BWW REVIEWS: ROCK OF AGES Brings Down the House at TUTS

The 80's rockers had the audience in the palms of their hands during the national tour of Rock of Ages which closes out the Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) season at the Hobby Center.  With several audience members dressed in their best rocker garb, the majority seemed to be reliving glory days of their youth.  The audience became so enthralled providing boisterous hoots, fist pumps and a few waived lighters, that it was impossible not to get caught up in the experience of this wildly entertaining show. 

To be honest, of all the shows which passed through the Hobby Center this season I was looking forward to this show the least.  An overly predictable jukebox musical featuring the music of Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Bernatar and Foreigner isn't my idea of a perfect night at the theatre.  But when my husband stated he was actually willing to attend this musical with me my interest in the show dramatically increased.  A night at the theater with him not slumped in his chair is nothing short of magical.  And therein lies the power of Rock of Ages: its capability for mass appeal. 

Rock of Ages is anything but your typical musical.  In fact they actively make fun of traditional musicals proudly proclaiming this is a show "with poop jokes and Whitesnake songs."  In reality, the show often feels more like a rock concert than a musical which is probably why my husband deemed this show "acceptable" instead of the various other musicals I have dragged him to in the past.  If you're reading this article you're probably a Broadway musical fan already so consider Rock of Ages as the perfect opportunity to go to the theatre with your non-musical loving friends - but keep in mind this show is definitely at least PG13.

Set in Los Angeles, Rock of Ages, follows the dreams of two workers of a popular club called The Bourbon Room.  However when the mayor sells the strip to a developer from Germany, the Bourbon Room gang bands together with activists from the community to save the rock and roll culture which built LA.

This national tour ensemble is perfection from "Waitress #1" all the way through the leads with everyone showing off fantastic vocals, dance moves and 80's attitudes.  However, Patrick Lewallen steals the spotlight as the show's "magical conjurer" narrator named Lonny.  Lewallen gets the show rocking leading the opening number as he hilariously introduces the main characters.  From these first few moments the comedy never stops with Lewallen continuing to lead the charge.  He also shines in the duet version of "Can't Fight This Feeling" with The Bourbon Room owner, Dennis Dupree, fantastically played by Nick Cordero (off Broadway The Toxic Avenger).

"American Idol" Constantine Maroulis reprises the leading role he originated of Drew, a bus boy who dreams of rocking on stage but is held back by his shyness.  Maroulis received Tony Award and Drama League Award nominations for his performance on Broadway where he was also seen in The Wedding Singer.  Maroulis' acting skills are as strong as the amazing vocals we have seen on television as he effortlessly swings between the shy lovebird and outgoing rocker in his dreams.

The target of Drew's love interest is Kansas-native Sherrie who has come to LA to pursue acting.  Played by Elicia MacKenzie (Toronto production of Rock of Ages and Maria in the North American Premier of The Sound of Music) also shines in her role with an impressive, smooth belt that is glorious in this genre.  I especially enjoyed her sultry rendition of the mash-up "Heaven/More Than Words/To Be with You."

What perhaps is the most impressive aspect of Maroulis and MacKenzie's performance is how they truly make each cover their own.  Unlike many other jukebox musicals, Rock of Ages often fragments the songs we all know which also helps to keep the music fresh.  It was also nice to see the book writer, Chris D'Arienzo, left some great songs for Act Two instead of using all the best material for Act One - a complaint I have with Mamma Mia!.  In fact Rock of Ages is a rare musical in the fact the second act shines more brightly than the first.

Like a rock concert, the music is very loud and much louder than you would expect at the theatre.  Combined with neon signs, tons of smoke and over the top costumes, the sensory affect is pure 80's.  However many aspects of the staging occur at the extreme sides of the stage and unless you're dead center in the theatre, the action is blocked by the set and speakers. 

One of the successful aspects of the set is a large video screen which provides backdrops and video commentary wit.  This is the first time I have seen a large video screen be successful as a theatrical backdrop and its clever use enhances the show.

For those who would like to have a distinctive up-close rock experience, special seating is available in the VIP "Mosh Pit."  Six tables of four are available so close to the stage you'll be able to feel the sweat of the performers.  The tables also come with gourmet concert snacks, bottled water and eight artisan beers to complete your concert experience.  These special seats are available at www.tuts.com or by calling 713-887-TUTS (8887).

Rock of Ages runs at the Hobby Center through June 12.  General tickets to Rock of Ages start at $24 and are available on-line at www.tuts.com, by phone at (713) 558-TUTS (8887), outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882, or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office, located at 800 Bagby at Walker, Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.  An audio described performance is available Sunday, June 12 at 2 p.m.; open captioning is available Sunday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. The Hobby Center is wheelchair accessible.  Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more and may be purchased by calling (713) 558-8888 or via email at groupsales@tuts.com.