Rock of Ages

With a well-known show like Rock of Ages expectations are high, but the John X Productions season in Hobart at the Theatre Royal hit the mark. With their usually high standards, under the direction of long-time theatre whizz Ingrid Ganley and with a superb cast including veterans and scintillating newcomers, John X Productions gave Hobart audiences a bang-on rock concert experience. Gangbusters! Great houses and happy smiling audiences – what more would you want, if you have taken the risk to put on a BIG show? The marvellous Scott Farrow (Lonny), Cassie Xintavelonis (Regina), Di Richards (Justice/Mother), John Xintavelonis (Dennis), Andrew Colrain (Hertz) and Robert ‘Disco’ Pill (Franz) are troopers/old hands whose theatre backgrounds helped them to lift and support many and almost every local production. Scott Farrow and John X are a marvellous comedy/musical theatre/serious acting dream team – known for timing, polish and sheer enjoyment of their parts, every time. 

Newbies (sort of) are Emily Dean (Sherrie), Jack Norris (Drew) and many more, including dancers and ensemble, who have grabbed every opportunity to learn and progress to bigger roles. Dean and Norris were lovely – terrific voices and excellent chemistry. Jeremy Matcham (Stacee Jaxx/Father), a real-life rocker taking to the stage for the first time was marvellous. A fabulous dance team, spot-on 80’s costumes by Roz Wren, a striking set realised and constructed by Jon Bowling and scenic artist Bill Dowd, and a driving rock band under the musical direction of Aaron Powell, Rock of Ages rocked! Aaron Powell, Dan Vandermeer, Sam Kearney, Paul Calverley and Kane Hendy were the band, and gave their all for the Rock cause.

So many special moments – duets between Emily Dean and Jack Norris; Emily Dean and Di Richards – beautiful blending of beautiful voices; Jeremy Matchem, Emily Dean and ensemble; and comedy/farce nonsense throughout. The 80’s songs starred: ‘We Built This City’, ‘Waiting for A Girl Like You’, ‘Harden My Heart’, ‘Cum Feel the Noise’. A special treat, the band’s encore song – ‘I Love Rock and Roll’. A fantastic fun show –fast, schmick, silly and clever. Yay!

Merlene Abbott