IT IS OFFICIAL - ROCK OF AGES - BROADWAY, SPRING 2009- Page 2

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 10:37pm

ROCK OF AGES isn't musical theater history in the making. In fact, it's not a very good show at all, script-wise, at least.

ROCK OF AGES, though, is winning because of its distinct personality. It's a self-parody in a way - the narrator confesses that he's no Andrew Lloyd Sondheim. It doesn't want to be serious, or taken seriously; it's more akin, in that way, to MAMMA MIA! than JERSEY BOYS.

In that way, it accomplishes everything it sets out to do: entertain.

The music is fantastic; the orchestrations retain the sound at which it was meant to be played.

The entire cast is game and there are especially strong turns from Will Swenson (who's got a helluva choice ahead of him) and Lauren Molina. Constantine Maroulis has gotten rid of his holier than thou swagger and delivers a very genuine performance.

But the show belongs to Kelli Barrett, in her NYC - and now Broadway debut - who is not only drop dead sexy but a wonderful singer. Actress? Eh, but what a voice (and body) she has.

If ROCK OF AGES is nominated for best musical, I wouldn't be surprised. It's got the IT factor. Will it win? Hell no.

[VocalLizzy]

Posted: 12/19/08 at 9:01am

I have to say that yes, it boils down to one thing..."Rock of Ages" sets out to entertain and leave audiences smiling (or as I like to say "with lighters in the air and a song in their hearts").

And that is something they excel at doing every night. Nothing wrong with that.

:)

Miss Lizzy
Dupree's Broadway-Bound Diva Denizen

[Tom1071]

Posted: 12/19/08 at 9:42am

I remember a time with the Juke Box musical was universally despised on this site.

I saw the show and while I think it's fun I don't think it deserves a Broadway transfer.

Posted: 12/19/08 at 12:25pm

Yankee, I have to say that I personally think the book is good for all the reason you praise the show. I think the smartest thing that writer did was to write a book that didn't overreach the source material (in this case 80's hair metal). Remember it is the book writer that is responsible for all the usage of that music in a seamless way (the hilarious medleys and the way the songs are used as legitimate dialogue, not just characters breaking into a some pop song). I don't think people give the book enough credit... the fact that it doesn't take itself seriously AND tells you it's no "Andrew Lloyd Sondheim" is exactly why it is successful.

Is it Tony winning... probably not, but I would bet the guy who wrote an 80s hair metal musical wasn't thinking about winning a Tony when he wrote this show.