Hit Me With Your Best Shot

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 11/10/14 at 11:21pm

Merman's final Dolly.
LuPone's final Gypsy.
Frankie's first Franz.

These are the momentous nights of theater that come along once or twice a season and I'm dizzy with delight (and jello shots!) that I got to witness his performance tonight.

I actually hadn't been back to ROA since the first preview years ago. I wasn't fond of the show then, but the energy tonight was crazy and the smaller Helen Hayes is a much better fit for the production. Truthfully it's the most fun I've had at the theater in god knows how long.

The power trio of Derek, Caleb and Cody sat front row center- I so, so sadly didn't see Zach anywhere- and the audience went NUTS anytime Frankie entered, exited, twirled, spoke, sang; when the spandex was revealed I feared people would start fainting in the aisles as if Conrad Birdie were destroying the good people of Sweet Apple.

Constantine was out, but I LOVED his understudy who F*CKing rocked out on the score. The narrator and Bourbon room owner were excellent as well, and their number really would have stolen the show had Frankie not been performing.

Highly recommended.

[getatme]

Posted: 11/10/14 at 11:35pm

Justin Sargent is PHENOMENALLY talented, and adorable to boot! Would have loved to see him go on for Clyde in Bonnie & Clyde if only the show had stayed open long enough.

[dave1606]

Posted: 11/11/14 at 3:32pm

I have see Rock of Ages several times, and NOTHING compared to what happened last night. You would have thought Hugh Jackman decided to join the cast.

The audience was definitely out of control. I didn't catch him on Big Brother, but I have to say he is well cast, and makes a great debut as Franz. Its never a role I really gave a second thought (though I was a fan of Cody Scott Lancaster's), but the whole show shifted focus last night to be all about Franz. Frankie added some nice touches to the part. Hit Me with Your Best Shot was outrageous and fun.

The other treat of the evening was seeing Justin Matthew Sargent. Although I did want to catch Constantine (having never seen him) in the role, Justin was truly awesome. His voice was unreal, and he is perfect for the part.

Overall, the show is in decent shape still which is always nice to see in a long running show like RoA.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 11/11/14 at 3:34pm

Constantine was busy drinking on date night.
Consider yourself lucky. Sargent is much, much better in the role.

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 11/11/14 at 3:53pm

I would have DIED to see Caleb and Cody. Derek can fvck himself. Might have to revisit this show for Frankie and his millions of fans.