“Rock of Ages”

Somewhat Recommended ** There are shows that are geared for a particular age group, and I do believe that “Rock of Ages” is one of these shows. The show, “Rock of Ages” is on its tenth anniversary tour, and is in Chicago for just one week. With a book by Chris D’Arienzo and filled with music by Poison, Styx, Twisted Sister and Whitesnake and others of this period, “Rock of Ages” is a story involving love Yes, as in many musicals, a small town girl. Sherrie ( adorably played by Katie LaMark, who has a powerful voice) heads out to Hollywood to find stardom. Of course she meets a boy, Drew ( deftly handled by Anthony Nuccio) who is also hoping t hit it big, and they  become “friends”.

The action takes place on Sunset Strip, in the late 80’s when developers are attempting to take down the crumbling buildings to develop new and impressive plazas. This story involves this as well. The bar where the action takes place is a target of the developers. To try to save the bar, our narrator, Lonny ( an incredible performance by John Michael-Breen) will bring in a superstar Stacee Jaxx ( a wild performance by Sam Harvey) will perform. The bar owner, Dennis ( Ryan M. Hunt) is hopeful this will work and the protesters, led by Regina ( a solid performance by Kristina Walz) try to save the bar and the strip from the developer and his son Franz ( adorably played by Chris Renolds).

The play , if one can call it that ( I prefer musical concert with a story) is two-and-a-half hours ( with a 15 minute intermission) is high -spirited with a highly energetic cast as they go up the stairs and down the stairs, singing and dancing their hearts out. The younger set in the audience screamed their heads off on certain numbers, so I guess they have a cult-type folloing for this “musical piece”. f this is your cup of tea, you will have a ball. Either way, you will feel exhilarated by the onstage energy displayed as well as the great voices.

“Rock of Ages” will only be here thru April 28th with performances:

Wednesday  7:30 p.m.

Thursdays  7:30 p.m

Friday  7:30 p.m.

Saturday  2 and 8 p.m.

Sunday  2 and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $20- $85 and are available at any Broadway In Chicago theater box office.

The Nederlander is located at 24 West Randolph Street. You can also go to www.BroadwayInChicago.com

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