Cheap Trick's Robin Zander surrenders to Broadway in “Rocktopia,” previews new music

David McClister

David McClisterFirst, Train’s Pat Monahan and Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider did it — now Cheap Trick frontman Robin Zander has taken over the guest performance spot in Rocktopia, the Broadway production that mashes up classical music and classic rock.  Zander sings hits by Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin and Journey, plus a few of his own songs in the show.  He’s grateful his fans have been there to support him.

“The first night, it was mostly Cheap Trick fans in the audience,” Zander laughs. “And they were all on their feet, and it felt good…I, of course, was terrified, and they could sense that I was a little nervous, I’m sure, but they made things a little better by just being there.”

Zander, who’ll appear in Rocktopia through this Sunday, says tackling the show’s material was difficult.

“I’ve gotta sing Robert Plant…Steven Tyler and…Steve Perry!” he tells ABC Radio. “It’s not an easy chore for a guy like me because I don’t have a voice like they do.  But I can tell you that it’s fun.”

Zander says Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” is the hardest due to its many lyrics.  As for his own tunes, he’s doing a mash-up of “Surrender” and “Dream Police,” backed by the show’s 20-piece orchestra and 30-person chorus.

After his Rocktopia run ends, Cheap Trick will tour this summer with Poison, but Zander tells ABC Radio  the band’s releasing a new single ahead of the tour, followed by a new album later this year.

“We’ve got about three or four of the songs written for it already,” he says, adding that Cheap Trick has also covered John Lennon‘s “Gimme Some Truth” for possible inclusion on the project.

“That should be apropos,” he says, “considering the climate of the politics these days.”