the show."

"Rocky crept up and stole our hearts. Watching audiences lean forward, stand, cry and cheer for joy every night was one of the most beautiful experiences we've ever had in the theater. You can't believe it until you experience it--there's an innate magic to this story," said Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

For more information, please call (212) 541-4684 or email licensing@mtishows.com.