“Rock of Ages”: Worthy of the Buzz, A Rockin' Good Time
Words by Kristen Fogle
I wasn't the hugest fan of “Mama Mia.” I walked out of the theater when I realized “Moulin Rouge” contained no original songs. The so-called “jukebox musical” genre really draws those that have a connection with the collection of songs presented on stage. And because this type of musical is built around songs people know and love, plot points are present, but are often times be haphazardly worked in—preferential treatment is given to delivering the songs, not necessarily focusing on a concrete story.
“Rock of Ages” the newest in this genre, still has this quality, but “ROA” is so conscious of itself (frequently breaking the fourth wall) and is such a fun time...that it works. Any plot points that seemingly come out of nowhere are forgiven, due to comical explanations/interludes by Lonny, the very Jack Black-esque narrator of this entertaining thrill ride through '80s rock.
In addition to narrating for us, Lonny is part of the action; his BFF is the club owner of the Sunset Strip's Bourbon Room, where the action takes place. (Come alone for the so-called “bromance” between Lonny and Dennis—as Matt Ban, who plays Dennis, calls their relationship in his interview with me. Also at www.sdtheatrereviews.com.) The other colorful characters that collect here are: Sherrie, a pretty blonde fresh off the Amtrak from Kansas, in LA to make it big, and Drew, who works at the club also hoping for stardom, instantly falling for Sherrie. Others include German developers Hertz and his son Franz, who seek to destroy the “sex, drugs, and rock n' roll” lifestyle of the Strip—therefore demolishing the Bourbon Room. (By the way...is this all sounding very “Empire Records” to anyone yet? Big business looking to zap all life from quirky center for music with accompanying zany characters? There are more similarities to come...just checking in.) In order to generate money, Lonny brings in Stacey Jaxx (Rex Manning Day? Anyone???) who woos Sherrie after Drew claims they should be “friends.” After Stacey has Sherrie kicked out of the club for reasons he doesn't completely divulge, Sherrie ends up working at a strip club (the next logical choice, I guess). She is taken in by Justice, owner of the strip joint, who teaches her about the importance of love and ends up pushing her back to Drew...but not before Sherrie and Stacey have a sexy show down. Meanwhile, the feminine Franz (“I'm not gay, I'm just German!”) falls for City Planner/protestor Regina (imagine the worst possible pronunciation of this). But, before the two officially pair off, Franz needs to take care of matters first: Will his father annul his plans to tear down the Bourbon Room?
And what about the young couple...Will Sherrie and Drew make it work? What about their dreams of making it big? How will this all wrap up people??
That I won't tell; as I said, plot points, true to genre, are predictable enough, but ROA makes everything so much fun, the audience seldom (if ever) cares. The music is integrated well, and we are treated to favorites such as Journey's “Anyway You Want It,” Whitesnake's “Here I Go Again,” Bon Jovi's “Wanted Dead on Alive,” Twisted Sister's “We're Not Gonna Take It,” and Poison's “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” among others. (Be prepared to dance in your seat...or at least perform a subtle sway.)
The amazing cast (who received a standing ovation the night I went) is directed by Tony Award nominee Kristin Hanggi (“Bare,” “Pussycat Dolls on the Sunset Strip”) and choreographed—very well, I might add—by Kelly Divine. The cast includes Justin Colombo, who, as the laugh out loud funny Lonny, I'll say again, is Jack Black. Matt Ban (Dennis) plays Lonny's best bud with just as much comedy and makes for a character I'd love to know in real life. Shannon Mullen (Sherrie) is cute and has a good pop belt (and her duets with Drew are spot on), but alone her voice isn't always as powerful as I'd like it to be. Dominique Scott (Drew) is plucked straight from his NYC band and it shows—this kid has a long, long career in music, with a voice that really does each song he sings justice. Matt Nolan commands the stage as Stacey Jaxx; I appreciate both his flamboyant characterization...and his abs. Katie Postotnik (Regina) is a little fireball, with enough energy for the entire cast and is well matched with her onstage love interest Franz, played by Stephen Michael Kane, who wields a gorgeous tenor with ease. Amma Osei (Justice) has the most powerful voice up there though—can this woman sing! The entire troupe rocks and rolls and shimmies and shakes on a (shall I say) bad-ass set scenically designed by Beowulf Borritt.
Wanna go see it now? You should! “Rock of Ages” as a musical is only two years old, but I have a feeling this show is gonna go “on and on and on and on” (in the words of the cast mates as they belt out the timeless Journey classic “Don't Stop Believin”). Fans and newbies alike will also be delighted to learn that they can also see “ROA,” starring Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, and Russell Brand, on the big screen come June.
“Rock of Ages”
3/27-4/1
Civic Theatre
3rd and B Street
Downtown San Diego
888-937-8995
To see the original article, please go to http://sdtheatrereviews.com/arts.php?newsId=255
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