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.
Something extraordinary happens on a street in Huntsville, Alabama. Mr. Woods (Keith Randolph Smith), a hard-working Black man in the…
The Den Theatre today announced upcoming June 2025 shows at the theatre's Wicker Park stages at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., including "Anatomy…
I reviewed TITUS ANDRONICUS in mid-February, so I was eager to see the sequel! In TITUS, Shakespeare tells the story…
BrightSide Theatre, Naperville’s professional theatre company, has announced the cast for the final show of its 13th season – the…
Eight Chicago artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines have spent the last eight months in residence at the Chicago Puppet…
“Spring Awakenings,” now playing at Chicago’s Greenhouse Theater Center, is not the Tony-winning 2006 Broadway musical “Spring Awakening,” but an…
Rosemont's Parkway Bank Park entertainment district (5501 Park Place, Rosemont) will turn up the volume this summer with the return of its…
Lisa Sanaye Dring’s play “Kairos,” which just opened at The Edge Off Broadway theater, is one of the most thought-provoking…
It was a night of celebration, reflection, and breathtaking talent at the Civic Opera House. Fifty years of song echoed…
Court Theatre’s world premiere of Berlin, adapted by Mickle Maher from Jason Lutes’ monumental graphic novel, is a breathtaking achievement.…
Chicago's Rivendell Theatre Ensemble continues to celebrate its 30th Anniversary season with the World Premiere co-production of Keiko Green's GORGEOUS, directed by Kirsten Fitzgerald. The co-production…
Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that its free SUMMER CONCERT will return to Millennium Park on August 11,…
The Joffrey Ballet concludes its 69th season with two-time Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's enchanting and family-friendly Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Set to…
“Henry Johnson,” David Mamet’s new play running at the vintage Biograph Theatre, is like many of his works, enigmatic and…
American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents the Chicago premiere of Artistic Affiliate Charles Smith's Golden Leaf…
Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 2024/25 Season with the world premiere of QUEEN FOR A DAY written by…
Early in the first act I whispered to my companion and said “I love this!” Extremely well written by Joshua…
The repertoire for this fabulous program - A WONDROUS SOUND, showcasing the full force of Lyric’s amazing orchestra and chorus,…
Citadel’s latest production, A Jukebox for the Algonquin, truly captured my heart. It’s a refreshing reminder that as we age,…
As a lifelong aficionado of the ill-fated ocean liner RMS Titanic, I’ve always gravitated toward any experience that would leave…
The Artistic Home Studio will present the 2025 edition of its annual CUT TO THE CHASE festival of new one…
In an era that often defies reason, Chopin Theatre and Gwydion Theatre launch the first annual Theatre of the Absurd…
Pegasus Theatre Chicago and Director ILesa Duncan proudly announce the casting for the revival of playwright Shay Youngblood's Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery, which follows…
The Opera Festival of Chicago announces the cast and creative team for The Love of Three Kings (L’Amore dei tre Re), with…
See Chicago Dance, the dance industry's nonprofit service organization celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, is proud to announce that its popular…
Steppenwolf's LookOut Series is pleased to announce its action-packed summer lineup of comedy, magic, storytelling, drag and more! The Summer 2025 Season…
Brian Friel’s “Translations,” now playing at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, IL, shows off the renowned Irish playwright’s signature skill in…
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces today the cast of the North American premiere of the new musical 42 Balloons. From the multi-award-winning producers Kevin McCollum (Oh,…
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) Artistic Director Edward Hall and Executive Director Kimberly Motes announce today the 2025/26 Season. As the nation's largest year-round theater dedicated…
Tickets go on sale Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. Central time for the world-premiere performances of A Night of Mellon…
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.