Review: ‘Rogers: The Musical’ is something we can watch all day

When the song “Save the City” first appeared in the Disney+ series “Hawkeye,” my first reaction was: This was genius.

The song from the fictional Broadway show “Rogers: The Musical” is a theatrical adaptation of the Battle of New York where Captain America (Steve Rogers) and the Avengers defeat Loki and the Chitauri.

Earlier this year, when Disney announced a 30-minute version of the musical was coming to Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort, my first reaction was: I need to get on a plane and see this myself.

And I did. I saw it twice. And loved it. 

The writers took an absurd but fun song, “Save The City,” and expanded on the themes of heroism and romance for “Rogers: The Musical.” The story follows Steve Rogers’ journey to become Captain America and his relationship with Peggy Carter. Avengers aficionados will appreciate creative interpretations of iconic objects and moments, such as Steve’s notebook and the use of the Time Stone to revisit his past.

Oh, and Nick Fury sings. Yes, it is one of the highlights of the show. He belts out “What You Missed,” one of the five new songs written by Grammy-winning composer Christopher Lennertz with lyrics by Jordan Peterson, Christopher Lennertz and Alex Karukas. 

Fury tries to review 70 years of history that Steve missed in a number that combines musical genres from the various decades with the choreography from those times that will leave you doing something Fury seldom does — smile. 

Through humor and satire, the musical pokes fun at some of the grandiose elements often associated with superhero narratives. It showcases how larger-than-life figures like Captain America are mythologized and celebrated in popular culture. It’s also the ultimate love story of how not even time can not separate Steve and Peggy Carter.

The performances are solid Broadway-style efforts by the performers and the Hyperion Theater stage uses a combination of layered two-dimensional scenery, physical set pieces, a huge stage turntable and the theater’s 2,200-square-foot video screen.

How to See the Show

The show is taking place through Aug. 31, 2023, at Disney California Adventure’s huge Hyperion Theatre. 

Guests can access viewing areas for “Rogers: The Musical” through a virtual queue system available on the Disneyland app. Each day that “Rogers: The Musical” is scheduled to perform, distribution for the complimentary virtual queue will begin at 10:30 a.m. for the first two show times of the day and 2 p.m. for the remaining two shows. After 2 p.m., I easily was able to get in the virtual queue for the 4 p.m. showing. 

Don’t worry if you are not called immediately to get in line 45 minutes before the show. The queue is called back in groups, so there is not a big rush. Once you are called in, you are checked in and then can go into one of three lines, Orchestra, Mezzanine or Balcony. Then starting at about 25 minutes prior to the show, the doors open and you can go in and choose your seats. The theater is huge and there is plenty of seats.

Also available in limited quantities per performance for purchase is a “Rogers: The Musical” Premium Viewing Experience package from the Studio Catering Co. Truck in Hollywood Land. 

For $29 per person, the package includes access to an outdoor lounge seating area before the show, priority choice of seating in the theater, a “Rogers: The Musical” popcorn bucket with red, white and blue kettle corn, choice of bottled beverage, souvenir lanyard and access to a unique photo opportunity. If you want to see the first show, get there before rope drop and stand in line. If you are staying at a Disneyland Resort and get Early Entry, get to the park go into the park for Early Entry and you will be let in early to get in the line at the Studio Catering Co. It will make a big difference. 

Show Merchandise

The new musical is also commemorated by collectible merchandise items available near the Hyperion Theater, including a t-shirt, magnet and ornament. At the Super Store Featuring Avengers Campus shop in Hollywood Land, guests can gear up with a wide assortment of Avengers merchandise and apparel. 

Keep your eye out, the merch seemed to change from one day to the next with new T-shorts showing up. 

This is also where I wish they sold a special Playbill that had background information on the show and other fun insights.