The Off Broadway production of "Rock" encourages a party feel by allowing the crowd to bring drinks to their seats. (It's original incarnation was after all in a Hollywood nightclub.) Variety is reporting that the producers of the show are hoping to to offer in-seat cocktail service at the Brooks Atkinson, turning the Atkinson into the only Broadway venue to do so. The Nederlander Organization has blessed the plan, but the exact details have yet to be determined revealed Variety.
Variety also disclosed the information that ROCK OF AGES star Will Swenson is still considering if he'll stay with the show or join the Broadway production of HAIR for which is was a cast member of when it played at the Delacorte in Central Park. Swenson was also seen on Broadway in LESTAT. The rest of the ROCK OF AGES Off-Broadway cast is expected to follow the show to Broadway, including Constantine Maroulis.
The producers of ROCK OF AGES announced yesterday that after an extremely successful off Broadway run and the sale of the film rights to New Line Cinema, the new, smash hit musical will transfer to Broadway's Brooks Atkinson Theatre, 256 W. 47th Street, and open on Tuesday, April 7, 2009. Previews begin on Friday, March 20, 2009.
The off Broadway engagement of ROCK OF AGES began previews on October 1, 2008 and opened on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at New World Stages, 340 W. 50th Street. That production will play its final performance on Sunday, January 4, 2009 after 17 preview and 93 regular performances.
"After such an exciting run off Broadway, we are delighted to be moving ROCK OF AGES to Broadway," says Matthew Weaver and Carl Levin, the producers of ROCK OF AGES. "We know these are difficult and uncertain times for everyone, so we are thrilled to announce that ROCK OF AGES will set a new precedent on Broadway with a top ticket price of $89.00 for weeknight performances and $99.00 for weekend performances."
Written by Chris D'Arienzo (writer and director of the upcoming film Barry Munday), directed by Kristin Hanggi (Bare, Pussycat Dolls on the Sunset Strip) and choreographed by Kelly Devine (Jersey Boys - Associate Choreographer), ROCK OF AGES is an explosive new musical with a heart as big as 80's rock hair. As a legendary rock club faces its demise at the hands of eager developers, a young rocker hoping for his big break falls for a small town girl chasing big dreams of her own. Have nothing but a good time with the cast of ROCK OF AGES as they fall in love in the heat of the moment and rock out with more than words.
ROCK OF AGES takes audiences on a musical joyride set to blazing hits from iconic rockers such as Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and many more. Crowds and critics agree - ROCK OF AGES is "crazy fun," writes the Associated Press, "a nonstop party laden with sexy choreography, energetic performances and an on stage band that totally rocks the house." The Star Ledger proclaims, "tons of retro fun for anybody loving those bygone times of big hair and even bigger power chords," while The New York Post says, "ROCK OF AGES does for '80s rock what "Mamma Mia!" did for ABBA.
