"almost lyrical and poetic in some way": Sylvester Stallone on Rocky the Musical

Yo! This is real and it's happening. Rocky will be made into a musical, appearing first in Germany and, hopefully, some day here in the states.

"I love the idea of seeing Rocky on stage, it's just a natural extension," Stallone, who also serves as a producer of the musical, recently said at a press event in Hamburg. "I've always seen it as a musical presentation: the tempo, the way the characters talk, their voices, what they said, was almost lyrical and poetic in some way. I can't wait to be at the premiere and say, 'I told you! I told you it had soul.' Rocky is not just a sports film, it's a story that can go on for generations and generations, about how everyone is entitled to a moment of dignity."

Rocky features a score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime) and a book by Thomas Meehan (The Producers, Hairspray, Annie). Alex Timbers (Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) will direct. A reading of the musical took place earlier this year featuring Andy Karl (Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde) in the title role, with Lisa Brescia (Mamma Mia!) playing Rocky's love interest, Adrian.

Stallone will produce the $15 million musical alongside world champion boxing brothers Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko, who will also train the actor playing Rocky, as well as Kevin King Templeton and Stage Entertainment.

Is it a stretch to call it poetry? Only if this is NOT true: