ROCK OF AGES - some thoughts

[Insider2]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 11:49am

There are so many people on here shilling for ROCK OF AGES, and my disgust for shills is right up there with Monday mornings, crowded subways, and Sarah Palin.....so I really hesitate to say anything good about this show...but I can't help it. It's a fantastically fun time.

That said, your enjoyment of ROCK OF AGES will be proportional to how well you know and enjoy the jukebox music that makes up the evening. And a few cocktails before (and during) won't hurt either.

I think I read one review that said ROCK OF AGES should suck, but it doesn't. That's exactly how I felt. It has a stupid book, a ridiculous storyline, and jokes that are not all that funny, and yet.......the actors and signers, with one exception, are fantastic and the band is amazing. Couple that with fierce rock concert lighting, and add hit songs by Joan Jett, Styx, Journey and Survivor, etc., expertly performed. Sprinkle with generous servings of booze, and you have a flat out fun night in the theatre.

The only weak link in the cast is really Constantine Maroulis, ironic, since he is probably responsible for selling a good number of tickets. Unfortunately, while he is an adequate musical performer, he can't seem to act his way out of a paper bag. Forunately, this isn't Shakespeare, and his role is not that demanding.

Will Swensen is hysterical, and Kelli Barrett and Michele Mais are both standouts in a nearly uniformly excellent cast.

The book is paper thin. It is really just a clothes line on which the creators have hung a couple of dozen well known, power rock anthems from the '80's and '90's, but it somehow just gels together and works. Kudos to Ethan Popp, musical supervisor/arranger/orchestrator. The way he has blended some of these songs together borders on genius.

Is this going to win a Pulitzer? Of course not.
Is it for the Caroline or Change crowd? Yeah, right.
Is it worth the full $80.50 tickket price? Not on your life.
Is it a ridiculously fun and funky night out with a ticket bought with a discount code and a couple of drinks? Hell yes. My ticket was around thirty bucks, and it was worth every penny.

P.S. - A question - does anyone happen to know why the song list is not included within the program? I assume it has something to do with the grant of rights, but if anyone knows, I'm curious. Thanks.
Updated On: 11/3/08 at 11:49 AM

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 11:56am

Probably to surprise the audience (like how MAMMA MIA! lists the songs in ABC order).

They don't count on people reading the credits page of the Playbill and finding all the songs listed with their copyright info.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 12:37pm

<< There are so many people on here shilling for ROCK OF AGES,>>

I wouldnt say "so many" --- just a few-- I dont shill for any show, but have posted about it, and agree with you totally (
(although, it's funny, because "Caroline Or Change" is my favorite show!!)
that its totally worth seeing at a discount, and it is a great time. Though, I really wish they would do away with serving drinks during the show.

We were there Friday night, and the people in back of us had a few too many, and wouldnt shut up the entire time !!

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 12:45pm

Could someone please list the full cast?

Thanks!

[SillySara]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 12:55pm

I am kind of wondering if you consider me one of the "shills" on the board for this show, as I have posted about it in the love thread for the show ("shill" certainly is the new favorite word on this board, you really can't just talk about a show you enjoy on here without being considered a shill). Regardless, I totally agree that paying full price is a bit much but with a discount code it's a fun night of theatre. Also, while the bartenders coming to your seats is certainly a great idea in theory...I am not a fan of it when they are screaming over the actors on stage, when talking to those ordering drinks.

[Dancin Thru Life]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 1:09pm

"SHILL" has become this year's "LIBERAL" label.

Acceptable only when it's true! HAHA!

[VocalLizzy]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 2:03pm

I'm sure I'm the one being painted with the "shill" brush here, Insider...that is fine, you're allowed your opinion.

Apparently you didn't read what I posted in another thread on opening night of ROA...perhaps you wouldn't be so quick to judge.

To refresh your memory...

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=981814#3697159

Miss Lizzy
Diva Denizen of Dupree's...and NOBODY'S SHILL...

[BlueforBroadway]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 2:27pm

There is basically the one Official RoA Love Thread and fans of the show stay in there for the most part when they want to talk about RoA. I don't see multitudes of threads about the show on this board. I don't consider it 'shilling' to be happy about a fun show and wanting to share with others. Just my opinion.

[Insider2]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 2:39pm

Sheesh. Some people sure have a shillty, I mean guilty concience on the "shill" word. I was not accusing anyone specifically, so relax. You can generally tell exactly who the shills are because they have a "join" date that coincides with their gushing posts. Thus, I don't think I was really talking about any of you who responded here.

There are about three hundred and fifty thousand producers listed in the program of Rock of Ages, and I certainly do not begrudge them whatever marketing tools they have in their arsenals to get butts in seats in this tough economy, and if that includes hiring people to rave about their show on the internet, so be it. That doesn't stop most people from seeing right through it. I've hated shills since I got shilled into paying to see BROOKLYN a zillion years ago and I haven't been shilled since.
Updated On: 11/3/08 at 02:39 PM

[VocalLizzy]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 3:01pm

Thanks for the explanation, Insider2. I've PM'd you in more detail as to keep this from getting all funky publicly.

Yeah, I know...you're expecting me to break into "Kumbaya" next...LOL

Regards,

Miss Lizzy

[TheresaG]

Posted: 11/3/08 at 3:38pm

". . .if that includes hiring people to rave about their show on the internet, so be it."

Now I find this out; that people get money to post here. What am I doing wrong??? Could someone who is doing this please message me and let me know how to get this work?

I liked the show a lot and thought that Maroulis is a fine actor. It's a lot tougher to play the nice guy who is getting taken advantage of than the guy who is so over the top. I like the guy who plays Stacee J., but let's face it, it's a role that lends itself to parody and mischief.

Just watch Constantine's expressions in "I Wanna Rock." He tells a story while he sings. And don't forget that look on his face when we see him dressed in the "boy band" outfit. That alone is worth the price of admission.
Updated On: 11/3/08 at 03:38 PM

[srtfan]

Posted: 11/4/08 at 12:38pm

*headbangs with TheresaG* My stipend must be in the mail But Insider2, I feel your pain...I got "shilled", if you will, into seeing "The Perfect Crime". Ugh. However, I've done my share of what I more lovingly refer to as "street teaming" or supporting my favorites over the years. Politely, of course....and have met some really wonderful people along the way.

I want to see "Speed the Plow" as well. Hopefully it'll make it to the doable list soon.