"Hit me with your best shot!"

September 12, 2017 / Ed Tracy

ROCK OF AGES

What it’s about … a rad, rad narrator leads the way through a late 1980’s love story/survival scenario that unfolds on Sunset Strip where sex, drugs and rock and roll built this city only to have a German developer arrive to tear it down. Rock of Ages is scripted around a blistering score of hard rock and heavy metal hits of the era with more than a fair share of laugh-out-loud zingers. Everybody on stage rocks the house, and some each other, until we’re all caught up in the act.

What’s familiar… If you had your own garage band, served any counter time at Arby’s by day and then wanted to rock and roll all night, well, this one’s about you. And, if your all-time song list includes “Waiting for a Girl Like You”, “Dead or Alive”, “Any Way You Want It” and “Oh, Sherrie” you'll fit right in at The Bourbon Room.

Who stands out …. Nick Druzbanski, in all of his glorious radness as Lonny, rules over the stage action and an exceptionally talented cast led by Russell Mernaugh and Cherry Torres as star-crossed lovers. Adam Michaels(Stacee Jaxx), Tiffany Tatreau(Regina) and Donica Lynn(Justice) all provide powerhouse vocals … Nick Cosgrove(Franz) comes way out of his shell for “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”.

Memorable moments to watch, wait and listen for … the team of Druzbanski and Gene Weygandt(The Bourbon Room's owner Dennis) … steamy dance numbers, breakaway costumes, including a gold and hot pink unitard, a llama, Cupid, an angel, the voice of God, a hilarious railway clerk(Sawyer Smith) and some ingenious staging and projection. The Rock of Ages band, under the direction of Chris Sargent, is on fire all night long.

What’s the takeaway … Rock on! If you are of a certain age, you will be wondering where you were when all this was happening. And that's okay, because there will always be the pulsating score of Rock of Ages to remind you.

Family time or fun time … the search is over. Harden your heart and leave the youngsters at home.

Photo: Brett Beiner

ROCK OF AGES
DRURY LANE OAKBROOK
through October 15 2017
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