Rock of Ages

 On one of the hottest days of the year what a relief it was to sit in an air-conditioned theatre to watch and listen to this hot rock musical. The story built around classic 80’s rock songs, follows a small-town girl and a city boy, as they pursue their dreams in Hollywood. 

How nice it was to see the five piece band on stage throughout, amongst the neon lights! They certainly delivered a tremendous sound and good backing to the cast, giving this 80’s music true justice. The stage was cleverly thought out with the bar, that was destined for closure by German building developers on one side and on the other side, with the aid of lighting and a tv screen indicated  the mayor’s office or the entrance to the ‘exotic’ club. I liked the way they made use of the whole theatre for entrances and exits. Costumes were good (from what I can remember of the eighties!). Due praise to MD Siobhan Walls and choreographer Caroline Ferguson as the quality of the singing and dancing was superb. Lighting had to be OTT which was good for this type of musical but not good for my eyes! 

Ryan Cottee and Elizabeth Ellis as Drew and Sherri were outstanding, owning the stage with every song. Charlie Grant, as narrator Lonny Barnett, was brilliant with his sharp delivery and comic timing partnered by the equally talented Glenn Ellis as Dennis Dupree.  Ben Smyth played the rocking sex god, Stacee Jaxx. The audience lapped up his hilarious performance. With such a large cast it is impossible to mention everyone but  each made their character their own. A scene stealer though was Adam James as the wonderfully ‘out there’ Franz.

Despite its predictable plot, the music and the cast's enthusiasm and energy, combined with the superb direction by Director Jimmy Marabello-Weighell together with his production team, made K.P’s Rock of Ages truly memorable.

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