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Show: Rock of Ages
Society: Centrestage Productions Youth Theatre
Venue: The Point
Credits: Book by Chris D'ArienzoOrchestration and Arrangement by Ethan Popp
Type: Sardines
Author: Meri Mackney
Performance Date: 01/08/2018
Rock of Ages
Meri Mackney | 02 Aug 2018 01:00am
Rock of Ages is a musical set in 1987, which uses an amalgam of songs from the period to tell the story, complete with live band on stage. Against a largely plain background, the stage is set with an upper walkway which stretches around the rear of the stage, above the band, with steps down at stage left. At the back of the stage, in front of the band, is a small dais, with a microphone stand and microphone awaiting the arrival of a singer. The only other stage furniture is the bar of the Bourbon Room, which is manoeuvred smoothly on and off as required. Director Will Ross-Jones makes good use of the two levels and lighting to differentiate the various scenes.
This is an extremely challenging piece for a young cast and, by and large, they met that challenge and earned the standing ovation from the audience at the end.
The plain set is more than made up for by the brightly coloured costumes of the cast, as they spoof the 80s styles, and have clearly been raiding their parents’ old band t-shirts. By the end of the opening number, the audience have settled in for a great night of classic rock.
Our narrator, Lonny, entertainingly played by Hamish Naylor, explains the set up and introduces the ‘star-crossed’ lovers, Sherie and Drew, whose romance plays out against the subplot of development plans for Sunset Strip, which will tear up the neighbourhood and tear down the Bourbon Room. Lonny is a great device for keeping the show moving and the audience following the plot as he pops up to interject throughout. I don’t want to drop any spoilers, so I will simply say, his duet with Bar owner Dennis Dupree (the deep-voiced Jamie Reid) is very funny and very well-played. I also particularly enjoyed the miniature car prop he brought on for the picnic – I’m still trying to work out whether it was intentionally upside down! Either way, it worked!
This was the first night of the show and was subject to the almost inevitable issues of sound balance, the occasional missed lighting cue and a few first night nerves. Initially, it was very difficult to hear the main characters over the exuberant playing of the band and singing of the chorus. However, this was greatly improved as the show went on, although some of the young people have yet to learn the art of singing a soft song with the same power as a rock number.
That said, there are some stand out performances, particularly from Morgan Dunn as Sherie. Morgan has a fabulous voice and also moves well – useful as her character becomes a show dancer part way through – and she gave a confident performance throughout. Patrick Grice as Drew warmed into his role and was engaging as the slightly hapless young wannabee rock star. They were ably supported by Amy Marsden as Justice Charlier, Sherie’s employer at the Venus Club and another excellent and well-controlled singing voice, and the comedy mother and son set of Georgia Sawyer and Isaac Lee, playing the Kleinemanns, the villains of the piece. Isaac clearly revelled in the break out moment, when Franz throws off the restraint of his mother – and more besides – and so did the audience.
Needless to say, the course of true love does not run smooth, and Sherrie is tempted away from Drew by the flashy rock star, Stacee Jaxx (Karcsi Wright) only to be dumped unceremoniously. However, fate relents, and the lovers find their way back together as Anita Bath (Tabitha Reid) succeeds in saving the Strip and the Bourbon Room and the scene is set for a rousing finale of ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’, with the audience now joining in enthusiastically.
All of the action is backed by the 26 strong chorus, many of whom step out to play cameo roles. Particularly standing out for me were the three waitresses in the Bourbon Room (Luci Harris, Grace Warne and Ella Rich) and the agent who tries to turn Drew into a member of a boy band (Ciaran Archer-Scott). However, every one of them earned their place on that stage. They had many dance routines to remember, ably choreographed by Lauren Bonthuys, especially the smaller troupe of girls who formed the dancers at the Venus Club.
The band, led by musical director, Matt Lemon, are integral to the entire piece. Their playing was first rate and they embraced their 80s wigs with aplomb.
Altogether a very entertaining, feel-good evening. The show runs to Saturday 4th August. Catch it if you can.
- : admin
- : 01/08/2018