I'm Officially a Dreg and Loving It

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 12:21pm

So now that I've actually seen Rock of Ages, I can happily report that it is quite possibly the most fun I've ever had watching a Broadway musical. We attended last Saturday's matinee and Constantine was out, though it didn't really matter to us. The house was PACKED and the audience was the most enthusiastic crowd I've ever seen at a Broadway musical. The show was hilarious and just out-and-out FUN from beginning to end. The in-seat drink service didn't bother me in the least. A couple of times, drinks were served in our row and we weren't distracted by it at all. We accepted it as part of the experience and went with it, happily passing beers down the aisle to other fun-loving folks, banging our heads to the powerfully sung rockin' tunes, and cheering, clapping and waving our faux lighters in appreciation to the enormously talented cast and musicians.

I saw people ranging in ages from children to 60-ish seniors laughing, cheering and applauding wildly for this show (yes, I actually took note of this during the show). And my partner who is from Spain and unfamiliar with over half the songs, joined in the fun despite his reluctance to even see the show. He clapped along and high-fived one of the girls in the cast as she danced alongside his seat in the aisles.

Honestly, I would recommend this show to practically anyone I know who simply loves to kick back and have a good time. I would easily see it again and again. I hope it comes to Chicago and plays the Drury Lane Water Tower, which is the perfect location for this show. Hopefully, they could work out some better marketing and signage than for Xanadu (and better timing).

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 12:34pm

You had psyched yourself into loving this show months ago...I'm not surprised at all by your review.

[AndAllThatJazz22]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 12:36pm

You're not a 'dreg' unless you obsess over ROA and nothing else. I'm glad you had fun at this show, and you have clearly shown us that you are not the stereotypical 'I only post about ROA because it is the best thing under the sun' fan-boy.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 12:37pm

ROCK OF AGES: Hot babes, cold beer

[LadyDramaturg2]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 12:41pm

Mister Matt -- you and me, man.

I tell everyone who asks me about what the show's like: it's FUN from the top to the walking-out music.

I'm glad Broadway has room for it, along with the Sweeney Todds, Les Mis's, and Chicagos.

Oh, is that avatar a picture of you?

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 12:42pm

Great review, but were you a little bored today, MisterMatt? Looking to start a little something, were you? Feeling a little mischievous? Did you really, really have to dredge up the dregs debacle? You couldn't have, say, just told us you loved the show without starting all that dreck again?

Glad you enjoyed the show.
Updated On: 7/28/09 at 12:42 PM

[TalkinLoud]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 12:43pm

I'm thinking that when I get back to NY in the fall, I'm going to give it a shot.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 12:56pm

Though by "psyching myself up" (which actually wasn't the content of my posts, if you read them), I could have just as easily set myself up for a huge disappointment. I have highly anticipated shows before only to be enormously let down. Spring Awakening was a prime example. Hated it.

Updated On: 7/28/09 at 12:56 PM

[BroadwayBound062]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 12:59pm

Glad you like the show. I haven't decided if I want to see it yet...

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 1:05pm

Matt...this is the closest post that anyone has written that has even remotely made me think about seeing ROA. I'm glad you had a good time!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 1:14pm

LadyDT - Yup, that's me having a bit of fun with my partner at EPCOT a few years ago.

ghostlight - Personally, I think "Dregs" should be the moniker for the Rock of Ages fans. Am I deliberately trying to stir anything up? Not really. It was mostly in jest as I only used the word in the title and didn't rehash the old argument in my post.

[Stage Door Sally]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 1:26pm

I loved Rock of Ages and I am somewhat of a theater snob in that I appreciate the more substantial shows as well, and I am picky.

That said, I've been twice, and everyone with me loved it too. AS the opening song says, it's nothing but a good time.

I have gotten to appreciate it even more since buying the CD. It's quite funny as well and captures the show's spirit, with Mitchell Jarvis addressing the "home listener."

Could have been a trifle, but snazzy writing and a talented cast elevate it.

[little_sally]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 2:20pm

I really thought the concept was terrible, and then I saw it and absolutely loved it. I had so much fun, and I can totally see why people keep seeing it over and over again.

[Jersey Girl2]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 2:50pm

>>>>I can happily report that it is quite possibly the most fun I've ever had watching a Broadway musical.

I've been saying that for awhile!!!
Welcome Dreg!

Glad you had fun.

[singalongsong2]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 4:58pm

Glad you enjoyed the show!! I'm seeing it on Sunday. I'm looking forward to it.

[AndAllThatJazz22]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 5:40pm

Was Carol Channing Good? (Sorry, someone sent me this photo and I just could NOT resist!)

[Soliantu]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 8:32pm

a dreg?

[Jane2]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 8:42pm

Matt, now that you're officially a dreg I love you even more! Your review is exactly the experience I had every time I saw the show!

[yay_gerb]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 8:56pm

the more good reviews i see of this show the more i want to see it. i think i might give it a shot next week. glad to hear you liked it! if it's really as fun as everyone says it is then i'm sure i will love it.

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 9:38pm

I actually want to see this show. It looks like a lot of fun. And I admit, I've been watching the mockumentary that Lauren and Mitchell have been doing and it's pretty damn funny.

[Hest882]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 10:00pm

Thanks for the review, Matt. Nice to see another unabashed convert.

[Leia947]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 10:12pm

I thought the show was great fun before the transfer to Broadway. Haven't seen it on B-way yet, but got my tix for Wesley's Taylor's last show on Sept. 13. Looking forward to seeing it again!

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 10:21pm

I felt the exact same way. I thought it was going to be terrible based on the reviews around here - it was an absolute joy! Can't wait to see it again (before Wesley leaves)

[sgv123]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 10:28pm

Thanks for the review.

As for me, I was very nervous going in...and I came out absolutely loving it, and it was so much fun! If you like 80's music definitely give it a shot.

[Jersey Girl2]

Posted: 7/28/09 at 10:35pm

>>>the more good reviews i see of this show the more i want to see it

:)

New code
NYTIX2

$79 - Orchestra & Front Mezzanine
$59 - Mid Mezzanine Rows E-J
Not valid for Friday or Saturday performances.

Updated On: 7/28/09 at 10:35 PM