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‘Rock of Ages’ coming to REH
By LEE CLARK ZUMPE
| Article published on Monday, Jan. 10, 2011 |
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| Rock of Ages, featuring American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis, comes to Ruth Eckerd Hall, Jan. 18-23. |
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CLEARWATER – The Broadway phenomenon “Rock of Ages” lands in Clearwater, with shows scheduled Jan. 18-23, at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road.
Leading the cast is Tony nominee and American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis. Maroulis reprises his acclaimed performance as Drew in the first national tour of the smash-hit musical.
“Rock of Ages” is a rock musical with a book by Chris D'Arienzo. It is constructed around classic rock hits from the 1980s – particularly songs made famous by the leading glam metal bands of the decade.
The action takes place in 1987 on the Sunset Strip. Sherrie, a small town girl, meets wannabe big city rocker Drew Bowie. The two fall in love in one of the most famous rock clubs in the Hollywood – The Bourbon Room. Their romance blossoms against the backdrop of some of the greatest songs of the 1980s.
Meanwhile, a couple of German developers lobby the mayor to take steps to abandon the city’s rock and roll attitude in favor of clean living. The plans include the demolition of the Bourbon Room.
This five-time 2009 Tony Award nominee is an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Poison, Journey, Night Ranger, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Asia and other major musical artists from the era.
“Rock of Ages” captures the spirit of 1980s rock and roll, echoing a generation’s mantra: “Dream big, play it loud and party on.”
Maroulis stars as Drew. He earned a Best Actor Tony Award nomination, Drama League Award nomination, Broadway.com’s Broadway Star of the Year 2009 Award for his performance in “Rock of Ages.” On Broadway, he also has been seen in “The Wedding Singer.” He went on the national tour of “Rent” as Roger and has appeared in other productions and on television’s “American Idol.”
Tapped to play Sherrie is Rebecca Faulkenberry. Originally from Bermuda, she trained at Indiana University. Her theater credits include “Aunt Dan and Lemon” at The Royal Court, “The Shape of Things” at Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, “High School Musical 2” at Fox Theatre), “High School Musical” at Hammersmith Apollo), “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” at West Yorkshire Playhouse and “The Royal Family” and “The Mikado” at Seaside Music Theatre.
Mig Ayesa plays Stacee Jaxx, an accomplished rock star and lead singer of the soon-to-be-disbanded group Arsenal. Born in the Philippines, Ayesa grew up in Australia. He started out pursuing a career as a singer/songwriter but landed an acting role at age 20 that changed the course of his life. In 2005, Ayesa starred as Galileo Figaro in Queen’s hit musical “We Will Rock You.”
Other cast members include Nick Cordero, Patrick Lewallen, Teresa Stanley, Casey Tuma, Bret Tuomi, Angela Brydon, J. Michael Zygo, Joey Calveri, Lindsay Janisse, Sean Jenness, Holly Laurent, Lauralyn McClelland, Rashad Naylor, Josh Sassanella and Erika Shannon.
Among the songs included in the show are “Sister Christian,” “I Wanna Rock,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “The Final Countdown,” and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”
“Rock of Ages” performances will be Tuesday through Saturday, 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Matinees will be Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Tickets range from $42 to $72.
Call 791-7400 or visit www.rutheckerdhall.com.
For more information about the show, visit www.rockofagesmusical.com.
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Article published on Monday, Jan. 10, 2011
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