Rock Of Ages Teen Edition

The venue was buzzing as we entered, having been welcomed by Leanne and Deborah who spotted us outside where we were trying to stay cool for as long as possible. We needn’t have worried on this score as the theatre’s air conditioning was doing a great job on this warm summer evening. We were taken to our seats and offered refreshments.

The atmosphere was filled with anticipation, generated, in no small part, by the open stage and auditorium being awash with ‘searchlight effect’ lighting. Through the lighting a colourful backdrop advertising the club and artistes was visible. Steps leading to a platform upstage right and a small bar stage left were really all that was needed to complete the scenery. The large, enthusiastic cast meant that the stage never appeared empty. This was a one performance only production and it was obvious that a lot of blood, sweat and maybe a few tears had gone into getting it stage ready. The production team had really brought the best out of their young cast, all of whom were having a great time on stage.

This was not a show for the faint hearted, as the backing tracks were ramped up with the young cast often having to belt, a technique that must be taught correctly to protect maturing vocal cords, a fact which I’m sure their voice coach is fully aware of. The generic American accents were good, albeit with lines being rushed at times. The show however was all about the music with the songs coming thick and fast.

The storyline revolves around the closing down of music venues and clubs on Sunset Strip to make way for developers. These were represented by German mother and son Hilda and Franz, who were well played by Sophie and Ava, displaying good German accents.

Millie played Sherrie, the small town girl who leaves home for the bright lights, with great conviction and what a voice she has! Well done to her. Drew, cleaning toilets while waiting to get his break, was well played by Cameron. This young man appeared more at home when singing rather than acting, although he did seem to relax into the role more as the show progressed. These two young actors made a good pairing as two characters drawn to each other in their search for stardom.

There was certainly a lot of talent in this production with good performances from Summer as Lonny, Marley as Dennis, Ruby W as Anita and Hayden as Stacee, to mention just a few. To everyone not mentioned by name, you should all be very proud of your performances. As well as the solos there were some amazing chorus numbers with excellent harmonies. Dance numbers overall were well carried out but the show is, first and foremost, about the music and how the audience loved it. The backing tracks provided excellent accompaniment.

The in house scenery worked really well proving you don’t have to spend a fortune to get good effects. Costumes had been well sourced and as far as I can remember, of the period!

Well done to all involved in this terrific production.

 

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