Interview: Get Ready to Rock! ROCK OF AGES Debuts at Apollo Civic Theater

"Don't Stop Believin' " and get ready to rock this weekend as the area premiere of Rock of Ages debuts at the Apollo Civic Theater!

Directed by Amanda Hartman, assistant directed by James Wright and musically directed by Jeff Wine, Rock of Ages is a jukebox musical featuring the greatest rock songs of the 1980's and a rocking story. When small town Sherie arrives in L.A, she has big dreams of becoming a star. She quickly meets and falls in love with another aspiring rock star, Drew Boley. However, plans from a development to destroy the Sunset Strip and a rival rock star threaten to rip their romance apart!

The cast quickly became close friends while working together as band members.

"Getting to watch my cast mates perform every night, and getting to hang out with my new friends is awesome" said Justin Lowans who plays Drew Boley

"I really loved the rehearsal process for this. Singing songs from the 80's is easy for me" said Keith Shifflett, who plays Lonny.

"Working with people you really like makes every rehearsal a lot of fun! The cast and crew are a blast and you really need that bond and trust to work on such a crazy show" said Denise O'Brien, who plays Regina.

The 80's rock musical posed some unique musical and acting challenges for the cast.

"Taking on the role of Franz takes a lot a faith in becoming a very different character than what I've been used to playing. Getting to let loose as the boyish flamboyant German son of a strict, hard nosed businessman has been a true delight!" said Dustin McQuaid on playing Franz Klinemann.

"Singing those high notes in Journey and Whitesnake songs night after night, all while acting and dancing is a challenge" said Lowans.

"The challenges were all technical, like having the band on stage and getting all of the body mics mixed" said Shiflett.

The cast is excited to share their rocking story with audiences this weekend.

"Rock of Ages is a lot of fun and doesn't take itself too seriously. If you've lived through the 80's you will enjoy this show" said Denise O'Brien, who plays Regina

"I honestly didn't know what to expect! I knew some of the music but it wasn't near and dear to me like others in the cast. I make hip-hop music, so to do a show centered around 80's rock was definitely outside of my usual comfort zone. I asked my mom, who was a hardcore 80s rock fan, about her experiences and what the music meant to her as a teenager to really get a feel for it all" said McQuaid

"Rock of Ages has all of your favorite 80's rock songs, side-splitting comedy, and a timeless, heart-warming love story" said Lowans

"If audiences are looking for a good, fun show with an incredibly talented cast, this is the show to see. Every single cast member is going to knock your socks off in one way or another" said Shifflett

"This cast is incredible, and the show has come to life in ways I could have never imagined. My goal is to have people laughing, dancing in their seats, and having "nothin' but a good time!" said McQuaid

Rock of Ages also features Colt Smith as Dennis Dupree, Eliza Windle as Sherrie, John Glymph as Stacee Jaxx/Father, Holly Legg as Justice/Mother,Larry Marcille as Hertz Klinemann, Alan Harner as Ja'Keith/Mayor, James Miller as Joey Primo, Natasha Fields as Waitress #1/Stripper, Tiffany Leighton as Waitress/Stripper and Caitlin Cutright as Waitress/Stripper.

Rock of Ages runs September 23, 24, 30 and October 1 at 8:00 PM and September 25 and October 2 at 2:30 PM. Rock of Ages is rated R for sexual content and mature language. Tickets are $15 for Friday and Saturday evening shows and $12 for Sunday matinees. Student tickets are $10 for all performances. The Apollo Civic Theatre is located at 128 East Martin Street, Martinsburg, WV, 25402.

Photo Credit: Adam Blackstock/Apollo Civic Theatre

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