It's only rock 'n' roll but you'll love it
As the lights go up on the opening night of the global smash hit musical Rock of Ages, we find ourselves in the Bourbon Club on the legendary Sunset strip where we are introduced to Sherrie (Jodie Steele) and Drew (Luke Walsh), the central characters of this ‘rock’ love story. After heading to LA in search of fame, they discover like many wannabes beforehand that there is a ‘price to pay’ for stardom and it is not long before they are down on their luck.
The love story plays out amid the backdrop of a fiendish plot to demolish the clubs on the strip in favour of new condos, much to the dismay of the Bourbon Club owner Dennis (Kevin Kennedy) and his witty associate Lonny (Lucas Rush).
Many of the shows funniest lines were delivered by Lonnie who kept the audience well amused with his audience interaction and witticisms.
The surprise performance of the evening came from Strictly’s demure Mr. nice guy, Kevin Clifton in his role as Stacee Jaxx, the testosterone fueled lead singer of the rock band, Arsenal. He was a revelation as a sex mad rocker and the toilet scene with Sherrie, played out to Foreigner’s ‘I want to know what love is’ was particularly memorable.
The two leads had convincing chemistry and exceptional vocals throughout and the show reached a crescendo with the epic Journey hit, ‘Don’t stop believin’ which had everyone on their feet.
It is a high energy, wonderfully ‘tongue in cheek’ homage to rock with many ‘laugh out loud’ moments, great ensemble numbers and memorable rock ballads.
