Rolling Thunder Cast Rocks Broadway Time at Carmine’s

Broadway Time at Carmine's welcomed a powerhouse group of Rolling Thunder cast members, Drew Becker, Justin Matthew Sargent, Daniel Yearwood, Deon’te Goodman, Ethan Hardy Benson, and Erin Ramirez, to talk about the Off-Broadway production that is shaking up New World Stages with its electrifying blend of rock music and raw storytelling.

From the start, the performers agreed that the show is more than just a concert. It is a journey that weaves together politics, personal stakes, and the lived experiences of veterans. “I love singing rock music, it is a part of myself I do not often get to tap into,” Deon'te reflected, adding that the show’s framing of veteran stories makes every performance feel urgent and personal. Justin Matthew Sargent spoke about the emotional moment when veterans in the audience are invited to identify themselves, receiving heartfelt applause from the crowd.

For Drew Becker, building Johnny’s character meant leaning into the text and trusting the rehearsal process. “He goes from this wide-eyed kid who gets sucked into war through propaganda to a man who has to face the brutal reality. You watch this boy grow up in two hours.”

Many in the cast come with Hamilton credits under their belt, but Rolling Thunder’s concert-like energy offers something new. With a live band on stage, no two shows feel exactly alike. “We were super hype when our drummer started throwing in these fills, it is insane,” Daniel Yearwood laughed. The spontaneity of the musicianship allows the cast to react in real time, creating a thrilling atmosphere that often feels like a full-fledged rock concert.

Covers Ethan Hardy Benson and Erin Ramirez shared stories about the high-pressure world of swings and understudies. Ethan recalled being thrown on with only 25 minutes’ notice for his first performance, “No rehearsal, no warning, and somehow it worked.” Erin added that covering multiple tracks challenges her to think of the roles as puzzle pieces, each with its own place and rhythm. Both agreed that performing this score, with its wide range of rock styles, has been exhilarating.

The company also pointed to the moments that give them chills on stage. Daniel Yearwood’s soulful delivery of “People Get Ready” stops the show cold each night, with the ensemble joining him in support. The high-octane pairing of “Born to Be Wild” and “Nowhere to Run” delivers another fan-favorite moment, pulsing with energy and crowd response.

The interview closed on a playful note with Broadway Time’s “Quick Round,” where the cast named favorite shows and dream roles. Picks ranged from Les Misérables and Sweeney Todd to Rent and Phantom, showing the range of influences that fuel these performers.

Rolling Thunder runs at New World Stages through September 7, and if the cast’s passion is any indication, audiences can expect a performance that is equal parts rock concert, history lesson, and heartfelt tribute. For more information visit rollingthunderus.com.