The Official "Rock of Ages" LOVE Thread- Page 2

[SillySara]

Posted: 10/25/08 at 9:05am

Saw it for the first time last night (the 7pm show) and had an amazing time! I can't even express how much fun the show is! I have not laughed that hard and that often at a show in awhile. Definitely can't wait to go back next month.

Would also like to mention that I was pleasantly surprised to see someone in the show that went to my high school (Wesley Taylor as Franz). We weren't friends by any means since he was a year or two behind me (and it was a big school) but had some mutual friends and remember him from the school's shows. It's great to see someone from my high school making their debut in such a great show!

Also, have to give props where props are due and say that Will Swenson clearly steals the show. Just can't get over how funny and talented he is...and he looks great with his shirt off. And also to Constantine, who pleasantly surprised me. And...okay, I could go on and on about every cast member and how great the show is. But I won't. Ha. I had so much fun!

Rock on. (cheesey, but I had to say it) :)

[SillySara]

Posted: 10/25/08 at 9:07am

double post Updated On: 10/25/08 at 09:07 AM

[SillySara]

Posted: 10/25/08 at 9:07am

triple post...Sorry! I guess I was just overly excited. :) Updated On: 10/25/08 at 09:07 AM

[VocalLizzy]

Posted: 10/25/08 at 10:23am

Nothing wrong with "overly excited", Sara! :)

Went to the 10pm show last night - I have yet to go to a matinee (doing that today though) but I think of all the evening shows, I love the late Friday show the most - people are loose (but not sloppy drunk) and ready to just really let go and have a great time. Singalongs are great when appropriate (chorus to "Wanted Dead or Alive", anyone? ) and this cast just embraces the audience as much as we embrace them.

As much as people really go bananas for the end of Act II, I think my favorite production number, just that great combination of vocals, choreography and staging, is "Here I Go Again". Vocal performance favorite is still "High Enough" though. Kelli and Constantine's harmonies just soar in a way that I believe is rivaled only by Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades, the song's original vocalists.

Rock on, Metalheads!

Miss Lizzy
Diva Denizen at Dupree's...
Rock of Ages - Nothin' But a GREAT time!

[Jane2]

Posted: 10/25/08 at 10:51am

Silly Sara-so glad you loved the show.


And, like you, I was pleasantly surprised at Constantine's talent. I also love Will in the show, and agree with you that the entire cast is sheer perfection.

Updated On: 12/14/08 at 10:51 AM

[BlueforBroadway]

Posted: 10/25/08 at 3:48pm

I love Here I Go Again, too! Love the dancing.

I also love Every Rose Has It's Thorn.

I like how they weave the story together with the song.

This show is pure joy.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 10/25/08 at 4:06pm

And word on a Cast Recording?

Would love it !!! (as long as they left some of the dialogue in)

[brdwybndCon]

Posted: 10/25/08 at 6:46pm

It's so exciting to hear so many enjoying this show. I get to go to the matinee next Saturday.

Oh, and yes, there is YouTube up of Don't Forget the Lyrics from last night, but don't know if I can post the link here.

Constantine didn't get far, but he sounded amazing and was so funny! He really needs to add "Your Song" to his already extensive repertoire.

How about "ROA RADS" instead of "head" anything? Times like these, wish I lived in NYC.

Miss Lizzy, am I ever gonna get to meet you?

[Tim G]

Posted: 10/25/08 at 7:02pm

The perfect end to a tough week. Hysterical, Two and a half hours of fun. Amazing how they work the 80's songs into the plot. I can't say enough about the cast... Constantine and the others all well matched to their roles.

Need a lift? This is the show for you/ I plan on going again and bringing friends.

[Jane2]

Posted: 10/25/08 at 7:22pm

This is one of those shows that you see again and again.

Updated On: 12/14/08 at 07:22 PM

[GeorgeM]

Posted: 10/25/08 at 9:40pm

All right... so 6 positive reviews... where the hell is the New York Times?

[VocalLizzy]

Posted: 10/26/08 at 9:36am

Okay, I have a few posts to respond to in here...

Testing...I'll see if I can get any word or hints from the producers re: a cast recording and report back. I think if it happens, my guess is it would be on Sh-K-Boom Records. Just a hunch. But I also think that perhaps there could be a challenge financially with rights to the original songs. I'm just spitballing here. :) I would LOVE a recording of High Enough, the rest would be such a bonus. :)

BrdwyBndCon (aka Amy!), I'm sure we'll figure out a show where we'll cross paths. I'll keep you updated on the performances I'm going to (hey, BlueforBroadway, you too!!!!). And 'Metalheads' is a term that usually is used for hard-rock enthusiasts so I think it would be a natural choice but once again, I'll contact the producers and see if they have an idea. My wish, though, would be to co-opt the term "groupies" for us - it is a natural choice given this show.

GeorgeM - There's been MUCH more than 6 positive reviews, but as far as largely-recognized media outlets, yes, 6 is about right. My fear is that the NYT would be one of those that wouldn't "get it" and review it by the same as "traditional" musical theater. That would garner it a negative review and I think the silence from them is actually a positive. Remember what our parents told us - If you can't say anything nice...LOL

I think the best bite from a review (and the producers agree with me as they've included it in an ad in Friday's NYTimes)...

"This show could do for the 80s what 'Mamma Mia' did for Abba."

Which makes me want to sing..."Rock of Ages, here I go again, my my, how can I afford ya?" LOLOL

Miss Lizzy
Diva Denizen at Dupree's


Rock of Ages - Nothin' But a Good Time!

[GeorgeM]

Posted: 10/26/08 at 11:08am

Lizzy, two things I will respond to:

1. I'm on the production staff. And I've heard nada. Course I'm taking some well-earned down time outta town, so I'm kinda out of the loop. After reading Isherwood's article today about seeking escapism in New York theatre, you'd think ROA would be top of the docket, but what? He'd rather go see Beverly Hills Chihuahua. Does that give us confidence in his taste? I'm only hoping when the Times does come that they can't deny the power of all the joy on that stage.

2. A cast album. Yay I cheer for it's possibility, but the likelyhood is almost nil. From what I know it took several years of harassing to get the stage rights to these songs (almost lost one during production!) and unless the show becomes some kind of international fenom (of the Mamma Mia variety) then an album is unlikely.

Anyhoo... it's a joy to see/read the love day to day. And as I'm one to often say...

Circle in the Square is open...

[VocalLizzy]

Posted: 10/26/08 at 7:51pm

GeorgeM, thanks for your take on a few of things...always appreciated to have a voice from behind-the-scenes.

Well, re: Mamma Mia - the show should be so very lucky. In the words of the critic from Time Out New York: "This show could do for the 80's what Mamma Mia did for Abba"

:)

Miss Lizzy
Diva Denizen of Dupree's
Halloween at "Rock of Ages" - Wanted Dead or Alive!

[brdwybndCon]

Posted: 10/26/08 at 11:08pm

If anyone is still interested in reading reviews of the show, I think we have most of the collection here. Mentions of Constantine are highlighted of course, but if you click on the logos, they should take you to the original article.




ROA Reviews

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 10/26/08 at 11:43pm

Merchandise guy said they'll probably go into the studio in December.

Nice to have it preserved, but can't we just get the MONSTER HITS of the 80s album they play in the lobby?

[VocalLizzy]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 12:02am

Yankeefan, I would disagree with your preference of the Monsters of Rock CD for two reasons:

1) Only 8 tracks on that CD are in the show - that means we're missing 22 songs that are in the show as well

2) I love the vocal performances by the cast in this show. Your reasoning makes me think "Oh, so people should then just be happy buying a Four Seasons greatest hits CD in the lobby of Jersey Boys?"

Not trying to be argumentative, Yankee. HONEST!!! :)

Miss Lizzy

Halloween at

Updated On: 10/27/08 at 12:02 AM

[Jane2]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 12:19am

I agree with you Lizzy, and also not to be argumentative, if Yankee fan or anyone else requires those monster hits, I'm sure they're available on cd's or even on itunes and you can download them.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 12:21am

oh, I know exactly where you're coming from. As I said, it would be nice to preserve the music.

However, the producers CAN justify not recording it by saying "well there are dozens of hits albums."

[Mistress_Spouzic]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 1:09am

IF they were just singing the songs as the original artists all do, I would agree. But some of the songs are amazing for the way there overlapped, arranged, etc.

Posted: 10/27/08 at 9:30am

I went home and IMMEDIATELY made my own ROCK OF AGES soundtrack....but if a cast recording comes out..i would get it anyway because of the peformances and the AWESOME mash-ups of 2/3 even 4 songs barreled into one..

i went 3 times already.....going back mid november...

ok...this has replaced XANADU for me.

this is Xanadu with a better score for me.

[Jane2]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 9:42am

Yay taboo, I love that you went home and made your own soundtrack!

I'm hoping they do come out with one, though.

Updated On: 12/14/08 at 09:42 AM

[VocalLizzy]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 10:40am

"I'm hoping they do come out with one, though. I'm going to inquire about it tonight. "

You and me both, Jane2...I'll be 4th row center tonight

And I know that for the mash-ups alone (not naming them as not to spoil the fun) I'd buy a copy. :)

Miss Lizzy
Halloween at "Rock of Ages" - Wanted Dead or Alive!

[BlueforBroadway]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 2:30pm

Oh Lizzy, I was Row D 110 for my first performance and it is the perfect seat. Dead center. Just far enough away to take it all in.

I can't wait to get back to this show. Too bad I can't make it for Halloween, but if the cards fall the right way, I will be there the weekend after.

[VocalLizzy]

Posted: 10/27/08 at 6:18pm

Spoke to someone in the production today via email and a cast recording is currently in the discussion phase. I was able to get no more detail than that out of this person.

But hey, it wasn't a NO, was it? :)

Heading back to the Bourbon Room tonight...

Miss Lizzy
Halloween at "Rock of Ages" - Wanted Dead or Alive!!!!