**** Recommended **** I absolute love Mercury Theater’s production of Rock of Ages! The boy-meets-girl plot is almost non-existent, but who cares, the music really rocks! Seriously, the score includes 28 hits from artists like Bon Jovi, Journey, Styx, Pat Benatar, Poison, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Europe, REO Speedwagon and more. I hesitate to use the term ‘cult icon’, but this jukebox musical is something special. You’ll be dancing in your seat! 4 Spotlights
Rock of Ages was written by Chris D'Arienzo with arrangements and orchestrations by Ethan Popp. Rock of Ages premiered in 2005 at King King, a club on Hollywood Blvd in L.A. It opened Off-Broadway in 2008, transferring to Broadway in 2009 where it ran until 2015. The Mercury production is directed by Tommy Novak, with Music Direction by Linda Madonia and choreography by Laura Savage.
Lonny (Michael Metcalf) works for Dennis (Steve Watts), who owns the Bourbon Bar on L.A.’s famous Sunset Strip. He sets up the story, introduces the players, and frequently breaches the fourth wall to interact directly with people in the audience. He has some very funny bits, including his serious love affair with the Fog Master 5000. With the aid of a book called Musicals for Dummies, Lonnie decides that the first act needs to end with a big production number which includes jazz hands.
According to Lonny, a successful musical has to have a ‘love interest’ which is Drew (David Moreland), a wanna-be rock star working at the Bourbon and a girl named Sherrie (Kayla Marie Shipman), who is literally just off the bus from Kansas. Although he’s very attracted to Sherrie, Drew can’t seem to tell her that – even with prompting from Lonny!
The Bourbon, and everything else on the Strip will be demolished and a shopping center built, if Hertz (Jeff Diebold) and his son Franz (Aaron Davidson) – who’d rather be running his candy shop – get their way. In an effort to save the Bourbon, Dennis invites rock star, Stacee Jaxx (Donovan Hoffer) and his band – who all hate him – to perform. Unfortunately for Sherrie, Stacee gets her fired after they hook up.
Desperate for a job, Sherrie goes to work as an exotic dancer/stripper in club owned by Justice (Sharriese Hamilton). Meanwhile, a new agent puts Drew into a boy band. Both of them are miserable. Meanwhile, Regina (Veronica Garza), which she says is pronounced as re-gi-na (a rhyme with vagina) is organizing the community to save the strip by chaining themselves to the door of the Bourbon. And that’s just the first act!
The onstage band includes Justin Akira Kono (Conductor/Drums), Kailey Rockwell (Keyboards), Cesar Romero (Guitar #1), Samuel Shacker (Guitar #2), Jonathan J. Golko (Bass). They are fabulous playing hits of the 80’s like We Built This City, Don’t Stop Believin’, Cum on Feel the Noize/We’re Not Gonna Take It, Hit Me with Your Best Shot, Can’t Fight This Feeling and more.
Rock of Ages is recommended for ages 15 & over.
Rock of Ages runs through September 10th at the Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport, Chicago. Parking is a challenge in this neighborhood, so I suggest using one of the parking apps. Running time is approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes, with an intermission. Performances are Wednesdays through Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 3:00 & 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm. Tickets range from $39-$85. FYI www.mercurytheaterchicago.com.