Foster, Gass and More Star in ROCK OF AGES Readings

Two developmental invitation-only readings of ROCK OF AGES will take place at New World Stages later this week.  The cast includes Molly Callinan, Hunter Foster (Little Shop of Horrors-Tony nomination, The Producers, Urinetown), Kyle Gass (Tenacious D, with Jack Black) Brian M. Golub, Nicolette Hart (The Wedding Singer, RENT), Michele Mais (Roza, Zoot Suit), Anastacia McCleskey (Tarzan), Michael Minarik, Josh Prince (Saturday Night Fever), James Snyder (Film: She¹s The Man), Frank C. Thompson, Clarke Thorell (Hairspray, Titanic, The Who¹s Tommy), Gerry Vichi (Annie Get Your Gun, How To SucceedŠ) and Patty Wortham (The Groundlings).

VH1 Classic is joining Prospect Pictures, Matthew Weaver and Carl Levin, and Executive Producers Janet Billig Rich, Hillary Weaver and Marcos Siega in presenting the Off-Broadway debut of ROCK OF AGES, slated for Fall 2007. David Gale (Executive Vice President, New Media, MTV Networks) and concert producer John Scher will also serve as Executive Producers. Written by Chris D'Arienzo (Film: Barry Munday) and directed by Kristin Hanggi (Bare, Pussycat Dolls on the Sunset Strip), ROCK OF AGES is fueled by high-octane 80s rock – from the anthems that defined an era to the power ballads that had lighters waving in arenas around the world.

The timeless rock of the 1980s and the classic "hair bands" that filled the airwaves for more than a decade have inspired a theatrical experience depicting the rock scene in Hollywood circa 1987. ROCK OF AGES features big chords, big dreams and big hair – telling its story through hits from iconic groups such as Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Foreigner, Poison, Night Ranger, Twisted Sister, Asia, Whitesnake and rockers like Pat Benetar.

Writer Chris D'Arienzo says, "The genre of 80s rock was so grandiose in its theatricality that for me it only made sense to turn something like 'Sister Christian' into a showtune. This was lifestyle music. It was just as much about the look, the clothes, the cars and the parties as it was about the songs. And it was pervasive. I mean, even Rivers Cuomo from Weezer had Bon Jovi hair in the 80s. We'd all like to believe we were just listening to Elvis Costello and The Buzzcocks back then, but I know my first kiss was to Great White's 'Once Bitten Twice Shy,' so there you go."

Producers Matthew Weaver and Carl Levin comment, "The 1980s were a really memorable and over-the-top time in music and entertainment. ROCK OF AGES captures the essence of that time period with a story that unfolds through the music of iconic bands that defined a decade. These are songs that convey real emotion, not just generic pop tunes from one-hit-wonders."

"As a network that celebrates 80s music and culture we couldn't resist partnering on ROCK OF AGES," says Tom Calderone (Executive Vice President and General Manager, VH1). "After presenting the show in Los Angeles and Las Vegas and receiving such positive feedback it made sense for us to help bring it to New York City so even more music lovers could relive the excitement of the 80s."

Richard Frankel (General Manager) adds "ROCK OF AGES has really great music and I can't wait to see it on stage. The show's creators have devised a theatrical context for the production that is fresh and inventive. We're all having fun working on it. Audiences will have a really good time too."

ROCK OF AGES had its world premiere in Los Angeles at The Vanguard on January 26, 2006 (limited 4-week run) and also enjoyed a sold-out run at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino from May 13-20, 2006. Variety wrote "The hair is big, the music is bigger, and the performance style…humongous." and the Los Angeles Times proclaimed "A burst of retro adrenaline."

Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that present videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of rock, soul and pop artists from the 60's, 70's, 80's and the early 90's including The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police and many more. Learn more at www.vh1classic.com.