ROCK OF AGES The Most Joyous Rock Musical In Years!

I was prepared to have difficulty sitting through ROCK OF AGES, the musical that opened at the Broward Center Tuesday night.  Hard rock is not 'my thing,' and I had heard this show described as a celebration of 1980s rock music and also as being 'Mamma Mia' for dudes.  Thank the theatrical gods, they got it right.

Director Kristin Hanggi and choreographer Kelly Devine have delivered a show that moves so fast, it is difficult to believe that Act One is over.  The story Hanggi and Devine have to tell us is slight.  As the 'leading player' tells us, anyone from the musicale theatre of Andrew Lloyd Sondheim knows that a conventional musical is essentially a boy meets girl love story.  That is supplied by the delightfully creative mind of book writer Chris D'Arienzo.  However, there it little that is convential about this show's book.

D'Arienzo has given us a book that is fresh, funny, poignant, and simply whacky.  When a character in the show bemoans something he must do, he is reminded by the 'leading player' that he is in a musical and he must follow the dialogue and turn of events as set forth by the book writer.  Chris D'Arienzo has brought us very fine work indeed.

ROCK OF AGES is at its heart a platform to present memorable rock songs circa the 1980s set in a club on California's Sunset Strip.  As the cheering, clapping, standing, and jumping audience at the Broward Center demonstrated last night, ROCK OF AGES delivered on its promise of being a great time in the theater.

This is a show where everything is first class and everyone is at the top of their game.  The set design by Beowulff Boritt is a witty marvel as it presents high energy choreography outfitted in richly designed and detailed costumes from the hands of Gregory Gale.  Ms. Hanggi knew how to bring the elements together, including Zak Borovay's delectable projections, and the explosive and indeed, often affectionate lighting by Jason Lyons.

So fine are the elements of this show, that one certainly need not be a fan of 80s rock music in order to have the time of their life at ROCK OF AGES.  There were many songs unfamiliar to me.  However, they were presented with such artistry, and tender loving care, that this show kept capturing me and sweeping me up in its whirlwind celebration.

Of course, this rip roaring cast is uniformly excellent.  I don't think Ms. Hanggi would have had it any other way.  Of special note was Travis Walker as Franz who is 'not gay, just German.'  Mr. Walker was simply delirious and added an extra bolt of lightning every time he appeared on stage.  A hearty Bravo to you Mr. Walker.

Rebecca Faulkenberry is spot on as 'the girl,' Sherrie.  Her gorgeous looks match her singing voice and she performs Sherrie with a bit of heartbreak always just beneath the surface.  Thanks for your lovely performance Ms. Faulkenberry.

For many, their primary reason for seeing ROCK OF AGES, was to enjoy the performance of an American Idol runner up (not second place, but somewhere in the top ten) in his live and in person glory.  WOW.  Constantine Maroulis glows like a great big star.  It is impossible to take your eyes off of him, just try.  He brings forth a wonderful and rich performance.  Sweet, charming, funny and mind blowing all at once, Mr. Maroulis is nothing short of magnificent.  I only wish there were more solo time in ROCK OF AGES for him, and his unbelievably gifted, goose bump inducing singing.  Don't stay away long Mr. Maroulis.  As the Broward Center audience showed you last night, your many talents are deeply appreciated and you are loved by your fans here in South Florida, even the brand new ones.

So dear reader, enjoy a wine cooler or two and rush to get your tickets to ROCK OF AGES.  'Don't Stop Believin' that a great time is in store for you. ROCK OF AGES' last performance at the Broward Center is January 9th.  

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