Test your knowledge of the hit Broadway musical 'Rock of Ages' with these fun trivia facts! How well do you know this jukebox musical featuring classic rock anthems from the 1980s? From behind-the-scenes details to international productions, explore key moments and surprises in the history of this show. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to 'Rock of Ages,' see what you might discover!
Adaptations
- Adam Shankman directed the film adaptation of 'Rock of Ages', where Tom Cruise played the role of Stacee Jaxx and was noted for his impressive singing voice.
International Productions
- Rock of Ages has been produced internationally, including in countries like Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom, apart from its various touring productions in the United States.
- The Manila production of 'Rock of Ages' first opened in 2012 and featured Mig Ayesa, who reprised his role as Stacee Jaxx.
- The musical made its Australian premiere in April 2011 at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne before moving to Brisbane's Lyric Theatre, QPAC.
Musical Composition
- The house band in 'Rock of Ages', named Arsenal, plays 80s rock music and is positioned at the back of the stage.
- Rock of Ages is a jukebox musical featuring classic rock songs from the 1980s, including hits from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, and more.
- Joel Hoekstra, an original guitarist in 'Rock of Ages', was a member of both Night Ranger and Whitesnake, bands whose songs appeared in the musical.
- Despite the show's name, 'Rock of Ages,' the song by Def Leppard of the same title is not included in the musical's lineup.
- Music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations for Rock of Ages were by Ethan Popp.
Notable Tours
- To celebrate its tenth anniversary, 'Rock of Ages' launched a new U.S. and Canada tour in 2019, along with an off-Broadway revival which later became an open-ended production.
Production Facts
- Tom Cruise prepared for his role in 'Rock of Ages' by singing five hours a day.
- Joel Hoekstra and David Gibbs, along with Broadway producers Matt Weaver and Barry Habib, make appearances in the 'Rock of Ages' film.
- Constantine Maroulis, the original Broadway Drew, makes a cameo appearance in the 'Rock of Ages' film.
- Paul Giamatti joined the film cast of 'Rock of Ages' on March 24, 2011, playing the manager of Stacee Jaxx.
- Alec Baldwin was confirmed to play Dennis Dupree in the 'Rock of Ages' film on March 6, 2011.
- Julianne Hough was confirmed to play the role of Sherrie in the 'Rock of Ages' film on March 3, 2011.
- Mary J. Blige joined the cast of the film version of 'Rock of Ages' on February 14, 2011, to play Justice Charlier.
- Tom Cruise's performance in 'Rock of Ages' was inspired by a mix of Axl Rose, Keith Richards, and Jim Morrison.
- The plot of Rock of Ages revolves around the lives and dreams of aspiring musicians and small-town girl Sherrie in the iconic setting of Hollywood's Sunset Strip.
- The original Broadway production of Rock of Ages ran for 2,328 performances, making it the 32nd-longest running show in Broadway history at the time it closed.
- The characters in Rock of Ages interact with the audience by frequently breaking the 'fourth wall,' a technique used to engage the audience more directly.
- Chris D'Arienzo wrote Rock of Ages, while Kristin Hanggi directed it, and Kelly Devine handled the choreography.
- The Broadway run of 'Rock of Ages' concluded on January 18, 2015, making it tied with 'Man of La Mancha' as the 32nd-longest running show in Broadway history at the time.
- The Broadway production of 'Rock of Ages' featured the band members as part of the show, dressed in metalhead costumes and the drummer played inside a caged set-up.
- The musical 'Rock of Ages' first premiered on July 27, 2005, in Los Angeles at a club on Hollywood Boulevard called King King.
