'Rock of Ages' rocks the house! - a review

Everyone likes a feel good story, right? Broadway musical, Rock of Ages, is that and then some. A love story steeped in the glorious sounds of 80s power rock, it vibrates with in-your-face rock ballads and anthems from beginning to end, taking one back to a time when rock was at its theatrical best. The performance on February 4, 2010, at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre was akin to attending a high-energy rock concert and watching a delightful musical, all rolled into one.

The story is set during the late 80s on L.A.'s infamous Sunset Strip, a place where dreams are chrystalized or crushed. Drew (aka Wolfgang Von Colt), endearing former American Idol contestant, Constantine Maroulis, is an aspiring rock musician who remains primarily behind the scenes at the Bourbon Bar on the Strip, biding his time until the right moment strikes for him to hit the stage and show what he's made of. Bar owner Dennis, a cross between David Crosby and Will Ferrell, played with a dash of cool and a lot of humor by Adam Dannheisser, discovers that German real estate developers are planning to turn his neighborhood bar into a Footlocker. That won't do! He and his bar crew make plans to take action, along with activist Regina, fiesty Lauren Molina, a "proletariat" who's so passionate about "power to the people" that she's willing to jump off of a bridge to serve her cause. Mitchell Jarvis plays Lonny, a Shakesperian Puck-type character who serves as narrator and comic relief, with a little channeling of Jack Black to boot. He guides the audience through the story, ushering in Sherrie, played by apple-cheeked Kerry Butler, an "FOKT," ( a girl fresh off the Kansas train), who enters the bar, starry-eyed, hoping to work there while she pursues her dream of acting. It's love at first sight when she and Drew lock eyes, but drama ensues when ultra sexy, uber-bad boy, Stacee Jaxx, a role James Carpinello knocks out of the park, enters the scene to front headlining band, Arsenal. Jaxx is part Bret Michaels, part Axl Rose, part Tommy Lee. Step aside, "ladies love him, guys want to be him." Sherrie falls for his shimmer, quickly getting used and discarded by the cowboy hat-wearing Lothario. Drew is livid and they go their separate ways. After hitting a few bumps in the road of life, both Drew and Sherrie stray from their dreams, only to be brought together again by the power of love.

What makes this musical so special is how the songs speak to personal experiences. Night Ranger, Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar and Joan Jett are a few of the 80s icons who get their due in this performance that is not only an hommage to the music, but to that era. The cast is stellar, with Maroulis adorably dorky yet sexy, with pipes made to handle the intense ballads and rock-metal tunes he has to belt out. Carpinello is so convincing as Jaxx, with his killer looks and voice, that he makes you believe he actually was a frontman for an 80s hair band. Kerry Butler shines as Sherrie, carrying her tunes with an Olvia Newton-John verve and innocence. Jarvis is spot on as Lonny, part devilish imp, part sprite; along for the ride, but also the tour guide. Other notables in the cast are Michele Mais as Justice, with a diva persona and voice to match, Tom Lenk as the fey Franz who's trying to get out from under the shadow of his father, Hertz, played with a convincing amount of frigidity by Paul Schoeffler.

Writer Christian D'Arienzo has penned something that has struck a chord with people, as many fans have seen the show repeatedly, some over 100 times. Perhaps part of its appeal is that it's not just a musical but an interactive experience, where the audience gets to participate in the performance by singing along and waving battery-powered lighters, as well as being transported back to a different time that holds fond memories on some level for everyone. Styx's hyper-rockin'  "Too Much Time on My Hands," Joan Jett's ballsy "I Hate Myself for Loving You," and Foreigner's heart wrenching ballad, " I Want to Know What Love Is," are songs that everyone recognizes and relives during this dynamic show. The musical never takes itself too seriously, but serious enough to draw you into a story that might have otherwise been hokey, if not for the crafty writing, gifted performances and pure fun it provides.

Played by Maroulis and Butler, Drew and Sherrie are not just characters on the stage, but like people one might have known back then, Generation Y-ers looking for love and dreaming big. Or one might recognize a little of one's self in them, the doe-eyed goodness. In today's trying economic times, a reasonably priced musical that not only makes you feel good but makes you tap into a part of yourself you may have forgotten you had is definitely a must-see. It's been announced that New Line is making this gem into a film. With its electric musical numbers, relatable characters, and a story with a heart of gold, this production is tailor-made for the big screen. Celebrating its one year anniversary this coming April 7, the show will soon be opening in Toronto, then expanding and touring internationally. Whether you're a fan of 80s rock or not, this heavy metal jukebox musical will capture your heart. For more information on the show and the cast, go to: www.rockofagesmusical.com/toronto/index.php.