Rock of Ages - Sharon Playhouse

The jukebox musical, Rock of Ages, is goofy and silly.  The trick for the actors and director associated with the show is to avoid executing the material with nonchalance and indifference, hoping the 1980’s classic rock songs from such bands as Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister, Poison and Europe will be enough to entertain audiences.  The production at the Sharon Playhouse, playing through July 7, is ditzy and mischievous but, under the enthusiastic and brash direction of Hunter Foster, the show is an effective, energetic, sometimes raunchy, musical celebrating the essence of rock ‘n roll.

 

The Company of Rock of Ages.

The libretto by Chis D’Arienzo is fast-paced, funny, and contains numerous storylines, bathed in endless sexual innuendos.  They include a boy-meets-girls romance, a German father and son team looking to remake the Hollywood Sunset Strip, do-or-die protesters, and an aged rocker looking for glory.  The action is centered around the Bourbon Room, The Strip’s most famous bar.  The book’s various threads are sporadically punctuated by the narration of Lonny, an irreverent, cocky employee of the bar.  The result is an affecting, highly effervescent piece of entertainment.

 

The on-stage band, led by Music Director Eric Thomas Johnson is tight and flawlessly delivers the over two dozen classic rockers in the show.  They include "Sister Christian" by Night Ranger, "We Built This City” by Starship, “Too Much Time on My Hands" from Styx, "Cum On Feel the Noize” by Quiet Riot, "Here I Go Again" from Whitesnake, "Any Way You Want It” and "Don't Stop Believin'" from Journey , and "Can't Fight This Feeling" and “Keep on Loving You” from REO Speedwagon.   The songs are clear and crisp, thanks to Graham Stone’s Sound Design.

The Company of Rock of Ages.

Director Hunter Foster brings an assured and steady hand to the production, keeping the musical from devolving into pure camp.  He doesn’t, however, let up on the naughtiness and impishness of the show, which he has infused with inventive schtick and creative flourishes.  Choreographer Shannon Lewis provides a generous dollop of spirited dance numbers that ratchets up the dynamism of the show. 

 

The cast takes their roles to heart.  By playing it mostly straight, they succeed in amping up the outrageousness of the show as well as the laughs.   Jordan Bollwerk imbues the role of Drew, the bar boy hoping for fame as a rock ‘n roller, with a youthful guile and genuine earnestness.  Giuliana Augello, the Midwestern looking for Hollywood stardom, gives the role of Sherrie a naïve charm.  Jordan Friend, is fiendishly subversive as Lonny.  Danny Drewes makes the most of his time on stage as the outlandish, clownish rocker, Stacee Jaxx. La Donna Burns, last year’s award recipient from the Connecticut Critics Circle for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, provides another superb featured performance in multiple roles.  Coulby Jenkins just about steals the show with his portrayal of Franz, the German son trying to do what’s best for himself and his father.

 

Danny Drewes as “Stacee Jaxx” and Giuliana Augello as “Sherrie” and the Company in Rock of Ages.

TJ Greenway’s Scenic Design effectively combines all the elements and scene changes of the musical into one unified set.  Kathleen Deangelis’ Costume Design and Kurt Alger’s Wig Designs perfectly conjure up the 1980’s rock scene. 

 

Rock of Ages, a fun time at the theater, playing at the Sharon Playhouse through July 7.  Click here for information on dates, times, and ticket information.