ROCK OF AGES showing at The Waterfront Playhouse

Directed by Tom Thayer

Review by Emily Berg

If you’ve ever seen a production of the off Broadway hit Rock of Ages, or the 2012 movie version by the same name staring Tom Cruise, or if you’ve seen the poster for that matter you, know what to expect. There’s not a lot coming out of left field when it comes to this rock musical. 

The production running now at The Waterfront Theater is no different and that means it has everything you could want from this classic – tongue-in-cheek humor, sexual innuendo, super high energy musical numbers with classic anthems from the likes of Pat Benatar and Styx and, of course, lots and lots of hair.

What makes the Waterfront’s Rock of Ages stand out is the talent of the cast.

The story centers around Drew and Sherrie, both newly arrived to Hollywood, both with dreams of stardom and both working at The Bourbon Room on Sunset Blvd. Drew is played by Brendan Daugherty who blends Drew’s lack of confidence and obvious talent well. Daugherty’s voice is stunning. He held several notes so long I was surprised he was able to deliver lines afterward. 

Sherrie is played by Sarah McKinney who like so many of her co-stars has a remarkable singing voice but what McKinney also brings to the show is strong acting. Sherrie goes through one of biggest character transformations and McKinney carries the journey in her actions throughout the  show. 

And then of course there’s Stacee Jax, the anti-hero. The rock star that has made it, realized the dream and now has time to ruin it for everyone else. Jax is played by Michael Spaziani who remarkably is able to bring a likability to the character. He’s a charismatic force on stage and so his power over the others, Sherrie in particular, is completely believable.

If you’re not familiar with the musical it’s easy to experience some feminist frustration with the first act. All of the portrayals of women are naive airheads, strippers or both. The one exception is the former Deputy Mayor turned protest organizer, Regina played with subtle power by Talitha McDougall Jones. Even when it comes to Regina the pronunciation of her name reduces her down to a bit of a joke. But just wait. The second act turns the tables with Sherrie in particular rising up and punching back. The wait makes the payoff all the more satisfying. 

Act two is also where we get to meet Justice Charlier or “Mama”, the female proprietor of a gentleman’s club. Mama is played by Olivia White and really you should just see anything she’s in. In an addition to an incredible singing voice she brings a strength to the stage that I’ve now been lucky enough to see in multiple productions.  

There are so many strong performers in this show. Ray West as Lonny, the bartender and narrator keeps the audience on track and engaged while Jack D’Emilio brings a softness to the role of Dennis, owner of The Bourbon Room. Zachary Franchini is a particular standout as Franz. His dance number to Hit Me with Your Best Shot is not to be missed. 

The show runs 2 plus hours, with an intermission where you can take a $5 shot at the on stage bar, but under the direction of artistic director Tom Thayer the program moves quickly and never drags.

The Waterfront’s Rock of Ages is everything you want from it and more. It’s a fun, high-energy show that will have you singing along from your seat and queuing up Journey for the drive home. 

Rock of Ages runs now through December 17 at the Waterfront Playhouse. Tickets are still available at waterfrontplayhouse.org.

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