Interview: Rock Dreams Come True for Scott A. Cook in TheatreWorks Florida's ROCK OF AGES

Music and theater come together in TheatreWorks Florida's latest production ROCK OF AGES. This show promises to be a rock concert and feel good American story. Director, choreographer, and TheatreWorks Florida's artistic producer, Scott A. Cook takes a few moments out of his busy rehearsal schedule to answer BroadwayWorld Orlando's questions.

ROCK OF AGES is that rare show where a movie was based off the musical. I can only think of a handful of other shows that have made that sort of jump. What is it about this story that helps it move mediums?

Actually, it's all about the music and the way it rocks your soul. This kick ass score takes an original story and breathes an amazingly creative life into it with solid classic guitar anthems and major rock and roll hits from the 80s.

I never saw the show when it was on Broadway or when it toured Orlando in 2011, but I did see the movie. Which version stage or screen is your production most like? Will people who only saw the show or the movie still appreciate it?

We are producing the stage version in its outrageous original format! Although the story is basically the same, the stage version is very different from the movie in many aspects: different and very funny characters, plot developments and score arrangements bring this incredible piece to life in a "mash-up" sort of way that leaves you so energized you'll want to stand up and cheer just like a real rock concert! Even if you didn't see the movie or grow up with this music, you're going to leave and want it in your collection very soon afterward. The 80s bands chosen to score the musical created timeless songs and it is an honor to be working on a show driven by their passion.

Why did TheatreWorks Florida choose ROCK OF AGES to bring to the stage this year?

I grew up as a teenager with the music of the real 80s rock stars featured in Rock Of Ages. Back then, the music shaped me, moved me and rocked my soul everywhere I went. It was a time of pure freedom and discovery where music was my guide. Now, I get to relive all the heart-pounding guitar anthems of Journey, Foreigner, Styx, Pat Benatar, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger and more that infuse the high-energy experience of Rock Of Ages from start to finish. Bringing this "arena rock" homage to our community as a live musical theatre experience is TheatreWorks Florida's answer to our age of "digital overload". Experiencing art live with friends and family is so rewarding that people are seeking it out amidst the digital age. Notably, this is a musical that attracts a whole new audience - the audience of the live rock and roll world. And for anyone whose youth coincided with the 80s time period, this over-the-top, electric nostalgia of "badassery" is a siren call filled with screaming guitars and sing-along choruses that will be impossible to resist.

Do you find that the music from classic rock bands like Styx, Journey, Pat Benatar, the nostalgia or the story that keeps people entertained?

All of the above. Music we know and love. Characters and a storyline that are solid and relatable on so many levels. And a dead on, nostalgic send up. It's the complete "blast to the past"!

Is it fun directing and choreographing this show? It looks like a blast!

It's very exhausting! Haha! This is an extremely high-energy show that just doesn't let up. There are incredibly demanding vocals, huge amounts of athletic choreography and a script that trips along like a train. We have been in rehearsal since AUG 7 but it seems so much longer because I work my cast very hard every night. We have staged the entire show in less than 3 weeks.

What is your favorite song from the show?

"Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison. I saw Poison several times growing up and they are, hands down, my favorite rock band of all time!

Tell me about your cast. It looks like you've got some real life rockers in your show.

Our cast is very diverse. In Rock Of Ages, I believe this is our key to success because they all are very REAL people. The talents of each actor are superb and they have all found a common understanding of the story which has brought them together in the world of the play as if it's really happening. We have even brought on two real life rock and roll artists; Stephen Alan (who plays Stacee Jaxx) from the local Orlando band, Mad As Adam and our lead guitarist, Bobby Keller, from the national metal band, Meka Nism.

What do you hope your audience takes away from this experience?

I've created the show to be a true rock concert experience. This includes a live rock band right on stage who portray the "house band" of the Bourbon Room bar on the LA Strip where the show takes place. My hope is to take people back to a time when this music was everything every minute of the day and recreate the sounds and memories of an era when rock and roll was the epicenter of life.

What can you expect when you leave Rock of Ages?

You can expect to need to come back and relive it all again. And again. And again... this music will always live on for everyone it touches.

Rock on! I love all this music and cannot wait to see how it all comes together live on stage.
TheatreWorks Florida presents the regional premier of ROCK OF AGES at the Dr. Phillips Center - Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater September 28 - October 9th. Be sure to check out BroadwayWorld Matt's review of the show that week. For showtimes, tickets and more information visit TheatreWorksFL.org.

Photo credit: Barry Nadler

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