Review Roundup: ROCK OF AGES Rocks 5th Avenue Theatre!

Rock of Ages is the '80s rock ballad blast that features the music of Styx, Joan Jett, Twisted Sister, and more. With Mickey Thomas as lead vocalist, Starship produced hits including "We Built This City" (which appears in the production), "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now," and "Sara."

The 5th's production will feature the previously announced Diana Huey as Sherrie, Galen Disston of Seattle band Pickwick as Drew, and an incomparable group of nationally recognized musicians and Seattle-based actors. Making their 5th Avenue Theatredebuts are Felicia Loud of Seattle performance group Black Stax as Justice/Mother, and Sara Porkalob, the Gregory Award-winning artist activist, as Regina. Returning to The 5th are Brandon O'Neill (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Carousel, The Pirates of Penzance) as Stacee Jaxx/Father, Nick DeSantis (Sunday in the Park With George, ELF, The Music Man) as Hertz, Dane Stokinger (Annie, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, A Christmas Story) as Lonny, and Nik Hagen (Mamma Mia!, Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) as Franz.

"We are thrilled with the wide range of experience this cast brings to the table," said 5th Avenue Theatre Producing Artistic Director Bill Berry. "It's an eclectic and immensely talented group of some of the best performers and musicians in Seattle and beyond, that will give audiences a chance to see this musical-meets-rock-concert like it's never been done before."

Playing February 1 - 24, 2019, single tickets for Rock of Ages are on sale now and subscriptions are still available online at www.5thavenue.org, by phone at 206.625.1900, or in person at the Box Office at 1308 5th Avenue in Downtown Seattle. Stage side VIP table seating will be available for sale starting on January 11 at 10:00am by calling 206.625.1900

Wonderfully funny, occasionally zany, and riddled with scorching songs, Rock of Ages is an unforgettable, indestructible experience that spent six years on Broadway as well as sold out productions around the world. Rock of Ages is the story of a small town girl and a city boy, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock 'n' roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Styx, Whitesnake, Poison, Foreigner, Joan Jett, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and more. Lisa Shriver, the acclaimed choreographer known for her work on Broadway in Jesus Christ Superstar, The Story of My Life, and Ring of Fire, among others, makes her 5th Avenue Theatre debut to direct and choreograph.

Let's see what the critics have to say!

Jay Irwin, BroadwayWorld: Director and Choreographer Lisa Shriver keeps the whole thing rockin' quite smoothly. That may sound like an oxymoron, but I mean there's tons of energy and fun in this well-oiled machine. And I must mention the overly shoulder padded, glitzy costumes from Cathy Meacham Hunt and outrageous hair band wigs from Jason Goldsberry that were a feast for the eyes. And special kudos to the band for killing it all night long ... sometimes while locked in a cage no less.

Eric Andrews-Katz, Equality 365: The real star of this show is "Lonny" the unofficial narrator played by Dane Stokinger. Mr. Stokinger adds the right amount of sexual ambiguity and attitude that recreates the stereotype rocker of the late 80's. His voice is clear, his presence is strong and his character's attitude is right on the mark. He is part narrator, part character, part comic relief and thoroughly enjoyable.

Julie Hanson, Seattle's Child: To sum up: This is a fun show. (Side note: Was it just me, or was the bar busier than during a typical performance?) It seemed everybody had a great time. But I think you'll have a better time if you're not worrying about the kids' questions you'll be fielding after the show.

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