Mercury Theater Artistic Director Christopher Chase Carter, Managing Director Kristi J. Martens and Executive Producers L. Walter Stearns and Eugene Dizon announce Rock of Ages, the blockbuster classic rock musical. The show is written by Chris D’Arienzo. This production is directed and choreographed by Brenda Didier, with music direction by Linda Madonia. Rock of Ages runs July 14 – September 10, 2023 at Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue. The press opening is scheduled for Friday, July 21 at 7:30pm.
Tickets for Big River, priced $39-$75, are on sale now at the box office, 3745 N. Southport Avenue in Chicago, www.mercurytheaterchicago.com.
The cast of Rock of Ages includes “America’s Got Talent” standout Donovan Hoffer (Stacee Jaxx), Kayla Shipman (Sherrie), David Moreland (Drew), Michael Metcalf (Lonny), Steve Watts (Dennis), Veronica Garza (Regina/Ensemble), Aaron Davidson (Franz/Ensemble), Cynthia Carter (Justice/Ensemble), Jason Richards (Mayor/Ensemble, u/s Hertz and Dennis), Jeff Diebold (Hertz, u/s Jaxx), Clayton Cross (Ensemble/Dance Captain), Tafadzwa Diener (Ensemble, u/s Justice and Regina), Julia Fleckenstein (Ensemble), Darryl D. Jones (Ja’Keith/Ensemble, u/s Mayor), Rachel Thomas (Ensemble, u/s Sherrie), and Shaun Dennison White (Ensemble, u/s Lonny and Franz).
The creative team for Rock of Ages includes Brenda Didier (director and choreographer), Linda Madonia (music director), Tommy Novak (assistant director), Johnnie Schleyer (production manager), Bob Knuth (scenic designer), G. “Max” Maxin (lighting and video designer), Robert Kuhn (costume designer), Kathy Logelin (dialect coach), Keith Ryan (wig designer), Stefanie M. Senior (sound designer), Daniela Monica Villanueva (sound engineer), Mark Brown (lighting supervisor), Kurt Sniekus (video assistant), Alison Dornheggen (fight/intimacy director), Keely Vasquez (casting associate). The production stage manager is Daniel J. Hanson and the assistant stage manager is Rachel Campbell.
Rock of Ages takes you back to the time of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair! This Tony Award nominated Broadway musical features the hits of bands including Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and more.
“We welcome audiences this summer with the fun and energetic five-time Tony nominated musical filled with classic rock, 1980’s ballads, brash guitar and a whole lot of heart. With Brenda directing and choreographing, Linda music directing, and with this incredibly talented cast, this musical will be one for the ages!,” comments Artistic Director Christopher Chase Carter.
Fact Sheet / Rock of Ages
Title: Rock of Ages
Written by: Chris D'Arienzo
Directed and Choreographed by: Brenda Didier
Music Direction by: Linda Madonia
Featuring: Donovan Hoffer (Stacee Jaxx), Kayla Shipman (Sherrie), David Moreland (Drew), Michael Metcalf (Lonny), Steve Watts (Dennis), Veronica Garza (Regina/Ensemble), Aaron Davidson (Franz/Ensemble), Cynthia Carter (Justice/Ensemble), Jason Richards (Mayor/Ensemble, u/s Hertz and Dennis), Jeff Diebold (Hertz, u/s Jaxx), Clayton Cross (Ensemble/Dance Captain), Tafadzwa Diener (Ensemble, u/s Justice and Regina), Julia Fleckenstein (Ensemble), Darryl D. Jones (Ja’Keith/Ensemble, u/s Mayor), Rachel Thomas (Ensemble, u/s Sherrie), and Shaun Dennison White (Ensemble, u/s Lonny and Franz).
Creative team: Brenda Didier (Director and Choreographer), Linda Madonia (Music Director), Tommy Novak (Assistant Director), Johnnie Schleyer (Production Manager), Bob Knuth (Scenic Designer), G. “Max” Maxin (Lighting and Video Designer), Robert Kuhn (Costume Designer), Kathy Logelin (Dialect Coach), Keith Ryan (Wig Designer), Stefanie M. Senior (Sound Designer), Daniela Monica Villanueva (Sound Engineer), Mark Brown (Lighting Supervisor), Kurt Sniekus (Video Assistant), Alison Dornheggen (fight/intimacy director), Keely Vasquez (casting associate). The production stage manager is Daniel J. Hanson and the assistant stage manager is Rachel Campbell.
Dates: July 14–September 10, 2023
Previews: July 14-July 20, 2023
Regular Run: July 21-September 10, 2023
Press Opening: July 21, 2023
Schedule:
- Wednesdays: 7:30 p.m.
- Thursdays: 7:30 p.m.
- Fridays: 7:30 p.m.
- Saturdays: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sundays: 3 p.m.
Location: Mercury Theater Chicago; 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago
Tickets: $39 – $85
Box Office: 3745 N. Southport Avenue in Chicago; www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com
COVID PROTOCOL: Mercury Theater Chicago follows the CDC and State of Illinois recommendations about maintaining a COVID safe environment. Any interaction with the public poses an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19. By visiting Mercury Theater Chicago, it is understood that everyone voluntarily assumes all risks related to exposure.
All patrons are strongly encouraged to wear masks while not actively eating or drinking regardless of vaccination status.
About Mercury Theater Chicago
The beautifully renovated Mercury Theater Chicago is in the heart of the Southport Corridor at 3745 North Southport Avenue, within a sophisticated neighborhood of restaurants and boutiques just steps from Wrigley Field. A delightful destination, Mercury Theater Chicago is a live-theater seating 280 people, adjoining Venus Cabaret Theater (seating 80).
The building that houses the Mercury opened in 1912 as a silent film nickelodeon, named The Blaine Theatre after actor and former Senator and Secretary of State James G. Blaine. The Blaine became obsolete when talking pictures became popular nationwide in 1928. The building served a variety of uses until 1994, when it was purchased by theater producer Michael Cullen and transformed into a live theatre, named the Mercury Theatre.
In 2010 the building was sold again and reopened as Mercury Theater Chicago under the direction of Walter Stearns, a veteran theater director and producer. Mercury Theater Chicago's second performance space, Venus Cabaret Theater, offers a unique intimate theatrical experience complemented by specialty cocktails. Mercury Theater Chicago is thrilled to be part of the city's vibrant theatre community, boasting record-setting long runs, employing hundreds of artists and recognized with dozens of award nominations. Mercury Theater Chicago's team includes Christopher Chase Carter (Artistic Director), L. Walter Stearns and Eugene Dizon (Executive Producers) and Kristi J. Martens (Managing Director). www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com.