BWW Reviews: ROCK OF AGES Blasts Des Moines Audiences Back to the 80's

Rock of Ages is billed as Broadway's biggest party, and it does not disappoint. At what other show can you rock out to the classic tunes of Journey, Whitesnake, and Styx? When Rock of Ages stopped in Des Moines for a limited engagement last week, the beat could be heard for blocks and audiences were on their feet before the last number was over.

Through cheeky humor and rock songs of the 80's, Rock of Ages follows Sherrie and Drew on their quest for stardom on California's Sunset Strip. Interwoven in their story is the classic battle of the older generation against the sex, drugs, and rock and roll of the next. In Rock of Ages, that conflict is personified in a greedy businessman who wants clean up the strip by demolishing the famed Bourbon Room rock club to build up strip malls.

The trajectory of the Drew/Sherrie storyline is predictable. The show drags a bit, especially in the first act, because it seems to plod along toward the inevitable conflict and detente. What is delightfully unexpected is the relationship between Bourbon Room owner Dennis and his lackey Lonny. Their love/hate relationship provides the best laughs and is much more compelling than the question of whether Drew and Sherrie will end up together. Jacob L. Smith and Justin Colombo are superb in their roles as Dennis and Lonny. They brought down the house with their rendition of "Can't Fight This Feeling." Colombo carries much of the show on his shoulders and he excels as narrator, ensemble member, and, in his words, "dramatic conjurer." A talented vocalist and comedian, Colombo steals the show.

Of course, for most of the audience, the story is secondary to the music and Rock of Ages highlights many of the most memorable hits of the 80's. The most fun are the ones that feature the entire ensemble, such as "We're Not Gonna Take It," "Here I Go Again," and perennial favorite "Don't Stop Believin."

Rock of Ages is a unique animal. While certainly not the first rock musical, it is the first to use 80's music for the building blocks of a fully staged musical. Rock of Ages does not take itself too seriously and what it lacks in depth and nuance it more than makes up for with enthusiasm and humor. If you are looking for a good time, you will find it at Rock of Ages.

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