REVIEW: ROCK OF AGES AIN’T NOTHING BUT A GOOD TIME
Rock of Ages is a jukebox musical with an ear-shredding score consisting of a compilation of hits by rockers of the '80s including Pat Benatar, Bon Jovi, Foreigner, Styx, Twisted Sister and, of course, Journey. As part of Curtain Call Performing Arts Company’s Musical Theatre Intensive Program, the large ensemble rocks out over pre-recorded arrangements that remain pretty close to the originals and each cast member has at least one solo number to showcase their efforts. While there are notable issues with the script and the seemingly endless number of mashups, the company succeeds in bringing the nostalgic vibes to the stage to an audience who either lived through the time period or are simply here for the over-the-top camp of it all.
If you can forget the silly plot, where an infamous rock club (run by the chill-dude energy of Maya Cavey’s Dennis Dupree) is threatened with being turned into a strip mall by a greedy real estate developer (a scenery chewing Jacob Rushton), you will also find a romantic triangle between a struggling waitress Sherrie (Claire Cappellani) and her equally struggling musician partner Drew (Kayla Law) and debauched glam rock star Stacee Jaxx who is in desperate need of a PR team (Emilee Gould). Instead, just wait for the less than subtle cues for such instantly recognizable songs as ‘I Wanna Rock,’ ‘Here I Go Again,’ ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot,’ ‘I Can’t Fight This Feeling’ and the show’s finale ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ which turned the politely receptive Thursday audience into a full blown rock concert. The cast relishes in every moment, knowing not to take things too seriously with all the raunchy innuendos and corny self-aware mockery of the 80’s glam-rock period.
Jacob Rushton's vocal direction is no small feat and his capabilities show by taking several songs typically sung by lower registered singers and moderating them for the majority of the cast's naturally higher registers. It doesn't always succeed but when those rock anthem belts and duet harmonies shine through, it's immediately noticeable. One of these notable performers is Claire Cappellani who proves, once again, that she has musical theatre in her soul as the sweet and sassy Sherrie. Her vocals are consistently impressive and many of the show's memorable moments feature her in some capacity. Her standout performance in ‘Harden My Heart’ showcases the immense vocal talent and a playful yet professional understanding of knowing exactly what kind of musical she's in. She holds nothing back. Bravo.
This high energy cast is having nothin' but a good time and if you can tolerate 2.5 hours of nostalgic 80's mashups, you will enjoy this production. Rock of Ages remains an unapologetically cheesy musical that gives off plenty of frivolously fun summer time energy at The Gasworks.
Limited seats available for Saturday’s matinee performance at the time of this review’s publication.
Publicity photography (Images 1-8) by CBZ Productions
Production photography (Images 9- 12) by Kreations Photography
Featuring: Claire Cappellani (Sherrie), Kayla Law (Drew), Emma Clarke (Lonny), Maya Cavey (Dennis Dupree), Emilee Gould (Stacee Jaxx), Scarlett Strongman (Justice and ensemble), Jacob Rushton (Hertz), Ayla Outtrim (Franz), Meg Budan (Regina), Boe Warwick (ensemble), Claire Brdarevic (ensemble), Natalia Gayowsky (ensemble), McKenzie Paterson (ensemble), Ariana Cannon (ensemble), Alice Brown (ensemble) and Kaydence Amyotte (ensemble)
