The moment you walk through the front doors of the Brooks Atkinson theater you’ll realize you’re in for a wild ride. The theater has been transformed into the “Bourbon Room”, home of the most rocking show on Broadway, ever. Even the courtesy message reminding the crowd to turn off their cell phones is hilariously narrated by David Coverdale of Whitesnake. Rock of Ages is a jukebox musical with a story and a wink. Most shows of this type really stretch to create a story around the songs, and so has Rock of Ages, but it works better than most because they know they’re doing it.
It’s 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl (Sherrie) meets a big city rocker (Drew) and they fall in love to the greatest songs of the 80’s in L.A.’s most famous rock club.
Over two dozen songs from artists like Pat Benatar, Journey and Styx, rock the show and every element of the production is remarkably well done…costumes, choreography, supporting cast, sets, and especially the band! I love that “Arsenal” is on stage for the entire show, rocking hard like a band from the Strip should. Constantine Maroulis and Amy Spanger are pitch perfect in their roles, although there is are times when they are overshadowed by another “couple”, the characters “Dennis” (Adam Dannheisser) and “Lonny” (Mitchell Jarvis) who perform a show stopping “I Can’t Fight This Feeling.” Genius.
The entire supporting cast including the chorus, is stellar and it’s great to see everyone get their chance to shine throughout the show. The supporting cast give this show it’s depth and heart.
I can’t recommend Rock of Ages enough. It’s the most face-meltingly awesome show on Broadway that you’ll want to rock over and over again!
