Rollator Themed Musical Opens

Over the years, there have been a wide range of musicals on a wide range of topics. This April, we got what I believe is the first ever musical about rollators—Rock N’ Rollator. The show features popular rock music from the 20^th and 21^st century, everything from The Who to Arcade Fire, sung by an intergenerational choir. Most of the performers are elderly and use mobility devices such as wheelchairs, and of course, rollators.

Rock N’ Rollator discusses the ups and downs of aging and asks hard questions. Is old age a sad period before the end of a life cycle? Or is it the period where we’ve finally achieved our goals and can live how we like? Is it better to be old or to be young? Which generation’s music is better?

Though rollators may seem like a strange topic for a musical to some, in Germany—where the show originates—rollators have become not just a useful mobility device but a symbol of aging. Rollators were invented in Europe (Sweden specifically) and are currently more popular there than in the States. But as rollators increase in popularity, they may soon become a symbol of aging here too.

So if you find yourself in Germany—check out Rock N’ Rollator. And if you don’t, you can still see some of the highlights online.