The Broadway smash hit “Rock Of Ages” has returned to Miami with an electrifying performance that will dazzle and set the music of the 1980’s on fire. The dismal film version starring Tom Cruise was a certifiable flop by Hollywood standards only grossing $38 million at the box office. The Broadway version by comparison is night and day. This is the “Rock Of Ages,” you should see. The show is a five time Tony Award-nominated show that boasts big hair, big dreams, and the biggest rock hits from the era. As I walked into the theater rock songs where blasting through the sound system which set the atmosphere perfectly. I know I’m going to be singing these tunes to myself on my drive back home. The audience did include a few rock throwbacks complete with big hair and sequins. It was great fun and added an extra spark to the evening. There’s nothing quite like men sporting spiky blonde hair, eyeliner, and a bandana.
Set in 1987 on the famed Sunset Strip the story (book by Chris D’Arienzo) is not a new one. Two kids dreaming of stardom find their way to each other and fall in love. It is a typical boy-meets-girl story complete with misunderstandings and longing. Our hero, Drew (Dominique Scott), works at the legendary Bourbon Room as a bar back and is an aspiring rock singer. Sherrie (Shannon Mullen) is a small town girl who leaves Kansas to come to Hollywood for that ever elusive dream of being an actress. Both Dominique and Shannon are true powerhouses when it comes to their vocals and makes their performances look easy and fun. Stacee Jaxx (Universo Pereira) is the real ‘rock star’ of the show as the over-the-top, strutting, glorified, egomaniac, machismo rock star that our two heroes encounter. His version of Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead Or Alive,” is worth seeing the show in itself. Pereira plays his part perfectly (perhaps Tom Cruise should have been his understudy for the role). He has the right level of raunchy vs. sweetness and is definitely a favorite of the ladies. His outlandish encounter with Sherrie in a men’s room stall is about as rock as it gets. It is done with a great sense of humor and tongue in cheek attitude that makes the perverse laughable. Their joyful singing of Foreigner’s “I Want To Know What Love Is,” has definitely changed my perception of the song for life.
In the way The Rocky Horror Picture Show had a narrator so does “Rock.” Justin Colombo (Lonny) cracks dirty jokes, makes snide remarks, sticks out his tongue (aka Gene Simmons of KISS) at the audience and races across the stage in his tighty whities. He reminded me a bit of Jack Black in regards to his appearance and demeanor. His intermittent story telling narrative is quite funny and helps moves things along. Other supporting characters are Franz, the son of a real estate investor (Stephen Michael Kane). He is effeminate and dutiful in his appearance and at one point in the show rips off his tailored suit to expose a blue and pink sequined one piece spandex workout costume complete with leggings. I almost fell out of my chair. The audience ate it up with hysterical laughter and a standing ovation. His father Hertz is an upper crust German businessman (Phillip Peterson) whom is definitely not a rock fan. He is reminiscent of John Lithgow in ‘Footloose.’ (if you recall his distaste in that flick was for dancing). Kane’s angle is to tear down the club to build a strip mall; just what we don’t need. Don’t we have enough places to shop? Bourbon Room owner Dennis DuPree (Matt Ban) is what a 70’s/80’s rocker is all about. Long black hair, handlebar mustache, and fringe vest. His deep vocals and complete rock attitude gives a great depth to his performance. It is his idea to get Jaxx and his band Arsenal to play their last performance at the club before he leaves the band to pursue a solo career. Jaxx owes him a favor; something about a physical act and a llama.
Justice/Mother (Amma Osei) owns a couple of stand out performances. As the owner of The Venus Club (a ladies strip establishment) she is funny, poinyent, and possesses one of the best voices I’ve heard in a long time. She emanates a vocal styling that combines the best elements of Gospel and R&B.; Her version of “Harden My Heart,” was nothing short of amazing and inspiring. Her strong presence and voice is a joyful noise in the show. When she’s on she commands the respect of the spotlight. Her stripper dancers in their garter belts and sexy lingerie proved they are not just part of the scenery. They certainly made the most of the stripper poles at both ends of the stage and displayed their acting and singing talents; among a couple of other things I can’t mention.
Kristin Hangii’s direction is exciting and fun and makes the show come alive on all levels. “Rock Of Ages,” is a great show to see especially if you have rock music flowing through your veins. It is not for all ages however so leave the little ones at home. If I had to give it a rating it would definitely be PG13 or R due to language and sexual innuendo. The show is glitzy, schmaltzy, campy, over-the-top non stop fun that doesn’t take itself seriously. It represents the best elements of “Spinal Tap,” turns the volume to 11 and sets the audience on its ear. The 28 classic rock songs really make this show work and jive. After all, the 1980’s were about power ballads, hair bands, posers, and all that rocked rolled. Hits by Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, Journey, Styx, Whitesnake, and pretty much any other band you can think of from that era is represented. The finale “Don’t Stop Believin,” is the perfect ending to the show. The entire cast takes the stage and rallies the audience into a standing ovation arms flaying wildly in the air; hands proudly presenting the legendary rock sign. “Rock Of Ages,” is proof positive that rock’n’roll dreams come true. It made a believer out me.
http://www.arshtcenter.org/RockofAges/?gclid=CKiBz8TU9bICFUid4AodiUMA9Q
