
What’s better than a love story? Answer - A love story that takes place on the Los Angeles strip in the mid to late 1980’s during the height of hair band pandemonium. But what makes it even better is that Rock of Ages is a hilarious ode to such an important (though often mocked) musical era, filled with some of the most memorable rock songs of that era performed with plenty of spandex and Aquanet.
The story begins with a stereotypical approach. Drew,“born and raised in south Detroit”, has moved to L.A. in the hopes of fulfilling his dream as a rock star. Sherrie has moved to the City of Angels to become an actor. In the meantime, both are working at the infamous Bourbon Room while waiting for the opportunity to hit it big. At the same time, big time band Arsenal is losing their lead singer, Stacee Jaxx, for a solo career and the Bourbon Room is hosting their final show. If that’s not enough, plans are in the making to tear down the L.A. strip to have it replaced with shopping malls. While all stories unfold – and intertwine – the audience is hit with one rocking song after another from bands Warrant, Styx, Twisted Sister, Night Ranger, Journey, Poison, Damn Yankees, Survivor and many more.
Rock of Ages is filled with one big production number after another. Sherrie, who is dynamically played by Shannon Mullen, and Drew, terrifically played by Dominique Scott, team up together for power ballads “Can You Take Me Higher” and “The Search is Over” with the passion intended by the songs’ writers. With 28 songs to work with, we are given a host of creative renditions sung by a variety of interesting characters including Bourbon Club owner Dennis Dupree (Brian Ashton Miller) and “Franz” (Tanner Hussar) the oppressed son of the real estate developer that threatens the strip’s existence.
As much passion is inserted into each song is also a humorous element. And as blown away as the crowd is by Dominique’s vast vocal range and array of powerful notes, we are also taken with the stellar performance of Andrew Sklar who plays “Lonny” the soundman for the Bourbon Room but more importantly – the show’s narrator.
Whether you are a product of the 1980’s hair band scene or not, this is a show that everyone will enjoy.
“Rock of Ages”, currently playing at the Bank of America Theatre (18 W. Monroe), is loaded with funny characters and contains big, sexy dance numbers. Guitarist Paul Wiley (who shreds) leads the live band (also doubling as Arsenal) as they play all music from the rear of the stage, giving the show a real feel of a rock concert.
Whether looking to reminisce about your glam rock days gone past or if you are looking to simply rock out to a super fun show, “Rock of Ages” truly“ain’t nothing but a good time”.
Campy, fun, sexy and totally rocking, “Rock of Ages” is playing at Bank of America Theatre through March 16th. For more information visitwww.broadwayinchicago.com.
Chicago is bursting with theatrical imagination this weekend, and three standout productions are redefining what live performance can be. At…
Cast and production team have been announced for Citadel Theatre's 2025-26 season closing production of RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL. It's a…
This April, the Chicago-based contemporary ballet company PARA.MAR Dance Theatre, debuts the world premiere of the company's first ever ballet, "MUJERES" choreographed by company…
Comedy Dance Chicago is bringing their family-friendly show to The Second City! (Fun fact: this group was born out of…
From the Tony Award-winning author of The Band's Visit comes a provocative new play about identity, loyalty, and the complexities of unity.A…
Drury Lane Theatre cordially invites you to the wedding of the season as it opens its 2026/2027 season with Father of the…
Open Space Arts has announced casting for its Chicago premiere of A THIRD WAY, a sharply funny, deeply compassionate new play…
MadKap Productions is pleased to present the Tennessee Williams' classic play A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE for 13 live performances at the Skokie Theatre, 7924…
The Joffrey Ballet has completed a major refresh of its Chicago-based home, The Joffrey Tower (10 E. Randolph Street), featuring interiors…
Created in 1904, Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly has become one of the world’s greatest and most popular operas. New York’s…
The magic of Irish dance will electrify Paramount Theatre’s iconic stage in downtown Aurora when Riverdance 30 - The Next Generation arrives…
White Rooster arrives at Lookingglass Theatre with the kind of wild, genre‑bending confidence that reminds you why this ensemble has…
King Odysseus returns home to Ithaca after twenty years’ absence: ten years’ fighting the Trojan War (it takes time to…
Get ready - those phones are about to explode, and Sam is already spinning like a top trying to catch…
It was the flippant statement heard round the humanities. An errant comment, a sweeping generalization, and another dismissive remark towards…
The Grelley Duvall Show returns with the world premiere of Grelley Duvall Best Actress, written and conceived by Alex Grelle with Jesse Morgan Young, directed by Kasey…
Larkspur Productions is pleased to announce the world premiere of The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana. Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass, The Posthumous Trial of Giulia Tofana will…
With stage adaptation of Mitch Albom's powerful New York Times Bestseller, Overshadowed Theatrical Productions will present Tuesdays with Morrie, a stage…
Chicago's Fine Arts Building is excited to bring the legendary comedians and improvisers of Bluebird Improv to the historic Studebaker Theater (410 S. Michigan Avenue) for…
Chicago theatre is firing on all cylinders right now, and this weekend lines up three productions that each showcase a…
Identity Performing Arts presents “Effervescent” with two original dance premieres: “Enthralled" created by Artistic Director, Ginny Ching Yin Lo, and…
Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation’s premier ensemble theater company, and Teatro Vista Productions are pleased to announce the world premiere…
Idle Muse Theatre Company launches its 20th anniversary season with The Three Musketeers, March 26 - April 25, written by…
Physical Theater Festival Chicago is proud to announce the full lineup for its 13th anniversary celebration, June 1 - 7. The Festival…
Wackadoo! Following a highly successful global tour, Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are bringing Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show back to…
Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, proudly announces its inaugural…
The year is 1952. Television is rapidly gaining popularity over radio, to the delight of some and the disgust of…
In “Two Sisters and a Piano” written by Nilo Cruz and directed by Lisa Portes, we soon learn these two…
Nearly 30 years after its box-office-record-setting 1997 Chicago premiere production, August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom returns to The Goodman, helmed by Chicago…
Open Space Arts has announced casting for its Chicago premiere of A THIRD WAY, a sharply funny, deeply compassionate new play…
32C This Weekend: Ballet, Opera, and Mythic Theatre Light Up Chicago
PARA.MAR Dance Theatre Debuts First-Ever Full-Length Ballet "MUJERES" April 17-18
Citadel Theatre announces RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL, April 15 – May 17
LIVE AT THE SECOND CITY! COMEDY DANCE CHICAGO joyful show HAPPY DANCE!
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.