“Rock of Ages”

[rating=5]How can a family style theater take on the challenge of producing “Rock of Ages” on their stage? Think back to when they did “Hair”. A huge risk as this is not a “family play”. It is a story within a concert or vice versa” In the case of this production, a long awaited production that began its journey two years ago. The pandemic screwed up theater everywhere. After all, the theaters were the first businesses to shut down. Director of this show, Amber Mak never gave up hope that the show would go on, and here some two years later, with most of her original cast members , we get to see a powerful production that had the opening night crowd on its feet and hand clapping. What a show!

For those of you who have been living off HBO and Netflix for the past 800 plus days, it is okay to go back to live theater. In fact, I think you owe it to yourselves to do so. There is nothing like watching these performers do their thing right now and just for you!

“Rock of Ages” is in many ways a love story. In fact, there are several love stories and gobs of rock and roll. With a book by Chris D’Arienzo and musical arrangements of many pop songs by Ethan Popp -(there are probably 30 songs you will recognize woven into the story of a small town girl, Sherrie (Taylor DiTola is an amazing talent). She arrives in Hollywood seeking her career in movies and meets Drew ( played to perfection by Kieran McCabe) who is a struggling singer as well. He works at the famed Bourbon Room where the biggest names in music began. He falls in love!  Understand, this is the 1980’s so things were far different than today.

The sub-plot to the story is that a German developer, Herz (Michael Ehlers) and his son, Franz ( a fine comic touch by Nick Druzbanski) are attempting to buy the block, including The Bourbon Room and build a new shopping center including an Arby’s ( an in joke at the time this was written). They would be closing a place that has great meaning to the performers who played the room but also the fans who loved the music that came from this club. They are trying to block this from taking place. They are led by the Mayor’s niece Regina (a solid performance by Carisa Gonzalez). Her theme song is “”We’re Not Going To Take It”, which runs throughout.

The owner of the bar is Dennis ( Chicago favorite Karl Hamilton shows his true versatility in this role) and in order to save his place, contacts one of the original stars,  Stacee Jax (Josh Scholl has all the moves) who is a womanizer and takes advantage of Sherrie causing her to flee. Drew thinks she is gone because of him and later finds out about Jax. It is not until the second act that although each has taken a new path, hers being a stripper and his being a rock singer, that the truth comes out. Other notable performances are Shea Coffman as Lonny ( high energy, solid talent), Melody Betts ,Lexie Bailey, Max J. Cervantes, Maeve Cosgriffe, Shantel Cribbs, Andre J. DeLeon, Alley Ellis, Paige Hauer, Michael Ferraro ( who plays Drew on some occasions), Christopher John Kelley, Maggie Malaney, Trey Mendlik, David Sajewich, Charlie Ward, Natalie Welch and Travis Austin Wright. Many of the ensemble members play a variety of roles and do some very quick changes.

The music is conducted by Kara Kesselring ( at the keyboard) along with Janis Wallin, Jim Widlowski, Dan Peters and, Scott Tipping . They rock! Just to give you an idea about the songs: “Renegade”, “I Can’t Fight This Feeling” (Lonny and Dennis are a hoot doing this number), “Any Way You Want It”, “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”, “Waiting For a Girl Like You”, “Don’t Stop Believing” and so many more. Last night’s audience was filled to the brim, and people were of all ages. They sell fake lighter ( they are flashlights and safe) so you can do the concert thing and they sold a lot of them last night.

Director Mak is also the co-choreographer with Annie Jo Fisher and the dance numbers were terrific. The set ( Jeffrey D. Kmiec) is  another shining light to the production. There are trap doors, lifts, and at no time to we have a delay from scene to scene. Sheer perfection! Theresa Ham as always, does great costumes ( this one might have been easy as for the men most of the clothes probably came from my radio co-host’s closet). They were very “in” with the era. The lighting (Greg Hofman) and the sound (Adam Rosenthal) were right on. In fact, I did not need my hearing aids and heard every word said or sung clearly. This is not always easy in a large venue. Jesse Gaffney’s props were great, as always, and the electronic music was handled by Ethan Deppe.

If you have never seen “Rock of Ages”, and you love music of the 80’s, this is one for you to witness. If you have been searching for a reason to go back to live theater- this is the place!. The show runs about 2 1/2 hours plus a 15 minute intermission. The Paramount Theatre has changed their Covid policies. You do not need to show proof of vac or a test, and while in the lobby no masks, but they do ask that during the show you do wear one for the protection of the performers. Last night was about 50/50 on that.

“Rock of Ages” will continue at The Paramount Theatre located at 23 E. Galena in Aurora thru May 29th with performances as follows:

Wednesday 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Thursdays  7 p.m.

Fridays   8 p.m.

Saturdays  3 p.m. and  p.m.

Sundays  1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $36 and can be ordered by calling the box office at 630-896-6666or visit www.paramountaurora.com   Order them before they are gone- this show ROCKS!!!

Parking is available at the theater/valet or on the street ( metered and not) as well as a garage one block south of the theater. Do not park at the casino.

To see what other people are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Rock of Ages”.