The jukebox musical,
where well known songs are fit into a storyline to create a musical, has become
a popular style of production. Shows like Mamma Mia, All Shook Up, Jersey
Boys and American Idiot have become hits. While these shows have a
well known soundtrack, if the story itself fails to be as good as the music,
then it doesn't work.
Fortunately in the case of Rock of Ages, playing until Sunday at the
Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary, and Edmonton November 6 – 11th, the show is cleverly written, even if it is a little unrealistic, with lots of laugh out loud moments.
Rock of Ages takes place on the legendary Sunset Strip in Los Angeles,
where Sherrie (Shannon Mullen) a small town girl living in a lonely world takes
a midnight train and meets Drew (Dominique Scott) a city boy born and raised in
South Detroit. They fall in love but of course it is never that simple. Throw
in a ruthless German real estate developer, his flamboyant son, protestors, an
arrogant rock star, broken dreams and a path to a joyous and uplifting finale
and you have the show.
The soundtrack of course is the initial draw. 80's arena anthems like Cum On
Feel The Noize, We're Not Gonna Take It, Here I go Again, The Final Countdown, Hit
Me With Your Best Shot and Don't Stop Believing are delivered with
gusto and enthusiasm. You can't help but sing along and clap.
To sum it up, Rock of Ages is pure fun. Much like many of the songs,
there isn't a lot of depth but it is memorable and a guaranteed good time.