Rock Of Ages

I was recently treated to Dryburn Theatrical Workshop’s "Rock of Ages.” A vibrant and electrifying production, set in the iconic era of the 1980s, brings together love, rock music, and the struggle to save a beloved music venue.

This was the first time I had seen "Rock of Ages," and I was genuinely surprised by how well the music and story complemented each other. As a devoted fan of bands like Foreigner, Whitesnake, and Def Leppard, I was thrilled to hear their iconic hits performed live by these mega talented performers. The quality of the music was brilliant. The authenticity of The Bourbon Room and the raw rock theme of the show was enhanced by a live five-piece band who remained on stage throughout the entire performance. The sound levels were perfect, which is always hard to get right with a live band and the seamless integration of these rock anthems into the narrative added depth and emotion to the storyline, leaving me thoroughly impressed by this Juke Box musical.

The stage design and lighting further added to the impressive authenticity of this production. The use of metal trusses and Neon lighting was strategically used to elevate the production and enhanced the 'rock' theme, creating the vibrant dynamic atmosphere you would imagine of the Sunset Strip in the 1980’s. The set design was both minimalist and highly effective, artfully minimizing blackouts and the excessive use of stagehands. Whilst there were some blackouts and scene transitions with stagehands that could have been smoother, this minor detail did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the show. It was the only aspect of note I feel could be considered in future. Perhaps dressing the stagehands or having actors perform the transitions as part of the scenes would enhance the seamlessness of the experience.

Now to talk about the players – WOW. The characters in this production provide the actors with rich material to showcase their talents and offer the audience a diverse and engaging cast. Whilst the show does contain numerous American isms that might have confused the audience, the energy, humour, and exceptional talent of the cast ensured that these details remained inconsequential and did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the production. With a wide range of emotions and moral dilemmas, this show is a rollercoaster of a watch, and I am delighted to have witnessed such a talented company bring it to life for me. The energy levels these performers brought were incredible. It obviously helps that they were involved in a show with amazing musical numbers, but I genuinely wanted to be up on that stage with them! As an ensemble, their energy was infectious and their synergy enviable.

The ensemble cast of DTW’s "Rock of Ages" brought an extraordinary level of energy and enthusiasm to the stage, creating a vibrant and immersive show. Their synergy and passion for the rock 'n' roll era were evident in every scene, making the production a memorable celebration of music, love, and the spirit of the 1980s. An honourable mention from me to Charlotte Humes for her “talents” – a scene greatly enhanced by this very funny lady!

In the 1980s, women's reactions to rock stars were a mix of intense adoration and experiences of exploitation. The dancers and choreography captured this dynamic brilliantly, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the show. Their movements perfectly complemented the rock anthems, amplifying the overall energy and excitement of the performance.

The principal cast included Chris Coates as Franz Klingemann. Chris portrayed this character with a humorous flair, reminiscent of a grown-up Augustus Gloop, which I found hilarious. His scenes infused the show with great humour, bringing a delightful lightness to the overall production. Franz’ Father Hertz was played by Phil Martin who played the money hungry typhoon character with precision and fit well into the overall production.

Emma Coulson looked remarkable and commanded the stage as Justice Charlier. She elevated every musical number she was part of, adding depth and authenticity to her character and her powerful voice and radiant stage presence were undeniable. Abbey Rutherford played activist Regina Koontz who rally’s the community to preserve Sunset Strip's rock legacy. Abbey did a wonderful job at convincingly portraying this character’s determination, moral conviction, and unwavering commitment to her cause.

Joe Coulson masterfully embodied Dennis Dupree, the charismatic owner of the legendary Bourbon Room. As a fierce devotee of rock 'n' roll, Dennis brings the vibrant spirit and heart of the era to the stage. Joe's portrayal was a captivating blend of passion, eccentricity, and unwavering loyalty to rock culture, all of which he executed with commendable authenticity. Joe’s adeptness at comedy ensured that Dennis was not only endearing but also delightfully amusing. One of the highlights was his rendition of REO Speedwagon's timeless classic, "Can’t Fight This Feeling," which he performed with such heartfelt enthusiasm, the audience could not help but be swept away by this hilarious number.

One of my favourite characters Stacee Jaxx was played by the incredibly talented and versatile Brian Jordan. As the quintessential rock god, this character is the embodiment of the rock and roll spirit that defines the show. Brian's stage presence was commanding, and his vocals brought the character to life in a way that was both powerful and captivating. The infamous toilet scene, where Stacee Jaxx finds himself in a hilariously compromising situation, was executed with impeccable comedic timing and had the audience in stitches. Brian's ability to balance the larger-than-life persona of a rock legend with moments of genuine humour made his portrayal a brilliant one.

Erin Stabler gave a captivating performance as Sherrie Christian, the quintessential 'small town girl.' Erin's portrayal navigated the character's journey through love, heartbreak, and the harsh realities of the entertainment world with remarkable depth. Her ability to embody Sherrie's sweetness, naivety, optimism, passion, and determination was truly impressive, and her incredible vocal prowess brought the character to life. Erin delivered outstanding performances of iconic songs like Whitesnake’s “I Wanna Know What Love Is” and Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me,” showcasing incredible vocal range and emotional depth. She skilfully depicted Sherrie's romantic entanglements and her chemistry with her co-stars, her powerful stage presence, and her stunning appearance on stage made her portrayal of Sherrie unforgettable.

Erin’s off-stage and newly wedded husband Phil Stabler (congratulations guys!) played Lonny Barnett. This character is the bridge between the audience and the stage; by breaking the fourth wall and engaging directly with the audience, he becomes the audience’s best friend and someone we delight in seeing and interacting with. Phil played this character to perfection. His comedic timing and ability to play off the audience's reactions created an interactive and immersive experience. Attention to detail enhanced his character such as his voice, his funny t-shirts, and unwavering confidence made him the audience's favourite character and one of the standout performances of this production. His ability to connect with the audience and maintain high energy throughout the show was remarkable. I am genuinely intrigued by his skills and look forward to seeing him in future roles, where I am confident, he will continue to shine.

Finally, Luke McGarey played the Drew Boley, and wow, this man can sing! His fierce range, powerful vocals, and engaging stage presence captivated the audience from start to finish. Luke's interpretation of Drew's journey from a bartender with dreams to a rock star was both compelling and inspiring. Navigating the stage with ease, Luke breezed through this performance as if he’d stepped off a west end stage. His chemistry with Erin Stabler was genuinely convincing and their duets highlighted an incredible harmony and emotional connection. In “Waiting for a Girl Like You” and “High Enough,” his singing not only demonstrated his technical prowess but also conveyed the depth of his character's emotions. I was also delighted to read this talented singer, and actor is a triple threat as DTW’s Musical Director for their last three musical productions! Incredibly impressive Luke! Overall, Luke's was a standout, leaving a lasting impression and cementing his place as a true star of the show.

In conclusion, this production was a magnificent celebration of rock 'n' roll, brought to life by a cast of exceptionally talented performers who delivered unforgettable performances. Their dedication, passion, and undeniable chemistry on stage created a magical experience that left the audience exhilarated. Executed with excellence, this production not only entertained but also paid homage to the era of rock 'n' roll in a way that was both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary. Congratulations Dryburn Theatrical Workshop and I look forward to “We Will Rock You” later this year!

 

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