It's a boy-meets-girl story. It's a crazy rock concert. And for fans of high-energy dance shows, excellently performed with great choreography, “Rock of Ages” fits the bill.
The national tour starring Constantine Maroulis as would-be rocker Drew and Rebecca Faulkenberry as small-town love interest Sherrie continues through Sunday at the Benedum Center.
It's also a comedy, with plenty of side-splitting moments and lots of surprises, challenging stereotypes in ways that can't be divulged without a spoiler alert. I admit I was prepared not to like the show, with its warning that it may not (and definitely is not because some of the profanity, obscene gestures and sexual situations) suitable for those under 14. But the music is great, I loved the choreography and the frequent comedic moments were unexpected.
Maroulis earned Tony and Drama Desk best-actor nominations for his performance on Broadway, and it's easy to see why. He's got the evolution of Drew from the shy guy who cleans bathrooms in a Sunset Strip club to a real rock star down to perfection — not only as an actor, but as a guy who can belt out the rock songs, keep up with the dancers and get the audience on his side from the start.
Faulkenberry also evolves from a wannabe actress to a performer in a gentlemen's club, with a stop along the way for some raunchy moments with MiG Ayesa as Stacee Jaxx, a rocker on his way out.
Music from the '80s is woven into the show, with songs by Whitesnake, Twisted Sisters, Styx, Journey, Foreigner and others. Although most show programs include a breakdown of the musical numbers in order and who performed what, this one doesn't. It would have been nice to have one and know which songs were coming.
While the main theme is familiar, there are some subplots going on. A German developer and his son come to town as part of a major redevelopment effort for the Strip, and tearing down the club is on their agenda.
Of course there are protesters, spearheaded by Casey Tuma as Regina. Hers is another great performance that includes Brett Tuomi and Travis Walker as the father-son pair.
Patrick Lewallen is delightfully cast as narrator Lonny. He keeps the show on track, interjecting his commentary with plenty of humor while singing, dancing and gyrating (look out for that hip action!) with the best of them.
Another standout is Nick Cordero as club owner Dennis, a big-hearted guy with a few surprises of his own.
At the end of the show, the audience was on its feet, more like the conclusion of a good concert than a standard musical. Audience interaction is encouraged in parts of the production.
And for those in end-row seats, beware. The cast sometimes enters and exits through the theater.
