Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages is a high energy production, with an enthusiastic young cast, that highlights some emerging talent.
Lots of new faces on the production team, with director Kathleen De Casale directing her first musical, and co-director Ashlee Torrens directing her very first show. Musical director Vlad Sturdy makes an impressive debut. Co-choreographer Breht Wilson is also choreographing for the first time

Daniel Ade, whom I don’t believe I have seen before (sorry - the program doesn’t help), is very personable and connects well with the audience as character, come narrator and musical conjuror Lonny, making the role his own. He works well with Tim Bolton, who is a picture-perfect Dennis Dupree.

Young love interests Drew and Sherrie are well inhabited by Matthew Winter and Aleisha Archer (who also co-choreographs), singing well and creating a believable relationship, with Wilton Kerr sliming nicely into the role of Stacee Jaxx.

George O’Doherty was an audience favourite as larger-than-life, off-beat German Franz Kilinemann, working well with Mary Del Casale as Regina, and Phil Bedworth as villain-of-sorts Hertz Kilinemann.

Mirella Renel impresses with a big voice and big hair as Justice Charlier, and it’s a shame that her character doesn’t have more stage time. Jacinta Diamonds provided some awesome pole dancing.

The cast have an obvious camaraderie and work well as a team, with the ensemble playing a myriad of smaller roles. Vocals are solid under the tutelage of John McPherson. The band, visible on stage throughout and very much part of the action, is particularly strong, bringing a strong presence and some rock attitude to the show.

While this show doesn’t appeal to everyone (the audience had thinned after interval) and it doesn’t always hit its mark, Rock of Ages will be loved by fans of 80s music and glam rock

Kimberley Shaw