October 28, 2018
'Rock of Ages' Tenth Anniversary Tour
Clinton Campbell READ TIME: 2 MIN.
One thing can certainly be said about the show "Rock of Ages" - now on its 10th Anniversary Tour at the Bosh Center – it never tries to be anything other than it is. It's brash, it's loud, and it is so very 80s. This jukebox musical is little more than an excuse to indulge in your favorite rock hits from the era.
Set on LA's Sunset Strip, the show follows the love story of a wanna be rocker from Michigan, Drew Boley, and his wane be actress girlfriend from Kansas, Sherrie Christian. There are of course many challenges and mis-communications along the way (as with any good 80s romcom), a narcissistic rock star (Stacee Jaxx), and a pair of German developers that (of course) want to tear down the clubs of the strip for corporate development.
What is really surprising about this production is that the show may have finally found its footing after all these years.
The original Broadway production was just a bit too sincere. It played as if they thought they were telling a really important tale. And in trying to be edgy sometimes became a bit mean – especially in its stereotyping of characters for humor. (The less said about the movie, the better.)
Maybe this GenXer has finally hit the nostalgia phase, but the current tour is just a really good time with a lot of fun music. There is a levity that was missing before. Even the problematic humor, largely gay and German jokes, plays much more good-naturedly than in the original.
But the real stars of this tour are the voices! This show is filled with powerhouse voices from top to bottom led by Anthony Nuccio as Drew. It is really remarkable to think that he is capable of that clarity of tone and power for 7 of 8 shows a week.
The only real issue is with the sound mix and the victim tends to be Katie LaMark as Sherrie. In a jukebox musical full of power singers, she is the one that occasionally disappears in the mix.
In the end, "Rock of Ages" is simply a no nonsense fun night out on the town. Grab a tallboy and settle in.
"'Rock of Ages' Tenth Anniversary Tour" played the Boch Center Wang Theater from October 23-28. The musical United States tour continues through June 2019. For a full list of venues, visit the show's website.
