-Contribution from Lizzie Deadrick
As I sat in seat L104 admiring the gorgeous interior of the Aronoff, I held my Playbill and anticipated a musical just like any other I’d seen downtown at Proctor and Gamble Hall. But the moment the lights went down and I heard the first few chords of a Poison song, it was clear that this was nothing like anything I’d ever witnessed at the Aronoff. A fog machine cranked out heaps of smoke and a crazy light show began. Within seconds, the music was blaring and a slew of rockers in sparkling denim and hideous hairdos stormed the stage, belting out that they “ain’t lookin’ for nothin’ but a good time.”
The overwhelmingly awesome opening sequence of Chris D’Arienzo’s musical Rock of Ages basically sums up the whole experience of this ridiculously fun and energetic jukebox musical. The show is filled with classic 80’s hits from bands like Journey, Twisted Sister and Bon Jovi that somehow transform a fancy theatre into a rocking concert, complete with lighter-waving and fist-pumping.
Set in the mid-1980’s on the Sunset Strip, the plot of Rock of Ages follows a young rocker hopeful named Drew and a naïve actress named Sherrie living their lives in the midst of the “sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll” scene that swept Hollywood at the time. The two meet and have immediate chemistry, but a series of comical events and characters that come along complicate their relationship. Lonny, a friend and coworker of Drew’s, narrates the show, bantering with the audience and interjecting fantastically funny quips about the events that ensue.
Former American Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis anchors the show with his adorable portrayal of awkward yet ambitious Drew. His acting is spot-on throughout the entire show, lending cute glances and comments at just the right moments. His voice, too, is incredibly impressive; he was certainly born to sing 80’s rock. When he breaks into a show stopping rendition of Twisted Sister’s “I Wanna Rock,” he proves that he is no washed up Idol has-been. He’s a serious force to be reckoned with.
Rebecca Faulkenberry plays Sherrie and more than holds her own opposite the talented Maroulis. A petite blond, she initially appears as if she may be too meek to fit in with the hardcore rockers; however, she quickly proves that she belongs onstage alongside the boys. She brings an authenticity and likability to Sherrie, as well as a powerhouse voice. Her version of “More Than Words” beautifully shows off her strong singing ability.
Backing up the two leads is a wonderfully colorful cast of supporting characters. Lonny’s narration consistently provides comedic relief and endless entertainment. Others, too, kept the audience laughing; egotistical rock star Stacee Jaxx, hippie club owner Dennis Dupree and German father/son pair Hertz and Franz Klinemann all stood out as strong assets to the show.
Amazingly, this remarkable cast seems to have absolutely limitless energy throughout every minute of the two and a half hour show. Song after song, they keep the audience singing along and dancing in their seats. Their enthusiasm, along with the creative lighting and clever set, captivates the crowd. Even for those who, like me, know very little about glam rock and hair bands, the show is still hilarious fun.
Between the former Idol contestant, the stereotypical 80’s rock and the ridiculously awful hair, it would be incredibly easy for Rock of Ages to be an absolutely tacky mess. And in truth, the show does cross over into cheesy territory at times. Fortunately, like those bands of the 80s, Rock of Ages recognizes its tacky factor and rocks it. It’s true to the credo that the cast shouts out at the very beginning; Rock of Ages is “nothin’ but a good time.”
Rock of Ages will be at the Aronoff Center through Sunday, November 7th.
See http://www.cincinnatiarts.org/tickets_events for ticketing information.
