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Theater review
Rock of Ages
Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Book by Chris d’Arienzo. Music and lyrics by various writers. Dir. Kristin Hanggi. With ensemble cast. 2hrs 30mins. One intermission.In the ’80s, let’s say you never grew a mullet, squeezed into acid-washed jeans or threw the horns at a Quiet Riot concert. Doesn’t mean that the pop hits of the period didn’t fuse with your hormones and secure an unassailable seat in your pleasure center. That sweet spot is exactly what the insanely fun mixtape musical Rock of Ages relentlessly tickles, with its familiar heavy-metal ballads married to an impish, self-mocking book. Think it’s just a cheap retro goof? Rock of Ages shatters irony with a killer drum solo, then melts the wreckage with a smoking guitar riff.
When it premiered Off Broadway last year, this jokey tuner impressed me as a conventional book musical, albeit one that constantly winked at its contrivances—a Urinetown scored to recycled songs by Journey, Foreigner, Pat Benatar and the like. Kristin Hanggi’s sight-gag-stuffed production, in the transfer to Broadway, is now harder, louder and even more self-aware of its silliness, and the fit is excellent: tribute rock and broad comedy reinforcing one another in perfect proportion.
Constantine Maroulis and Amy Spanger make for button-cute romantic interests, their (relative) innocence a neat foil for the tale’s omnipresent strippers and horndogs. James Carpinello—whose broken ankle nixed him from Xanadu—shows us what we were missing as the supersleazy frontman Stacee Jaxx. And Jarvis Mitchell returns with his shameless Jack Black impression as our spastic narrator, Lonny. Rock of Ages is the Oklahoma! of ’80s metal—and I say that without a jot of irony.—David Cote
See more Theater reviews
Time Out New York / Issue 707 : Apr 16–22, 2009
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"Rock of Ages" is an absolute blast; more fun than a 4-pack of wine coolers! It takes every rock-n'roll cliche and skewers it with a smile; you'll laugh your head off even as you can't stop singing along to all the 80's songs used so cleverly to motor the plot along. While the whole cast rocks, Constantine Maroulis is a particular standout as Drew. He'll steal your heart and rock your socks off with his amazing powerhouse voice. Don't miss it!
This show is fabulous!!!! Constantine's voice will just blow you away!!!! The entire cast rocks!!! The entire show is just so much fun.....I am so addicted to this show!!! I have seen it 20+ times and plan to see it many more!!! Run, don't walk to get tickets to see Rock of Ages......you won't be sorry!!!!
Oops, I forgot to rate it!
Broadway Rocks! Finally! Folks, this show is the most fun you will ever have on Broadway. Beware, though, you might get addicted. Yeah, it's THAT good. Who'd of thunk anyone could present metal Rock favorites within the standards of Broadway and put forth a true artistic achievement? The presentation of these songs is phenomenal as they are brilliantly woven throughout the storyline. Sometimes it only takes one well placed line to evoke very strong memories. Constantine will blow u away!
I loved the songs of the 80's so I had to see "Rock of ages" this week when it opened on Broadway. All I can say is, if you ever had a mixed tape of music from this era, you should LOVE this non-stop party! There is a love story; there are songs you know and love. There are endless surprises in the clever musical 'script' and you will sing along and laugh yourself silly . Leave expectations at the door and let the super-talented cast show you the best time you've ever had on Broadway! Bravo!
I have seen all the videos put out and read all the reviews. Have tickets for the 17th and can.not.wait!!!!! NYC and ROA here I come!!!!!