Review: ROCK OF AGES at the Warner Theatre

When considering musical theatre, one often immediately thinks of the classics - those shows that tell an age old story with soaring and lyrical songs peppered with engaging dance numbers and beautiful costumes. Those plays certainly have their place in the world, but in the past decade or so, a new genre of musical has come into the mix - the jukebox musical, a genre that takes pre-existing music, usually from popular bands, and creates a theatrical plot around them. While some theater purists might look down on this style of show, all one has to do is look around the audience at the Warner Theatre in Torrington, CT to know that jukebox musicals are alive and well.

Until last night, I had never attended a Warner Stage Company production, or been to the Warner Theatre at all, so I wasn't sure quite what to expect. From reviewing the website it calls itself a "regional community theatre company" but you could have fooled me. What I saw on stage was as polished and as strong as many professionally produced shows. From the moment the first power chords of its current production of ROCK OF AGES wailed on electric guitar, I knew this community theatre was unlike any I have ever been to before. From the quality of the sets to the caliber of the acting/singing/dancing, to the strength of the direction and music, I was more than just impressed, I was thrilled.

Now, ROCK OF AGES is not the most intellectual of scripts. But what would you expect from a show about the decadence and debauchery of mid-80's Los Angeles? The jokes are corny, the dialogue hackneyed and honestly, there is not much story at all. But what ROCK OF AGES does offer is non-stop fun, songs that, if you are of a certain age (ahem), you can't help but sing along (which is encouraged!) and wave your lighter in the air (don't worry if you don't smoke, the Warner provides you with a safe and fun alternative!) Audiences are treated to an evening that, as they say in the show "melts your face" with its awesomeness.

And that is what I noticed the most, the audience. In today's busy, technology driven culture, it's not always easy to get people to care about, let alone attend, live theatre. But the people in the packed audience Saturday night at the Warner were having the time of their lives. And when you think about it - isn't that what community theatre is all about? Theatre performed by people who are passionate about the art form for their friends and neighbors who want to be entertained. And in terms of entertainment, ROCK OF AGES has it in spades.

So, clearly, I had a blast, but there were some highlights of the evening t hat should be called out. First, in terms of performances, Michael King as Lonny Barnett stole the show. His comic timing and rapport with the audience made his role as narrator (or rather, "dramatic conjurer") one of the best parts of the evening. As Drew and Sherrie, Noel Roberge and Katie Brunetto showed off killer voices with innocent charm. As the handsome and smarmy lead singer Stacee Jaxx, Tony Leone conveyed the right amount of big-haired, leather-clad sex appeal as the talented, but troubled rock star. As Regina Koontz, AlexaRae Campagna employed a strong voice and Kevin Sturmer captures well the gruff, but loveable Dennis Dupree. Finally, the band "Arsenal" who served as both the musical accompaniment and played an integral role in the show, could give some of the actual bands whose music is featured a run for their money.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the ensemble. The group numbers were polished and strong and every single person looked like they were having as much fun on stage as we were in the audience. I applaud Sharon Wilcox, for not only her strong direction and stellar choreography, but also for putting together this amazingly talented cast. And additional props to Musical Director Dan Ringuette who achieved an authentic rock and roll sound from the cast, not an easy feat, I am sure.

So, if you are a child of the 80's like me, or if you love classic 80's songs from "a bunch of really sweet 80s bands" like Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Pat Benetar, Twisted Sister, Night Ranger, and REO Speedwagon, you will love ROCK OF AGES at the Warner Theatre. And if you have been looking for a place where you can experience Nothin' but a Good time, well Don't Stop Believin...the Search is Over - the Warner Stage Company, and its production of ROCK OF AGES doesn't disappoint.

Photo credits: Mandi Martini

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