Rock of Ages

Postcard Review by Caroline Russell-King

Show – Rock of Ages

Playwright/s/Composer/s – Book by Chris D’Arienzo arrangements and orchestrations by Ethan Popp

Production Company/Theatre space – (community) Front Row Centre Players, Victor Mitchell Theatre, Pumphouse.

Length – 2 ACTS (2 hours, 40 minutes one intermission.)

Genre– Romcom Meta Rock/Metal Jukebox Musical

Premise – A wannabe actress arrives in the big city, falling in love with a wannabe rocker but things get complicated when a big rock star comes to the club (which a developer is trying to shut down) they both work at.

Why this play? Why now? – The musical was last done by Stage West in Calgary in 2017, so it was due for a production. It’s a fun show with an 80’s soundtrack.

Curiosities – Post COVID will we ever see people really kissing on stage again?

Notable Moment – The parkour choreo was impressive.

Notable writing – This a formula that succeeds every time. Girl meets boy, girl loses boy, girl gets boy back again. The familiar lyrics from the 24 songs have been doubled up and repurposed to fit the story and it just works. This show played on Broadway and was nominated for 5 Tonys and 2 Outer Circle Critics’ Awards and has gone on to international productions. The show was adapted for the screen in 2011 in the movie starring Tom Cruise.

Notable performances – There is some dynamite talent in this show. Topping this list is Jared Atkin who rocks as megalomaniac rock star Stacee Jaxx. David Burton is adorable as the narrator/bar worker. Mandee Marcil is rock solid in her performance along with musical comedy veteran Jeramy Walker. Shandra McQueen gives this political-hippy soul. Love interests Braden Hark and Rachel Stade are lovely together.  Professional theatre seldom employs over 30 performers and band members - and this is where community theatre can really shine.

Notable design/Production – Set Designer James Bellamy should take a bow (and teach set design to other community theatres). Rhonda Perry’s costumes are fun and full of nostalgia. Neil West leads a tight and talented band.

Notable direction –Stephen West as director and choreographer is a multiple CAT winner for a reason.

One reason to see this show – As the first song says this is Nothing but a Good Time and should be held over.