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Rock of Ages (musical)
Encyclopedia
Rock of Ages is a rock
/jukebox musical
, with a book by Chris D'Arienzo, built around classic rock
hits from the 1980s, especially from the famous glam metal
bands of the decade. The musical features songs from Styx
, Journey
, Bon Jovi
, Pat Benatar
, Twisted Sister
, Steve Perry
, Poison
and Asia
, among other well-known rock bands. It is directed by Kristin Hanggi and choreographed by Kelly Devine with music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Ethan Popp. The show is noted for being more lighthearted and comedic than other shows on Broadway. During performance, the performers frequently break the "fourth wall
", directly addressing the audience and seemingly forgetting (or perhaps reminding the audience) that they are actors in a musical.
hoping to make it big in acting ("Sister Christian"). Drew convinces Dennis to hire Sherrie as a waitress.
German developers, Hertz and his son Franz, convince the city's Mayor to abandon the "sex, drugs and rock-n-roll" lifestyle of the Sunset Strip
and introduce "clean living" into the area, much to the anger of the City Planner, Regina ("We Built This City"). When Dennis learns that part of the plan involves demolishing The Bourbon Room, he believes the club can generate more money by having rock star Stacee Jaxx and his band Arsenal, who recently announced their break-up, perform their last show at The Bourbon ("Too Much Time on My Hands"). He calls Stacee and convinces him to play the band's last show in the club where he began. As Drew struggles to write new lyrics, Sherrie urges him to go after his dreams ("I Wanna Rock"). Regina begins protesting Hertz and Franz's redevelopment plans ("We're Not Gonna Take It").
Later, after arguing with her parents during a phone call, Sherrie begins to discover feelings for Drew, who supports her dream. Also, Drew, auditioning to open for Arsenal, finds the lyrics he's been searching for and realizes that they have come from his feelings for Sherrie ("More Than Words/Heaven/To Be With You"). After obtaining the opening slot for Arsenal, Drew invites Sherrie to have a picnic in the hills overlooking Los Angeles ("Waiting For a Girl Like You"). There, he mistakenly suggests that the two are just friends to calm their nerves, disappointing both of them and ruining the date.
Stacee Jaxx arrives at The Bourbon and gives an interview about his life ("Wanted Dead or Alive"). Sherrie is immediately smitten with him, and believing she means nothing to Drew, has sex with Stacee in the men's room ("I Want To Know What Love Is"). While Stacee and Sherrie are copulating, Drew opens for Stacee and Arsenal, not knowing a record producer is in the audience. After their tryst, Stacee tells Dennis to fire Sherrie before the concert begins. His guitarist realizes what Stacee did and knocks him out. The record producer in the club was impressed with Drew's performance and suggests he take over for Stacee. He then offers Drew a contract, which he accepts. Sherrie seeks comfort from Drew after she is fired, but having seen her go into the men's room with Stacee, he dismisses her ("Come on Feel the Noize"). In the midst of these events, Regina continues her protest ("We're Not Gonna Take It [Reprise]").
An upset and unemployed Sherrie meets Justice Charlier, the owner of the nearby Venus Club which Justice prefers to call a gentleman's club. She relates to Sherrie's story, saying that many of the small-town girls hoping to hit it big in LA end up making a living as strippers. Grudgingly, Sherrie accepts Justice's offer to work in her club ("Harden My Heart/Shadows of the Night"). As the act closes, everyone is alone - Drew, as a new record company star; Sherrie, fending for herself as an exotic dancer; Regina protesting the redevelopment and Dennis, trying to save his club ("Here I Go Again").
. They argue and Sherrie admits that she was crazy about Drew, but didn't make a move because he said they were friends. They part ways more troubled by these new revelations ("High Enough").
A drunken Stacee arrives at the Venus Club and is pleased to see Sherrie. After being forced to give him a lapdance, she beats him up while dancing ("I Hate Myself For Loving You/Heat Of The Moment"). Drew arrives to admit his feelings to her, but becomes angry when he sees the two in a suggestive position and storms off. Justice later tells Drew that as soon as he left, Sherrie punched Stacee in the jaw.
Regina continues her protest against the destruction of the Strip, but yields no success. She convinces Franz to stand up to his father if he does not believe in his father's vision. Franz admits he has his own dream, namely to open a confectioner's store in Germany. He rebels against his father and admits his love for Regina ("Hit Me With Your Best Shot"). Meanwhile, Dennis and Lonny, upset at the loss of The Bourbon Room, hilariously suggest they had feelings for each other ("Can't Fight This Feeling").
Sherrie decides to leave the Venus Club after the scene with Drew, and Justice tells her that she had a similar experience with her first love. Everyone is in turmoil as they attempt move on with their lives ("Every Rose Has Its Thorn"). Franz leaves for Germany and Hertz stands on the balcony of his hotel regretting the hurtful way he treated his son ("Keep on Lovin' You"). Regina arrives and explains to Hertz that Franz doesn't hate him, he just wants his father to support his dream. Hertz later returns the deed to the Bourbon Room to Dennis and invests in Franz's confectionery store.
Drew, now a pizza delivery boy, realizes none of his dreams have come true- he still isn't a rock star, and Sherrie is leaving on a midnight train. Lonny arrives and explains to Drew that his life is so miserable because they are all characters in a musical
and that it was their book writer
who made it so. He then tells Drew that if he wants a happy ending it's up to him to get the girl. Through this revelation Drew realizes that he doesn't need fame to make him happy, only Sherrie ("Oh Sherrie"). He reaches her at the train station in time and they realize their love has survived all their trials and reconcile ("The Search Is Over").
In the epilogue, The Bourbon Room is spared demolition and washed-up Stacee Jaxx, who has been charged with statutory rape
, flees to Uruguay
("Renegade"). Franz opens his confectionery store in Germany and has a long distance relationship with Regina, who becomes the new mayor of West Hollywood. Dennis passes away, and Sherrie and Drew move to Glendale
and start a family. Lonny notes that on The Strip
, sometimes the dreams you come in with aren't always the dreams you leave with, but they still rock ("Don't Stop Believin'").
(Legally Blonde
) played the role of Sherrie in this early production.
run began at New World Stages in New York City on October 16, 2008 and ran through January 4, 2009, featuring Constantine Maroulis
, Paul Schoeffler
and Will Swenson
in the cast.
at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre
with previews beginning March 20, 2009, and officially opening on April 7, 2009. The Broadway production temporarily closed on January 9, 2011 and moved to the Helen Hayes Theatre
on March 24, 2011.
The show's band has significant stage time compared to other musicals' bands and orchestras. The band was dressed in typical metal heads costumes as Stacee's back up band and they are always on stage. The drummer was placed inside a cage that jokingly said "Please don't feed the drummer". One of the guitarists in the stage band, Joel Hoekstra, is a member of Night Ranger
(Sister Christian is performed in the show) and Trans Siberian Orchestra. Another guitarist Tommy Kessler
is also a member of the band Blondie
.
, Ontario
, Canada, with the official opening on May 11, 2010. The cast included Elicia MacKenzie
as Sherrie and Aaron Walpole
as Lonny. The show closed with its final performance Sunday January 2, 2011.
, Illinois
on September 21, 2010 and wrapped at the National Theater in Washington, D.C.
on July 24, 2011. The tour visited sixty additional venues. Tour stops included: Indianapolis
, Cincinnati, Orlando
, Fort Lauderdale. Constantine Maroulis
reprised the role of Drew for the tour.
on August 31, 2011 at the Shaftesbury Theatre
. Opening night took place on September 27, 2011. Amy Pemberton and Oliver Tompsett
play the show's young lovers, Midwestern transplant Sherrie and wannabe rocker Drew. Celebrities Justin Lee Collins
and Shayne Ward
star as Dennis DuPree and Stacee Jaxx respectively. The cast also features Simon Lipkin (Lonny), Rohan Tickell (Hertz), Rachel McFarlane (Justice/Mother), Jodie Jacobs (Regina/Candi) and Sandy Moffat (Franz), as well as Nathan Amzi, Natalie Andreou, Grant Anthony, Carly Mercedes Dyer, Cordelia Farnworth, Ian McIntosh, Twinnie-Lee Moore, Jamie Muscato, Andrew Spillett, Zizi Strallen, Amy Thornton and Dylan Turner.
Cast includes Dominique Scott as Drew, Shannon Mullen as Sherrie, Justin Colombo as Lonny, Matt Nolan
as Stacee Jaxx/Father, Matt Ban as Dennis DuPree, Amma Osei as Justice/Mother, Stephen Michael Kane as Franz, Phillip Peterson as Hertz, and Katie Postotnik as Regina. The ensemble includes: Chris Sams, Joey Elrose, Wesley Faucher, Lisa Finegold, Tymisha "tush" Harris, Alyssa Herrera, Patrick Joyce, and Danny McHugh.
and New Line Cinema
. The film is to be directed by Adam Shankman
and was originally expected to begin production in the summer of 2010, but will now start shooting in May 2011, for a June 1, 2012 release in theaters.
It has been confirmed that Constantine Maroulis will make an appearance in the film.
Joel Hoekstra will also make an appearance.
It was confirmed on April 13, 2011 that Amy Adams would not have a part. Anne Hathaway
is also rumored to cameo as the reporter who interviews Stacee Jaxx during the song "Wanted Dead or Alive".
Notable Broadway Replacements
Act II
+ not on Broadway Original Cast Recording
The song "Rock of Ages" by Def Leppard
is not in the musical because Universal Music Group did not allow the producers to get licenses for their songs. However, the original is often played after the curtain call.
, Best Direction of a Musical for Kristin Hanggi
, Best Costume Design for Gregory Gale
and Best Sound Design for Peter Hylenski, but did not win any. It also received two Drama League nominations: Distinguished Production of a Musical and Distinguished Performance for Constantine Maroulis
, as well as two Outer Critics Circle Award
nominations for Outstanding New Broadway Musical and Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical for Wesley Taylor In June 2009, The Boulevard Magazine
featured Rock of Ages as their June - July 2009 Cover with inside features on Constantine Maroulis
and Director Kristin Hanggi
On July 1, 2009, after a matinee performance of Rock of Ages, the cast set a new Guinness World Record for the Largest Air Guitar
Ensemble. A total of 810 participants, including audience members and fans, shattered the previous record of 440 people playing air guitar
simultaneously.
In March 2010, while starring as Drew in the Broadway production, Constantine Maroulis
received the honor of being immortalized in a caricature at Sardi's
, taking his place alongside other Broadway luminaries similarly honored at the legendary New York City establishment.
In June 2010, Rock of Ages Toronto won the TAPA's Audience Choice Award for Outstanding Production in the 31st Annual Dora Mavor Moore Awards for the 2009/2010 season.
) to the best on Broadway. Many of the categories that used for the awards were also puns of songs from Rock of Ages itself.
The winners were:
One more award was presented to Bret Michaels
of the band Poison
in jest of his infamous injury at the 2009 Tony Awards, where after he was finished performing with the cast of Rock of Ages, a descending set piece knocked him down and broke his nose.
Rock musical
A rock musical is a musical theatre work with rock music. The genre of rock musical may overlap somewhat with album musicals, concept albums and song cycles, as they sometimes tell a story through the rock music, and some album musicals and concept albums become rock musicals...
/jukebox musical
Jukebox musical
A jukebox musical is a stage or film musical that uses previously released popular songs as its musical score. Usually the songs have in common a connection with a particular popular musician or group — either because they were written by, or for, the artists in question, or were at least...
, with a book by Chris D'Arienzo, built around classic rock
Classic rock
Classic rock is a radio format which developed from the album-oriented rock format in the early 1980s. In the United States, the classic rock format features music ranging generally from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, primarily focusing on the hard rock genre that peaked in popularity in the...
hits from the 1980s, especially from the famous glam metal
Glam metal
Glam metal is a subgenre of hard rock and heavy metal that arose in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United States, particularly on the Los Angeles Sunset Strip music scene...
bands of the decade. The musical features songs from Styx
Styx (band)
Styx is an American rock band that became famous for its albums from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Chicago band is known for melding the style of prog-rock with the power of hard rock guitar, strong ballads, and elements of American musical theater....
, Journey
Journey (band)
Journey is an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco by former members of Santana. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between the 1978 and 1987, after which it temporarily disbanded...
, Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi is an American rock band from Sayreville, New Jersey. Formed in 1983, Bon Jovi consists of lead singer and namesake Jon Bon Jovi , guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, as well as current bassist Hugh McDonald...
, Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar is an American singer and four-time Grammy winner. She had considerable commercial success particularly in the United States...
, Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister is an American heavy metal band from Long Island. Musically, the band implements elements of traditional heavy metal bands such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, along with a style that is similar to early glam metal bands...
, Steve Perry
Steve Perry (musician)
Stephen Ray "Steve" Perry is an American singer and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Journey from 1977–1987 and 1995–1998. Perry had a successful solo career throughout the late 1980s and early '90s.Perry's voice has garnered acclaim from musical peers and music...
, Poison
Poison (band)
Poison is an American glam metal band that achieved great success in the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. To date, Poison has sold over 30 million records worldwide and have sold 15 million records in the United States alone. The band has also charted ten singles to the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100,...
and Asia
Asia (band)
Asia are an English rock group formed in 1981. The band was labelled a supergroup as it included former members of several veteran progressive rock bands, namely John Wetton , Geoff Downes , Steve Howe and Carl Palmer Asia are an English rock group formed in 1981. The band was labelled a...
, among other well-known rock bands. It is directed by Kristin Hanggi and choreographed by Kelly Devine with music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Ethan Popp. The show is noted for being more lighthearted and comedic than other shows on Broadway. During performance, the performers frequently break the "fourth wall
Fourth wall
The fourth wall is the imaginary "wall" at the front of the stage in a traditional three-walled box set in a proscenium theatre, through which the audience sees the action in the world of the play...
", directly addressing the audience and seemingly forgetting (or perhaps reminding the audience) that they are actors in a musical.
Act I
Lonny Barnett, who serves as the show's narrator, sets up the story: In 1987, an aspiring rocker named Drew Boley works as a busboy in the Hollywood bar/club called The Bourbon Room, owned by Dennis Dupree ("Just Like Paradise/Nothing But A Good Time"). He falls instantly for a girl, Sherrie Christian, who just arrived from KansasKansas
Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
hoping to make it big in acting ("Sister Christian"). Drew convinces Dennis to hire Sherrie as a waitress.
German developers, Hertz and his son Franz, convince the city's Mayor to abandon the "sex, drugs and rock-n-roll" lifestyle of the Sunset Strip
Sunset Strip
The Sunset Strip is the name given to the mile-and-a-half stretch of Sunset Boulevard that passes through West Hollywood, California. It extends from West Hollywood's eastern border with Hollywood at Harper Avenue, to its western border with Beverly Hills at Sierra Drive...
and introduce "clean living" into the area, much to the anger of the City Planner, Regina ("We Built This City"). When Dennis learns that part of the plan involves demolishing The Bourbon Room, he believes the club can generate more money by having rock star Stacee Jaxx and his band Arsenal, who recently announced their break-up, perform their last show at The Bourbon ("Too Much Time on My Hands"). He calls Stacee and convinces him to play the band's last show in the club where he began. As Drew struggles to write new lyrics, Sherrie urges him to go after his dreams ("I Wanna Rock"). Regina begins protesting Hertz and Franz's redevelopment plans ("We're Not Gonna Take It").
Later, after arguing with her parents during a phone call, Sherrie begins to discover feelings for Drew, who supports her dream. Also, Drew, auditioning to open for Arsenal, finds the lyrics he's been searching for and realizes that they have come from his feelings for Sherrie ("More Than Words/Heaven/To Be With You"). After obtaining the opening slot for Arsenal, Drew invites Sherrie to have a picnic in the hills overlooking Los Angeles ("Waiting For a Girl Like You"). There, he mistakenly suggests that the two are just friends to calm their nerves, disappointing both of them and ruining the date.
Stacee Jaxx arrives at The Bourbon and gives an interview about his life ("Wanted Dead or Alive"). Sherrie is immediately smitten with him, and believing she means nothing to Drew, has sex with Stacee in the men's room ("I Want To Know What Love Is"). While Stacee and Sherrie are copulating, Drew opens for Stacee and Arsenal, not knowing a record producer is in the audience. After their tryst, Stacee tells Dennis to fire Sherrie before the concert begins. His guitarist realizes what Stacee did and knocks him out. The record producer in the club was impressed with Drew's performance and suggests he take over for Stacee. He then offers Drew a contract, which he accepts. Sherrie seeks comfort from Drew after she is fired, but having seen her go into the men's room with Stacee, he dismisses her ("Come on Feel the Noize"). In the midst of these events, Regina continues her protest ("We're Not Gonna Take It [Reprise]").
An upset and unemployed Sherrie meets Justice Charlier, the owner of the nearby Venus Club which Justice prefers to call a gentleman's club. She relates to Sherrie's story, saying that many of the small-town girls hoping to hit it big in LA end up making a living as strippers. Grudgingly, Sherrie accepts Justice's offer to work in her club ("Harden My Heart/Shadows of the Night"). As the act closes, everyone is alone - Drew, as a new record company star; Sherrie, fending for herself as an exotic dancer; Regina protesting the redevelopment and Dennis, trying to save his club ("Here I Go Again").
Act II
Hertz and Franz begin demolition on the Sunset Strip, alienating them from each other as Franz falls for Regina and sees "the error of their ways". Dennis and Lonny join the fight with little success ("The Final Countdown"). Drew's rocker image is upsetting the record producer, and Sherrie is learning how things work at the Venus Club ("Any Way You Want It/I Wanna Rock [Reprise]"). When they meet on the street, Sherrie is embarrassed about her job and Drew is upset that his record company is attempting to reshape him into part of a boy bandBoy band
A boy band is loosely defined as a popular music act consisting of only male singers. The members are expected to dance as well as sing, usually giving highly choreographed performances. More often than not, boy band members do not play musical instruments, either in recording sessions or on...
. They argue and Sherrie admits that she was crazy about Drew, but didn't make a move because he said they were friends. They part ways more troubled by these new revelations ("High Enough").
A drunken Stacee arrives at the Venus Club and is pleased to see Sherrie. After being forced to give him a lapdance, she beats him up while dancing ("I Hate Myself For Loving You/Heat Of The Moment"). Drew arrives to admit his feelings to her, but becomes angry when he sees the two in a suggestive position and storms off. Justice later tells Drew that as soon as he left, Sherrie punched Stacee in the jaw.
Regina continues her protest against the destruction of the Strip, but yields no success. She convinces Franz to stand up to his father if he does not believe in his father's vision. Franz admits he has his own dream, namely to open a confectioner's store in Germany. He rebels against his father and admits his love for Regina ("Hit Me With Your Best Shot"). Meanwhile, Dennis and Lonny, upset at the loss of The Bourbon Room, hilariously suggest they had feelings for each other ("Can't Fight This Feeling").
Sherrie decides to leave the Venus Club after the scene with Drew, and Justice tells her that she had a similar experience with her first love. Everyone is in turmoil as they attempt move on with their lives ("Every Rose Has Its Thorn"). Franz leaves for Germany and Hertz stands on the balcony of his hotel regretting the hurtful way he treated his son ("Keep on Lovin' You"). Regina arrives and explains to Hertz that Franz doesn't hate him, he just wants his father to support his dream. Hertz later returns the deed to the Bourbon Room to Dennis and invests in Franz's confectionery store.
Drew, now a pizza delivery boy, realizes none of his dreams have come true- he still isn't a rock star, and Sherrie is leaving on a midnight train. Lonny arrives and explains to Drew that his life is so miserable because they are all characters in a musical
Musical
Musical is the adjective form of music. It may also refer to:*MusicAL: Albanian Television channel which broadcasts Albanian folk music*Musical artist*Musical composer...
and that it was their book writer
Libretto
A libretto is the text used in an extended musical work such as an opera, operetta, masque, oratorio, cantata, or musical. The term "libretto" is also sometimes used to refer to the text of major liturgical works, such as mass, requiem, and sacred cantata, or even the story line of a...
who made it so. He then tells Drew that if he wants a happy ending it's up to him to get the girl. Through this revelation Drew realizes that he doesn't need fame to make him happy, only Sherrie ("Oh Sherrie"). He reaches her at the train station in time and they realize their love has survived all their trials and reconcile ("The Search Is Over").
In the epilogue, The Bourbon Room is spared demolition and washed-up Stacee Jaxx, who has been charged with statutory rape
Statutory rape
The phrase statutory rape is a term used in some legal jurisdictions to describe sexual activities where one participant is below the age required to legally consent to the behavior...
, flees to Uruguay
Uruguay
Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
("Renegade"). Franz opens his confectionery store in Germany and has a long distance relationship with Regina, who becomes the new mayor of West Hollywood. Dennis passes away, and Sherrie and Drew move to Glendale
Glendale, California
Glendale is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2010 Census, the city population is 191,719, down from 194,973 at the 2000 census. making it the third largest city in Los Angeles County and the 22nd largest city in the state of California...
and start a family. Lonny notes that on The Strip
Sunset Strip
The Sunset Strip is the name given to the mile-and-a-half stretch of Sunset Boulevard that passes through West Hollywood, California. It extends from West Hollywood's eastern border with Hollywood at Harper Avenue, to its western border with Beverly Hills at Sierra Drive...
, sometimes the dreams you come in with aren't always the dreams you leave with, but they still rock ("Don't Stop Believin'").
Los Angeles (2006)
The musical premiered in Los Angeles at The Vanguard Hollywood in January 2006 where it played for six weeks. Laura Bell BundyLaura Bell Bundy
Laura Ashley Bell Bundy is an American actress and singer who has performed in a number of Broadway roles, both starring and supporting, as well as in television and film. Her best known Broadway roles are the original Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray and the original Elle Woods in the musical...
(Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde (musical)
Legally Blonde is a musical with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin and book by Heather Hach. The story is based on the novel Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film of the same name. It tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to...
) played the role of Sherrie in this early production.
| Character | Original LA Cast |
|---|---|
| Drew Dillenbeck | James Snyder |
| Sherrie Christian | Laura Bell Bundy Laura Bell Bundy Laura Ashley Bell Bundy is an American actress and singer who has performed in a number of Broadway roles, both starring and supporting, as well as in television and film. Her best known Broadway roles are the original Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray and the original Elle Woods in the musical... |
| Lonny Barnett | Dan Finnerty Dan Finnerty -Early and personal life:Finnerty was born in Rochester, New York, but grew up in the small town of Bath, New York and attended Emerson College in Boston. He was a member of the hit off-Broadway show Stomp in New York City. On August 8, 1995, he married actress Kathy Najimy. Gloria Steinem... |
| Stacee Jaxx | Chris Hardwick Chris Hardwick Christopher Ryan "Chris" Hardwick is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, musician, podcaster, television personality, and voice artist... |
| Dennis Dupree | Kyle Gass Kyle Gass Kyle Richard Gass , also known as KG or Kage, is an American rock musician, singer-songwriter and actor. He is a member of the bands Tenacious D and Trainwreck. In Tenacious D , Gass plays lead guitar and sings backup vocals, and also plays the role of Black's comic foil in most of their comedy... |
| Franz Klinemann | Tom Lenk Tom Lenk Thomas Loren "Tom" Lenk is an American stage and television actor best known for his recurring role as Andrew Wells in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel.-Early life:... |
| Regina McKaig | Patty Wortham |
| Justice Charlier | Michele Mais |
| Mayor | Jeremy Rabb |
| Hertz Klinemann | David Holladay |
Off-Broadway (2008-09)
The Off-BroadwayOff-Broadway
Off-Broadway theater is a term for a professional venue in New York City with a seating capacity between 100 and 499, and for a specific production of a play, musical or revue that appears in such a venue, and which adheres to related trade union and other contracts...
run began at New World Stages in New York City on October 16, 2008 and ran through January 4, 2009, featuring Constantine Maroulis
Constantine Maroulis
Constantine James Maroulis is an American rock singer, actor, and writer from Wyckoff, New Jersey. He was the sixth-place finalist on the fourth season of the reality television series American Idol, and lead vocalist of the hard rock band Pray for the Soul of Betty...
, Paul Schoeffler
Paul Schoeffler
For the operatic baritone, see Paul Schöffler.Paul Schoeffler is a Canadian stage, film, television and voice actor.-Biography:...
and Will Swenson
Will Swenson
William Swenson is an American actor, writer and film director best known for his work in musical theatre. He also has developed a film career, primarily in Mormon cinema...
in the cast.
Broadway (2009-)
The production transferred to BroadwayBroadway theatre
Broadway theatre, commonly called simply Broadway, refers to theatrical performances presented in one of the 40 professional theatres with 500 or more seats located in the Theatre District centered along Broadway, and in Lincoln Center, in Manhattan in New York City...
at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre
Brooks Atkinson Theatre
The Brooks Atkinson Theatre is a Broadway theater located at 256 West 47th Street in Manhattan.Designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp, it was constructed as the Mansfield Theatre by the Chanin brothers in 1926. After 1933, the theatre fell into relative disuse until 1945, when Michael Myerberg...
with previews beginning March 20, 2009, and officially opening on April 7, 2009. The Broadway production temporarily closed on January 9, 2011 and moved to the Helen Hayes Theatre
Helen Hayes Theatre
Helen Hayes Theatre with 597 seats is the smallest Broadway theatre and is located at 240 West 44th Street in midtown-Manhattan....
on March 24, 2011.
The show's band has significant stage time compared to other musicals' bands and orchestras. The band was dressed in typical metal heads costumes as Stacee's back up band and they are always on stage. The drummer was placed inside a cage that jokingly said "Please don't feed the drummer". One of the guitarists in the stage band, Joel Hoekstra, is a member of Night Ranger
Night Ranger
Night Ranger is an American rock band from San Francisco that gained popularity during the 1980s with a series of albums and singles. The band's first five albums sold more than 10 million copies worldwide...
(Sister Christian is performed in the show) and Trans Siberian Orchestra. Another guitarist Tommy Kessler
Tommy Kessler
Tommy Kessler is American guitar player currently in the new wave/rock band, Blondie. He joined the band in April 2010, replacing guitarist Paul Carbonara who had left Blondie to pursue other projects. When not touring with Blondie, he performs as a guitarist in the fictional 1980's Rock Band...
is also a member of the band Blondie
Blondie (band)
Blondie is an American rock band, founded by singer Deborah Harry and guitarist Chris Stein. The band was a pioneer in the early American New Wave and punk scenes of the mid-1970s...
.
Toronto (2010-2011)
The musical held an open call in October 2009 looking for fresh new faces. In December 2009 the cast was selected and quickly rehearsed for a performance on City TV's New Year's Eve Special. Previews began on April 20, 2010 at The Royal Alexandra Theater TorontoToronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, Canada, with the official opening on May 11, 2010. The cast included Elicia MacKenzie
Elicia MacKenzie
Elicia MacKenzie is a Canadian musical theatre actor who won the 2008 CBC television contest How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?....
as Sherrie and Aaron Walpole
Aaron Walpole
Aaron Walpole was the third-place finisher in the third season of Canadian Idol. Born in London, Ontario on March 7, 1979, Walpole currently resides in St. Thomas, Ontario...
as Lonny. The show closed with its final performance Sunday January 2, 2011.
1st National US tour (2010-2011)
The US tour began at The Bank of America Theatre in ChicagoChicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
, Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
on September 21, 2010 and wrapped at the National Theater in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
on July 24, 2011. The tour visited sixty additional venues. Tour stops included: Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
, Cincinnati, Orlando
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
, Fort Lauderdale. Constantine Maroulis
Constantine Maroulis
Constantine James Maroulis is an American rock singer, actor, and writer from Wyckoff, New Jersey. He was the sixth-place finalist on the fourth season of the reality television series American Idol, and lead vocalist of the hard rock band Pray for the Soul of Betty...
reprised the role of Drew for the tour.
Melbourne, Australia (2011-)
The Australian production officially premiered in Melbourne in April 2011 at the Comedy Theatre with previews from March 2011. Justin Burford is playing the role of DrewWest End (2011-)
The UK production premiered in London's West EndWest End theatre
West End theatre is a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London's 'Theatreland', the West End. Along with New York's Broadway theatre, West End theatre is usually considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English speaking...
on August 31, 2011 at the Shaftesbury Theatre
Shaftesbury Theatre
The Shaftesbury Theatre is a West End Theatre, located on Shaftesbury Avenue, in the London Borough of Camden.-History:The theatre was designed for the brothers Walter and Frederick Melville by Bertie Crewe and opened on 26 December 1911 with a production of The Three Musketeers, as the New...
. Opening night took place on September 27, 2011. Amy Pemberton and Oliver Tompsett
Oliver Tompsett
Oliver Tompsett is a British stage actor and singer best known for his portrayal of Fiyero in the West End production of the musical Wicked.- Biography :...
play the show's young lovers, Midwestern transplant Sherrie and wannabe rocker Drew. Celebrities Justin Lee Collins
Justin Lee Collins
Justin Lee Collins, commonly known as JLC, is an award-winning English comedian and television presenter.A Bristolian, he's well known for his strong West Country accent, shaggy appearance and colourful shirts....
and Shayne Ward
Shayne Ward
Shayne Thomas Ward is an English pop singer who rose to fame as the winner of second series of The X Factor. He has sold over 3 million records worldwide and has had number one albums and singles in 9 countries.During The X Factor competition, Ward was mentored by manager Louis Walsh...
star as Dennis DuPree and Stacee Jaxx respectively. The cast also features Simon Lipkin (Lonny), Rohan Tickell (Hertz), Rachel McFarlane (Justice/Mother), Jodie Jacobs (Regina/Candi) and Sandy Moffat (Franz), as well as Nathan Amzi, Natalie Andreou, Grant Anthony, Carly Mercedes Dyer, Cordelia Farnworth, Ian McIntosh, Twinnie-Lee Moore, Jamie Muscato, Andrew Spillett, Zizi Strallen, Amy Thornton and Dylan Turner.
2nd National US Tour (2011-)
A second national tour will launch on October 4, 2011 in Providence, Rhode Island, and will contain an entire non-equity cast. See http://www.rockofagesontour.com/ for more details.Cast includes Dominique Scott as Drew, Shannon Mullen as Sherrie, Justin Colombo as Lonny, Matt Nolan
Matt Nolan
Matt Nolan is an American actor and singer and a contestant for the role of "Danny" on the televised Grease: You're the One that I Want! competition. He is playing Danny in the 2010-2011 National Tour of Grease. The 2010-2011 national tour of the new Broadway production of Grease will launch in...
as Stacee Jaxx/Father, Matt Ban as Dennis DuPree, Amma Osei as Justice/Mother, Stephen Michael Kane as Franz, Phillip Peterson as Hertz, and Katie Postotnik as Regina. The ensemble includes: Chris Sams, Joey Elrose, Wesley Faucher, Lisa Finegold, Tymisha "tush" Harris, Alyssa Herrera, Patrick Joyce, and Danny McHugh.
Film (2012)
The film rights have been sold to Warner Bros.Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc., also known as Warner Bros. Pictures or simply Warner Bros. , is an American producer of film and television entertainment.One of the major film studios, it is a subsidiary of Time Warner, with its headquarters in Burbank,...
and New Line Cinema
New Line Cinema
New Line Cinema, often simply referred to as New Line, is an American film studio. It was founded in 1967 by Robert Shaye and Michael Lynne as a film distributor, later becoming an independent film studio. It became a subsidiary of Time Warner in 1996 and was merged with larger sister studio Warner...
. The film is to be directed by Adam Shankman
Adam Shankman
Adam Michael Shankman is an American film director, producer, dancer, actor, and choreographer. He has been a judge on the television program So You Think You Can Dance since Season 3. He began his professional career in musical theater, and was a dancer in music videos for Paula Abdul and Janet...
and was originally expected to begin production in the summer of 2010, but will now start shooting in May 2011, for a June 1, 2012 release in theaters.
It has been confirmed that Constantine Maroulis will make an appearance in the film.
Joel Hoekstra will also make an appearance.
It was confirmed on April 13, 2011 that Amy Adams would not have a part. Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway (actress)
Anne Jacqueline Hathaway is an American actress. After several stage roles, she appeared in the 1999 television series Get Real. She played Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries...
is also rumored to cameo as the reporter who interviews Stacee Jaxx during the song "Wanted Dead or Alive".
| Role | Cast |
|---|---|
| Drew Boley | Diego Boneta |
| Sherrie Christian | Julianne Hough Julianne Hough Julianne Alexandra Hough is an American professional ballroom dancer, country music singer and actress. She is most widely known for being a two-time champion of ABC's Dancing with the Stars. She earned a Creative Arts Primetime Emmy nomination in 2007 for choreography... |
| Lonny | Russell Brand Russell Brand Russell Edward Brand is an English comedian, actor, columnist, singer, author and radio/television presenter.Brand achieved mainstream fame in the UK in 2004 for his role as host of Big Brother spin-off, Big Brother's Big Mouth. His first major film role was in the 2007 film St Trinians... |
| Stacee Jaxx | Tom Cruise Tom Cruise Thomas Cruise Mapother IV , better known as Tom Cruise, is an American film actor and producer. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards and he has won three Golden Globe Awards.... |
| Dennis | Alec Baldwin Alec Baldwin Alexander Rae "Alec" Baldwin III is an American actor who has appeared on film, stage, and television.Baldwin first gained recognition through television for his work in the soap opera Knots Landing in the role of Joshua Rush. He was a cast member for two seasons before his character was killed off... |
| Justice | Mary J. Blige Mary J. Blige Mary Jane Blige is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and occasional actress. She is a recipient of nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards, and has recorded eight multi-platinum albums. She is the only artist with Grammy Award wins in Pop, Rap, Gospel, and R&B. Blige has... |
| Stacee Jaxx's manager | Paul Giamatti Paul Giamatti Paul Edward Valentine Giamatti is an American actor. Giamatti began his career as a supporting actor in several films produced during the 1990s including Private Parts, The Truman Show, Saving Private Ryan, The Negotiator, and Man on the Moon, before earning lead roles in several projects in the... |
| The Mayor | Bryan Cranston Bryan Cranston Bryan Lee Cranston is an American actor, voice actor, writer and director. He is best known for his roles as Hal the father in the Fox situation comedy Malcolm in the Middle, and Walter White in the AMC drama series Breaking Bad, for which he won three consecutive Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama... |
| Mayor's Wife | Catherine Zeta-Jones Catherine Zeta-Jones Catherine Zeta-Jones, CBE, is a British actress. She began her career on stage at an early age. After starring in a number of United Kingdom and United States television films and small roles in films, she came to prominence with roles in Hollywood movies such as the 1998 action film The Mask of... |
| Constance Stack | Malin Ackerman |
Casts of major productions
| Role | Original Broadway Cast | Current Broadway Cast | Original Toronto Cast | First National Tour Cast | Original Australian Cast | Original West End Cast | Second National Tour Cast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drew Boley | Constantine Maroulis Constantine Maroulis Constantine James Maroulis is an American rock singer, actor, and writer from Wyckoff, New Jersey. He was the sixth-place finalist on the fourth season of the reality television series American Idol, and lead vocalist of the hard rock band Pray for the Soul of Betty... |
Dan Domenech | Yvan Pedneault | Constantine Maroulis Constantine Maroulis Constantine James Maroulis is an American rock singer, actor, and writer from Wyckoff, New Jersey. He was the sixth-place finalist on the fourth season of the reality television series American Idol, and lead vocalist of the hard rock band Pray for the Soul of Betty... |
Justin Burford | Oliver Tompsett Oliver Tompsett Oliver Tompsett is a British stage actor and singer best known for his portrayal of Fiyero in the West End production of the musical Wicked.- Biography :... |
Dominique Scott |
| Sherrie Christian | Amy Spanger Amy Spanger -Biography:A graduate of Triton Regional High School in Byfield, Massachusetts, Spanger made her Broadway debut in 1995 in the musical Sunset Boulevard, following a half-year run in the pre-Broadway national tour of Jekyll & Hyde... |
Emily Padgett | Elicia MacKenzie Elicia MacKenzie Elicia MacKenzie is a Canadian musical theatre actor who won the 2008 CBC television contest How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?.... |
Rebecca Faulkenberry | Amy Lehpamer | Amy Pemberton | Shannon Mullen |
| Lonny/Record Company Man | Mitchell Jarvis | Mitchell Jarvis | Aaron Walpole Aaron Walpole Aaron Walpole was the third-place finisher in the third season of Canadian Idol. Born in London, Ontario on March 7, 1979, Walpole currently resides in St. Thomas, Ontario... |
Patrick Lewallen | Brent Hill | Simon Lipkin | Justin Colombo |
| Stacee Jaxx/Sherrie's Father | James Carpinello James Carpinello James Carpinello is an American film, television, and Broadway actor who came to national attention with his appearances in Tori Spelling's VH1 sitcom So NoTORIous. He is also in Rock of Ages.-Broadway productions:... |
Jeremy Woodard | Peter Deiwick | MiG Ayesa Mig Ayesa Miguel Alfonso Ramon Legarda "MiG" Ayesa is an Australian rock vocalist.-Biography:Born in Manila, Philippines and raised in Sydney, Australia, and has three-fourths-Spanish maternal ancestry and fourth-Ilonggo paternal and maternal ancestries. His Spanish ancestry came from Preysler lineage... |
Michael Falzon | Shayne Ward Shayne Ward Shayne Thomas Ward is an English pop singer who rose to fame as the winner of second series of The X Factor. He has sold over 3 million records worldwide and has had number one albums and singles in 9 countries.During The X Factor competition, Ward was mentored by manager Louis Walsh... |
Matt Nolan Matt Nolan Matt Nolan is an American actor and singer and a contestant for the role of "Danny" on the televised Grease: You're the One that I Want! competition. He is playing Danny in the 2010-2011 National Tour of Grease. The 2010-2011 national tour of the new Broadway production of Grease will launch in... |
| Dennis/Record Company Man | Adam Dannheisser | Adam Dannheisser | David W. Keeley | Nick Codero | Anthony Harkin | Justin Lee Collins Justin Lee Collins Justin Lee Collins, commonly known as JLC, is an award-winning English comedian and television presenter.A Bristolian, he's well known for his strong West Country accent, shaggy appearance and colourful shirts.... |
Matt Ban |
| Franz | Wesley Taylor Wesley Taylor Wesley Taylor is an American stage actor and writer, probably best known for his roles in the Broadway musicals Rock of Ages and The Addams Family.- Personal life :... |
Cody Scott Lancaster | Cody Scott Lancaster | Travis Walker | Lincoln Hall | Sandy Moffat | Stephen Kane |
| Regina/Candi | Lauren Molina Lauren Molina Lauren Molina is an American actress, singer, songwriter, and musician. She made her Broadway debut in the critically acclaimed 2005 revival of Sweeney Todd, playing the role of the Johanna. In this production, Molina played the cello onstage. In 2008, she originated the role of Regina/Candi in... |
Josephine Rose Roberts | Josephine Rose Roberts | Casey Tuma | Francine Cain | Jodie Jacobs | Katie Postotnik |
| Justice/Sherrie's Mother | Michele Mais | Michele Mais | Angela Teek | Theresa Stanley | Rachel Dunham | Rachel McFarlane | Amma Osei |
| Hertz | Paul Schoeffler Paul Schoeffler For the operatic baritone, see Paul Schöffler.Paul Schoeffler is a Canadian stage, film, television and voice actor.-Biography:... |
Paul Schoeffler | Victor Young | Bret Tuomi | David Whitney | Rohan Tickell | Phillip Peterson |
Notable Broadway Replacements
- Drew - Joey Taranto, Dan Domenech
- Sherrie – Savannah Wise, Kerry ButlerKerry ButlerKerry Marie Butler is an American actress known primarily for her work in theatre.-Early life and career:...
, Emily Padgett, Rebecca Faulkenberry - Franz – Tom LenkTom LenkThomas Loren "Tom" Lenk is an American stage and television actor best known for his recurring role as Andrew Wells in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel.-Early life:...
, Derek St.Pierre , Cody Scott Lancaster - Stacee Jaxx - Mitchell Jarvis, MiG Ayesa
- Dennis – Dee SniderDee SniderDaniel "Dee" Snider is an American singer-songwriter, screenwriter, radio personality, and actor. Snider is most famous for his role as the frontman of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister...
- Regina - Josephine Rose Roberts
Musical numbers
Act I- "Just Like ParadiseJust Like Paradise"Just Like Paradise" is a 1988 song by American rock singer David Lee Roth. Produced by Roth and guitarist Steve Vai, the song was released as the lead single from Roth's second solo album, 1988's Skyscraper...
/Nothin' but a Good TimeNothin' but a Good Time"Nothin' But a Good Time" is the first single from the second Poison album Open Up and Say...Ahh!. The B-sides are "Livin' For the Minute" and "Look But You Can't Touch"....
" - Lonny & Entire Company - "Sister ChristianSister Christian"Sister Christian" is a power ballad by the hard rock band Night Ranger, which was the second single released on their album Midnight Madness. It was ranked number 32 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 1980s. To this day, it is one of the most popular first dance songs at weddings.-Origin and...
" - Sherrie, Drew, Mother, Father & Company - "Too Much Time on My HandsToo Much Time on My Hands"Too Much Time on My Hands" is the second single release from Styx's 1981 triple-platinum album Paradise Theatre and reached #9 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and #2 on the Top Rock Tracks chart for one week...
/We Built This CityWe Built This City"We Built This City" is the title of a song written by Bernie Taupin, Martin Page, Dennis Lambert, and Peter Wolf, and originally recorded by the American pop rock group Starship and released as its debut single on August 1, 1985....
" - Drew, Dennis, Lonny, Stacee Jaxx, Regina, Franz, Hertz & Company - "I Wanna RockI Wanna Rock"I Wanna Rock" is a song from the album Stay Hungry by American heavy metal band Twisted Sister. In 2009 it was named the 17th VH1 Greatest Hard Rock Songs by VH1...
" - Drew & Company - "We're Not Gonna Take It" - Regina & Ensemble
- "More Than WordsMore Than Words"More Than Words" is a ballad written and originally performed by the rock band Extreme. It is built around acoustic guitar work by Nuno Bettencourt and the vocals of Gary Cherone . Released in 1990 on the album Extreme II: Pornograffiti, the song marked a departure from the funk metal that had...
/HeavenHeaven (Warrant song)Heaven is a song by American glam metal band Warrant. A power ballad, it was released in 1989 as the second single from Warrant's debut album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich...
/To Be with YouTo Be with You"To Be with You" is a song by the American hard rock band Mr. Big. It appears on the album Lean into It. The song charted in 20 plus countries, many of them at number one, such as on the United States Billboard Hot 100...
" - Sherrie, Drew & Company - "Waiting for a Girl Like YouWaiting for a Girl Like You"Waiting for a Girl like You" is a song by British-American rock band Foreigner. The distinctive synthesizer theme was performed by the then-unknown Thomas Dolby.-Chart performance:...
" - Drew, Sherrie - "Wanted Dead or AliveWanted Dead or Alive (Bon Jovi song)-Music Video:The video for the song is black and white and features footage from the band's massive 1986-1987 world tour, including shots from Chicago's UIC Pavilion, Rochester, Minnesota's Mayo Civic Center, Denver, Colorado's McNichols Arena, Pittsburgh, PA F. Pitt Tunnel and Pittsburgh Skyline...
" - Sherrie, Stacee Jaxx & Ensemble - "I Want to Know What Love IsI Want to Know What Love Is"I Want to Know What Love Is" is a 1984 power ballad recorded by the British-American rock band Foreigner. The song hit #1 in both the UK and the U.S. and is the band's biggest hit...
" - Drew, Sherrie, Stacee Jaxx & Ensemble - "Cum On Feel the NoizeCum on Feel the Noize"Cum On Feel the Noize" is a rock song originally released by Slade in 1973.Written by Jim Lea and Noddy Holder and produced by Chas Chandler, "Cum On Feel the Noize" was Slade's fourth number-one single in the UK and their first to enter straight at number one...
/We're Not Gonna Take It (Reprise)" - Drew, Stacee Jaxx & Company - "Harden My HeartHarden My Heart"Harden My Heart" is the most popular single by the rock group Quarterflash, off their Quarterflash album, released in 1981.The song was originally released as a single in early 1980 by Seafood Mama, Quarterflash's predecessor band...
/Shadows of the Night" - Sherrie, Justice, Lonny & Company - "Here I Go AgainHere I Go Again"Here I Go Again" is a #1 hit song recorded by Whitesnake. Originally released on their 1982 album, Saints & Sinners, the song was re-recorded for their eponymous 1987 album Whitesnake. The song was re-recorded yet another time that year in a new "radio-mix" version...
" - Entire Company
Act II
- "The Final CountdownThe Final Countdown (song)"The Final Countdown" is a rock song by the Swedish band Europe released in 1986. Written by Joey Tempest, it was the first single from the band's third studio album which was also named The Final Countdown. It is considered by some to be the band's most recognizable and popular song. The song...
" - Regina, Dennis, Lonny, Franz, Hertz & Ensemble - "Any Way You Want ItAny Way You Want It"Any Way You Want It" is a popular song performed by Journey released on the album Departure as the opening track, as a single in 1980 and was rerecorded with Arnel Pineda and Deen Castronovo for their 2008 album Revelation. The song was written by frontman Steve Perry and guitarist Neal Schon....
/I Wanna RockI Wanna Rock"I Wanna Rock" is a song from the album Stay Hungry by American heavy metal band Twisted Sister. In 2009 it was named the 17th VH1 Greatest Hard Rock Songs by VH1...
(Reprise)" - Drew, Sherrie, Justice, Record Company Men & Ensemble - "High EnoughHigh Enough"High Enough" is a song by American supergroup Damn Yankees from their self titled debut album.It is their most successful single in terms of chart position and sales, rising to #3 on the U.S. Pop chart, the group's first top-ten pop single. It also reached #2 on the U.S. Album Rock Tracks chart....
" - Sherrie, Drew & Company - "I Hate Myself for Loving YouI Hate Myself for Loving You"I Hate Myself for Loving You" is a 1988 song from Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and the first single from the album Up Your Alley. The song reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, Jett's third single to reach the Top 10, but her first since "Crimson and Clover" in 1982...
/Heat of the MomentHeat of the MomentUK 7" single-Chart performance:-Popular culture:* "Heat of the Moment" was repopularized in 2005 when it was featured in the motion pictures The 40-Year-Old Virgin and The Matador....
" - Sherrie, Drew, Stacee Jaxx & Company - "Hit Me with Your Best ShotHit Me with Your Best Shot"Hit Me with Your Best Shot" is a song written by Canadian singer/songwriter Eddie Schwartz and recorded by American singer Pat Benatar in 1979. It was released as the second single from her second album Crimes of Passion, and reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her first top 10 hit...
" - Regina, Franz, Hertz & Ensemble - "Can't Fight This FeelingCan't Fight This Feeling"Can't Fight This Feeling" is a number-one power ballad from REO Speedwagon about a man falling in love with a girl with whom he has been friends for a long time....
" - Dennis, Lonny & Company - "Every Rose Has Its ThornEvery Rose Has Its Thorn"Every Rose Has Its Thorn" is a power ballad by American glam metal band Poison. It was released in 1988 as the third single from Poison's second album Open Up And Say... Ahh!. It is the band's only number-one hit in the U.S., reaching the top spot on Christmas Eve in 1988 for three weeks . It was...
" - Sherrie, Drew, Lonny, Dennis, Justice, Stacee Jaxx, Franz, Hertz & Ensemble - "Keep on Loving You" - Hertz +
- "Oh SherrieOh Sherrie"Oh Sherrie" is a song written by American singer Steve Perry, Randy Goodrum, Craig Krampf, and Bill Cuomo. It was recorded andreleased on Perry's Street Talk album in 1984, his first solo album which he released while still a member of Journey...
" - Drew, Sherrie & Ensemble - "The Search Is OverThe Search Is Over"The Search Is Over" is a 1985 Billboard Hot 100 hit, peaking at #4, originally recorded by Survivor. Former Survivor vocalist and songwriter Jim Peterik told Songfacts: "It wasn't about my life as much as a friend of mine who had a girlfriend - really a play pal throughout their growing up years -...
" - Drew, Sherrie & Company - "Renegade" - Stacee Jaxx and Company +
- "Don't Stop Believin'Don't Stop Believin'"Don't Stop Believin is a popular song by the American rock band Journey, originally released as a single from their 1981 album Escape, which became a #9 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 on its original release. It re-entered the UK Singles Chart in 2009 as a result of increased prominence of digital...
" - Entire Company
+ not on Broadway Original Cast Recording
The song "Rock of Ages" by Def Leppard
Def Leppard
Def Leppard are an English rock band formed in 1977 in Sheffield as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Since 1992, the band have consisted of Joe Elliott , Rick Savage , Rick Allen , Phil Collen , and Vivian Campbell...
is not in the musical because Universal Music Group did not allow the producers to get licenses for their songs. However, the original is often played after the curtain call.
Awards and nominations
The show was nominated for five Tony Awards: Best Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for Constantine MaroulisConstantine Maroulis
Constantine James Maroulis is an American rock singer, actor, and writer from Wyckoff, New Jersey. He was the sixth-place finalist on the fourth season of the reality television series American Idol, and lead vocalist of the hard rock band Pray for the Soul of Betty...
, Best Direction of a Musical for Kristin Hanggi
Kristin Hanggi
Kristin Hanggi is an American theatre director who was nominated for the 2009 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Rock of Ages, her Broadway debut.Hanggi was raised by conservative teachers in Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley, California...
, Best Costume Design for Gregory Gale
Gregory Gale
-Career:Gale is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology and is well known for his character-driven designs. In 2008, Gale was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Costume Design of a Play for his work on Cyrano de Bergerac...
and Best Sound Design for Peter Hylenski, but did not win any. It also received two Drama League nominations: Distinguished Production of a Musical and Distinguished Performance for Constantine Maroulis
Constantine Maroulis
Constantine James Maroulis is an American rock singer, actor, and writer from Wyckoff, New Jersey. He was the sixth-place finalist on the fourth season of the reality television series American Idol, and lead vocalist of the hard rock band Pray for the Soul of Betty...
, as well as two Outer Critics Circle Award
Outer Critics Circle Award
The Outer Critics Circle Awards are presented annually for theatrical achievements both on and Off-Broadway and were begun during the 1949-1950 theater season. The awards are decided upon by theater critics who review for out-of-town newspapers, national publications, and other media outlets...
nominations for Outstanding New Broadway Musical and Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical for Wesley Taylor In June 2009, The Boulevard Magazine
The Boulevard Magazine
The Boulevard is a Long Island/New York City Regional Variety magazine owned by Anton Community Newspapers. Founded in 1985, it was well received as a bi-monthly newspaper inserted into selective weekly newspapers in and around Long Island's famous Gold Coast.-History:The magazine began as a...
featured Rock of Ages as their June - July 2009 Cover with inside features on Constantine Maroulis
Constantine Maroulis
Constantine James Maroulis is an American rock singer, actor, and writer from Wyckoff, New Jersey. He was the sixth-place finalist on the fourth season of the reality television series American Idol, and lead vocalist of the hard rock band Pray for the Soul of Betty...
and Director Kristin Hanggi
Kristin Hanggi
Kristin Hanggi is an American theatre director who was nominated for the 2009 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Rock of Ages, her Broadway debut.Hanggi was raised by conservative teachers in Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley, California...
On July 1, 2009, after a matinee performance of Rock of Ages, the cast set a new Guinness World Record for the Largest Air Guitar
Air guitar
Playing air guitar is a form of dance and movement in which the performer pretends to play rock or heavy metal-style electric guitar, including riffs, solos, etc. Playing an air guitar usually consists of exaggerated strumming and picking motions and is often coupled with loud singing or lip-synching...
Ensemble. A total of 810 participants, including audience members and fans, shattered the previous record of 440 people playing air guitar
Air guitar
Playing air guitar is a form of dance and movement in which the performer pretends to play rock or heavy metal-style electric guitar, including riffs, solos, etc. Playing an air guitar usually consists of exaggerated strumming and picking motions and is often coupled with loud singing or lip-synching...
simultaneously.
In March 2010, while starring as Drew in the Broadway production, Constantine Maroulis
Constantine Maroulis
Constantine James Maroulis is an American rock singer, actor, and writer from Wyckoff, New Jersey. He was the sixth-place finalist on the fourth season of the reality television series American Idol, and lead vocalist of the hard rock band Pray for the Soul of Betty...
received the honor of being immortalized in a caricature at Sardi's
Sardi's
Sardi's is a restaurant in New York City's theater district at 234 West 44th Street in Manhattan. Known for the hundreds of caricatures of show-business celebrities that adorn its walls, Sardi's opened at its current location on March 5, 1927....
, taking his place alongside other Broadway luminaries similarly honored at the legendary New York City establishment.
In June 2010, Rock of Ages Toronto won the TAPA's Audience Choice Award for Outstanding Production in the 31st Annual Dora Mavor Moore Awards for the 2009/2010 season.
Golden Mullet Awards
On October 26, 2009, the show hosted the first ever "Golden Mullet Awards" after the 8pm performance. Billed as "Broadway's fourth biggest night", the show gave out "Golden Mullets" (a mock of the Tony AwardTony Award
The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City. The awards are given for Broadway...
) to the best on Broadway. Many of the categories that used for the awards were also puns of songs from Rock of Ages itself.
The winners were:
- Nothin' But A Kick-Ass Band - Arsenal (Rock of Ages)
- Can't Fight This Feeling to Touch Your Hair - Will SwensonWill SwensonWilliam Swenson is an American actor, writer and film director best known for his work in musical theatre. He also has developed a film career, primarily in Mormon cinema...
(HairHair (musical)Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical is a rock musical with a book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot. A product of the hippie counter-culture and sexual revolution of the 1960s, several of its songs became anthems of the anti-Vietnam War peace movement...
) - Waiting For A Villain Like You - Christopher SieberChristopher SieberChristopher Sieber is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Kevin Burke in Two of a Kind starring Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen and Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical. Christopher studied acting and musical comedy at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City...
(Shrek the MusicalShrek (musical)Shrek the Musical is a musical with music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. It is based on the 2001 DreamWorks film Shrek and William Steig's 1990 book Shrek!. After a tryout in Seattle, the original Broadway production opened in December 2008, and closed after a run of...
) - Cast Most Likely to Dance On a Car in a Whitesnake Video - In the HeightsIn the HeightsIn the Heights is a musical with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. The story explores three days in the characters' lives in the New York City Dominican-American neighborhood of Washington Heights....
- Best "In The Heat of the Moment" Moment - Constantine Maroulis and Kerry Butler (Rock of Ages)
One more award was presented to Bret Michaels
Bret Michaels
Bret Michaels is an American musician, actor, director, screenwriter, producer and reality television personality. He first gained fame as the lead vocalist of the glam metal band Poison. Besides his career as lead singer, he has several solo albums to his credit, as well as one chart single...
of the band Poison
Poison (band)
Poison is an American glam metal band that achieved great success in the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. To date, Poison has sold over 30 million records worldwide and have sold 15 million records in the United States alone. The band has also charted ten singles to the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100,...
in jest of his infamous injury at the 2009 Tony Awards, where after he was finished performing with the cast of Rock of Ages, a descending set piece knocked him down and broke his nose.