03-20-2004 – Billboard – Queen Gets Musical Treatment

Queen is ready to rock Paris.

That’s Paris, Las Vegas, where “We Will Rock You,” London’s hit musical based on the music of Queen, will have its U.S. premiere in September.

“When you think of Queen the musical, Vegas is the right place for us to go,” says Jane Rosenthal, co-founder with Robert De Niro of Tribeca Theatrical Productions. She, De Niro and Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor are four of the show’s several producers.

Featuring 25 Queen classics, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” “Another One Bites the Dust” and “We Will Rock You” has been an SRO attraction in London’s West End since opening in May 2002.

The domestic production, to be presented in the 1,450-seat Paris Theatre des Arts, includes complex laser light effects and six huge plasma screens. It depicts a future where individuals rebel against conformity to the tunes of Queen.

“Just listen to the music,” enthuses Rosenthal, who with fellow Queen fan De Niro approached the band’s manager, Jim Beach, eight years ago about conceiving a theatrical Queen project together. ” ‘Bo-Rhap’ is one of the best songs ever, and their concerts were always extremely theatrical, concept-driven and full of energy and excitement. That’s what this show has going for it, too.”