Rock of Ages - 10/13 Preview and Opening Night - REVIEWS HERE!!!

[VocalLizzy]

Posted: 10/14/08 at 10:56am

It was a press-filled preview night at the New World Stages...the notebooks and PR material-filled envelopes were out in full force for Rock of Ages last night. I have to say, though...the crowd was ROCKING!

It was nice seeing a group of kids in their late teens who had the VIP ticket packages (wearing RofA VIP laminates which really drove home the whole 'feel like a rock star' experience for them, I'm sure) as well as lots of folks who knew what the giveaway lighters were for (no, not to find your reading glasses in your purse to peruse the Playbill....!!!!!).

I'm guessing that the show, if not frozen, is pretty darned close. It moves very quickly now and the cast seems much looser and more comfortable in the roles and performances.

"High Enough" is still my favorite vocal performance of the show - the original recording was a two-male vocal and it is brilliantly recreated in R of A into a duet between the male and female leads. Constantine and Kelli beautifully harmonize on it...I've always loved this song, and now the show has made me love it even more.

Since I don't want to really whip out any more spoilers by describing any more of my fave scenes, I'll just say that a few other highlights for me in the "set list" (that's what the show's web site calls the list of songs in the show) are "Wanted Dead or Alive", "I Can't Fight This Feeling", "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" and "Hit Me With Your Best Shot".

As I've said before, this show is just SO much fun...if you're ready to rock and have a really fun, silly, sweet night out Off-Broadway, then tease up your hair, grab your spandex and ripped denim and come to Rock of Ages!

Miss Lizzy
RofA Groupie and Proud of It!


Rock of Ages - Nothin' But A Good Time!

Updated On: 10/17/08 at 10:56 AM

[bdwaygirl]

Posted: 10/14/08 at 11:07am

Your link didn't work for me.

[VocalLizzy]

Posted: 10/14/08 at 11:51am

Link should work now...I should just make it part of my sig already LOL

Miss Lizzy

[bdwaygirl]

Posted: 10/14/08 at 12:15pm

Thanks.

Does Constantine sing the Journey/Steve Perry songs?

[Jane2]

Posted: 10/14/08 at 1:30pm

girly, all I can say about Constantine is that I hated him from AI. I wasn't even looking forward to seeing him every night at the theater. Guess what! He's GREAT in the show. I never knew he had such a strong and nice sounding voice. AND-he's a nice guy in person, too!

I'm a big Constantine fan now.

[VocalLizzy]

Posted: 10/14/08 at 1:49pm

Jane2, I cannot say I hated Constantine in AI. I liked the fact that he really was one of the first finalists that didn't fit the "squeaky, generic pop star" mold the show has a tend to lean towards. I liked that he was a rocker, a "long hair", and a little rough around the edges.

After seeing him in The Wedding Singer, I realized that he is the "real deal", possessing great acting skills that go along with that terrific voice.

Remember...I'm not a fan of Rock of Ages BECAUSE of him...I went to the reading over a year and a half ago and loved the show. That has made me the uber-fan of the show that I am today.

He's just one very strong part of a wondrously talented cast (and don't forget the band - for example, Joel Hoekstra SHREDS on guitar - a gig that can't be easy as he has to emulate everyone from CC Deville of Poison and Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme to Neal Schon of Journey and Tommy Shaw of Styx from song to song).

With her lighter aloft,

Miss Lizzy

2 days to Rock of Ages Opening Night - YEAH BABY!!!!

Rock of Ages - Nothin' But a GREAT Time!

[joe5]

Posted: 10/14/08 at 1:52pm

I caught the show on Sunday Night. Being a fan of 80's rock music. It struck the right chords with me on a few levels. It was just a fun, silly, and rocking night of theatre. The standout to me was Will Swenson. With his clean shaven face and blonde hair. This man can really rock it out.

So hold those lighters up high. And just enjoy a fun show! joe

[Jane2]

Posted: 10/14/08 at 3:11pm

Yay Joe!

Lizzy, let's not forget Jon Weber, the drummer in the band. He drummed for Hedwig!

[VocalLizzy]

Posted: 10/14/08 at 5:29pm

OMG totally forgot...Broadway actor sighting...Clarke Thorell sitting four seats down from me.

Not an unusual sighting, as he played "Stacee Jaxx" in the show for the reading last year. But fun to see him nonetheless.

Miss Lizzy

Rock of Ages - 2 Days until Opening Night!
Rock of Ages - Nothin' But a Good Time!

[brdwybndCon]

Posted: 10/15/08 at 6:07pm

Great reviews coming in for the show.


Brooklyn Daily Eagle
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=12&id=23762

Rolling Stones
http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/10/15/poison-hair-and-an-american-idol-rock-of-ages-musical-hits-nyc/

And one of the guitarist in the band is Winston Roy. He played in Constantine's band, plays on his CD, and has many other credentials.

Updated On: 10/15/08 at 06:07 PM

[Amneris]

Posted: 10/15/08 at 7:45pm

I saw the show and could not wait to get out of there. Will Swenson stole the show but the entire show is nothing but a pointless, bad headache. The lead actress had a fantastic voice and that is about it. She lacked everything else. I cared more for Lauren Molina then I did for Sheri. Constantine is also fine but has little to work with.

[Jane2]

Posted: 10/15/08 at 10:48pm

Yay for the great reviews! Tonight there were a few people in the business that I know and they gave me the thumbs up, too!

What a cast-Wesley steals the show!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 10/16/08 at 12:07am

Can't wait to see this beast of a show!
I'll be present and accounted for 10.25.
RE: Lighters -- Do they give them out? If so, where?
What are 'items' are available (merch, etc.)?

Best,
- Mike

[mywonderwa11]

Posted: 10/16/08 at 12:14am

A friend and I went to the press night last night. And...we left at intermission. It was just bad.

I felt like I was at an 80's themed Six Flags show. Ew.

[Jane2]

Posted: 10/16/08 at 12:33am

Just a word on people who leave shows-it happens at the best of them.

There were a few people who walked out of Hedwig each night. It wasn't for them, but we all know how great that show was.

There have been walkouts for all kinds of shows, winners and losers.

People walking out of Rock of Ages doesn't phase me. What is going on inside the theater with the audience is what is so uplifting.

Each to his own!

Updated On: 10/16/08 at 12:33 AM

[Mistress_Spouzic]

Posted: 10/16/08 at 1:39am

the audience was loving the show tonight! there are some points in the show where actors on stage sortve play to people they pick out... and i guess the women in the front row were eager because one stood up like she wanted to make out with "lonny" which led to a departure from the scripted lines which are funny to begin with... and another woman grabbed the back of "stacie's" head as he wiggled around on the floor.

[ZiggyCringe]

Posted: 10/16/08 at 4:00am

Have tix for next week, and can't wait. I love this idea, I think it's terrific. I can't wait to see the show.

But, Lizzy, I'm really curious about the economics of this one.

I don't understand how "Rock of Ages" can succeed, even if every critic loves it.

It's a HUGE cast. The salaries must be insane. (Even if the "Idol" guy is getting scale, it's still a HUGE payroll).

"Alter Boyz" has broken even in that space, but it's a small cast, it was a huge hit, and it still took YEARS to recoup.

Listen, any show that uses Pat Benetar songs is worth seeing in my book.

I'm really looking forward.

I just don't understand how they can expect it to make money.

[joe5]

Posted: 10/16/08 at 4:45am

Mike, You can get a lighter on the way to your seat. Just ask one of the cocktail servers. It's a way to order drinks during the show. And to hold up during your favorite rock ballad. Have fun!




Updated On: 10/16/08 at 04:45 AM

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 10/16/08 at 9:44am

For some reason, I have no interest in seeing this at all...I'm not a big Constantine fan...

[Jane2]

Posted: 10/16/08 at 11:23am

I was not a Constantine fan in the least before I saw the show. He's really good in it. But even if you hate him, he's not the only actor with a big part. He's just one of a marvelous cast. There are times when the house is brought down, but Constantine isn't the reason. The other performances are much stronger and more exciting.

But I'd never try to talk anyone into seeing this show if they don't like 80's music, or they don't like silly fun. However, it really would be a shame to miss Wesley Taylor or Will Swenson's work.

[VocalLizzy]

Posted: 10/16/08 at 11:42am

Wesley is SUCH a darling little scene-stealer!

Gosh, tonight's going to be HUGE!

Miss Lizzy

Opening night...TONIGHT!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!
Rock of Ages - Nothin' But an AWESOME Time!

[gbonbw=love]

Posted: 10/16/08 at 11:43am

I saw the show last weekend and I loved it! The whole cast is amazing! Going back next month for more!!!

[Mistress_Spouzic]

Posted: 10/16/08 at 1:37pm

trace- I feel you on not liking Constantine that much. He wasnt that impressive in Wedding Singer, but perhaps because hes original cast here and had more time to work on his character development his performance comes off miles better.

I suppose theyre hoping the VIP experience package will be popular in regards to recouping. Shrug.

[brdwybndCon]

Posted: 10/16/08 at 8:20pm

If anyone is interested, I have 2 tickets for Saturday night, row E. Willing to take a major loss on them. Paid original full price. Just would like to recoup some $$$$.

I was able to upgrade to row A!

[BlueforBroadway]

Posted: 10/16/08 at 9:19pm

Associated Press review

Updated On: 10/16/08 at 09:19 PM