Rock Of Ages - at the Comedy Theatre

By Angie Bedford

Rock Of Ages

Rock of Ages is the latest jukebox musical to hit Melbourne, which opened with fantastic energy last weekend after three weeks of previews.

A key selling point to this show is the backlog of 1980s hits. For those of us too young to have really enjoyed the 80s, we're talking more about the rock anthem 80s than the fluoro Girls Just Wanna Have Fun kind of 80s. Think Poison, Journey, dirty tee-shirts, leather and denim.

The narrative doesn't promise to be anymore than the classic ‘girl meets boy meets problem’ plot, however Rock of Ages is wonderfully light-hearted and a lot of fun!

It’s 1987 and we are welcomed by narrator Lonny (Brent Hill) to Hollywood’s Bourbon Room, owned by the psychedelic Dennis Dupree (Anthony Harkin).  Wannabe rock star Drew Bowie (Justin Burford) and aspiring Kansas actress Sherrie (Amy Lehpamer), who work as a busboy and a waitress, set their sights on each other, although this is threatened by the arrival of rock star Stacee Jaxx (Michael Falzon).

Meanwhile, the Sunset Strip, including the Bourbon Room, is under threat from comical German developers looking to clean up the area. Fortunately, city planner Regina (Francine Cain) is willing to lead the fight.

Rock of Ages, like many new musicals, doesn’t shy away from breaking the fourth wall and offering commentary on its genre and theatre in general. Rock of Ages does this particularly well, never letting it disrupt the flow of the story, and it particularly enhances some roles such as the Narrator, and Regina’s obvious doubling as a transsexual stripper, Candi.

The key to the success of this show is the superb cast, a reasonably small team who are brimming with energy and talent.

Justin Burford, in his stage debut, displays tonnes of potential as the endearing Drew. Burford’s voice is perfectly suited to the material, and steals the show on many occasions with his fantastic range. Amy Lehpamer has a big career ahead of her as the gorgeous Sherrie. The gorgeous and statuesque Lehpamer embodied both Sherrie’s naivety and inner vixen. She has a fantastic voice. Burford and Lehpamer make a great stage couple, displaying fantastic rapport, particularly in High Enough and the adorable date scene.

The standout performer of the evening was Brent Hill as Lonny, who delivered a superb characterisation of the Narrator. Hill’s Lonny was the common man, appearing just about everywhere and adapting to every situation, each with new elements of physical comedy, topped by a fantastic voice. It is a remarkably well developed performance so soon into the show’s season; don’t miss seeing him in this show!

Other performers to watch include Francine Cain who excels as the feisty Regina, displaying great comic timing and a fantastic voice, particularly in We’re Not Gonna Take It. Lincoln Hall’s German pretty boy Franz steals just about every scene he is in with well tuned comedy – “I’m not gay, just German!” It was great to see the always strong Michael Falzon back on the Melbourne stage; he is well cast as the sexy rock star Stacee Jaxx who has a strong interest in women and llamas!

A special mention to Samantha Hagen as Waitress #1 who delivered a show stopping solo in Heaven/More Than Words/To Be With You. I loved how possibly the worst named role in the show turned into yet another nod at the conventions of theatre writing.

This story is framed by Beowulf Boritt’s clever set design which comprised of a large and incredibly detailed Bourbon Room set against the Sunset Strip, which easily manoeuvred into other settings. Atop the set are digital screens which are used to good effect throughout the show. Costume design by Gregory Gale is very innovative, incorporating 80s fashion with glitzy rocker wear. Sherrie’s costumes in particular are perfect.

Kristen Hanggi’s Direction uses minimal staging to great effect, letting the comedy do all the work. Kelly Devine’s choreography is well suited to the rock score with a good synergy of musical theatre and rock rebellion. It is well executed by the strong dancers; particularly in I Hate Myself for Loving You. Dave Skelton’s Rock of Ages band, in guise as Stacee Jaxx’s Arsenal, clearly love what they are doing and it’s great to see them on stage as part of the action.

There is no doubt that the huge audiences had a blast, with rapturous applause, lighter waving (cute Rock of Ages imitation lighters!) and singing along encouraged.

Rock of Ages is settling in for what I’m sure will be a long run in Melbourne. Whether you are a Gen X diehard 80s fan or a complete stranger to the genre, you will enjoy this show. Rock of Ages rocks for all ages!

Tickets: www.rockofagesaustralia.com.au