BWW Reviews: ROCK OF AGES National Tour in Denver

Denver Center Attractions presents the first national tour of ROCK OF AGES rocking the Buell Theatre for two weeks only beginning June 14. Direct from Broadway, Tony Award Nominee Constantine Maroulis of American Idol will reprise his acclaimed performance as Drew. ROCK OF AGES is a hilarious, feel-good love story told through the hit songs of iconic rockers Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake, and so many more. In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small-town girl met a big-city dreamer. In L.A.'s most legendary rock club they fell in love to the greatest songs of the 80's. It's an awesomely good time where big hair meets big dreams and the result totally wails.

While RENT defined a generation with its amazing rock opera, ROCK OF AGES is definitely our generation's first original rock musical - 'our generation' meaning us kids born in the '60s and '70s. With its totally bitchin' playlist of Top 40 '80s ballads and songs of rebellion, no wonder Hollywood is clamoring to make this into a movie. It certainly has audience appeal for we of the big hair, blue eye shadow, and leg warmers. There have been other attempts, but c'mon. Did we really want to lay claim to The Wedding Singer - The Musical?!

Aside from the kick ass playlist, this musical is a good time cause they made a mockery of everything from the glam hair band music to the musical process itself (a first act finale is usually finished with a song of determination and ... jazz hands), to making fun of each other onstage and even poking fun at Denver (f*cking altitude). This irreverence gives the production a sense of wicked fun and the 'f*ck-it' attitude that was so awesomely righteous during that era (Damn the Man and We're Not Gonna Take It Anymore).

Constantine Maroulis is as fresh as he was the day he originated the role and totally shredded the vocals. Live performance seems to be his calling following American Idol, and it's hard to imagine anyone else in that role. Elicia MacKenzie as Sherrie (yes, everyone was waiting for that Journey song and they were not disappointed) has the pipes to match and has brilliant stage presence. Patrick Lewallen as the narrator Lonny stole the show and he knew it. He was a lot of fun and broke the fourth wall, repeatedly interacting with the audience. While this show focuses on the two star-crossed lovers and their trials and tribulations, the supporting cast offers a strong foundation for the main story. All of the performers were tight, but worth special note are the amazing Teresa Stanley as Justice, Nick Cordero as Dennis, Travis Walker as Hertz and the delightful Casey Tuma as Regina.

A Broadway show doesn't always have to be about big sets and big casts, and ROCK OF AGES realizes this. One stationary set with several alcoves for the multiple scenes creates a simple yet functional design. Incorporating a giant video screen into the set enhanced the multimedia experience and really brought the 'rock' part of ROCK OF AGES alive in vivid color and sound. Also, having a small core ensemble portraying several of the minor characters showcased these actors' versatility and talent.

The audience was also a most excellent thing to be a part of. An almost tangible electricity stung the air as we anticipated each song, so much a part of our own life soundtracks that we all remembered the lyrics, singing along and even dressing up for the occasion (see my fabulous divas picture below). By the end of the show, everyone was on their feet and rocking out! And in a totally non-bogus marketing move, the production team handed out free lighter flashlights to the audience to raise up during those bangin' ballads. At moments it was as bright in the theater as it was onstage.

Although this show is not suitable for children, if you are a Gen-Xer or simply love the monster ballads and hair bands of the '80s, then "Walk This Way" to the Buell Theater at the Denver Center, get out your air guitars and "Don't Stop Believin'" in this rockin' musical. Okay, one more - I "Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore" so "Here I Go Again." Gotta motor, dudes. Later.

ROCK OF AGES is playing the hits now through June 26th. For tickets or more information, contact the box office at 303-893-4100 or visit them online at www.denvercenter.org.

Photo Credit:  Joan Marcus and Michael Mulhern

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