Review of:

“Rock of Ages”

At: The Brooks Atkinson Theatre, New York City

On: 23/04/09

By: Gaby

This was a fairly new show to Broadway and we almost did not go had it not been for the fact that we were passing by the Theatre on the way back to our hotel from a day out sight seeing and heard a selection of sweet Rock Anthems pumping out from a speaker outside the Theatre.

This was all it took for us to decide that whilst we were in New York we should check out the show and how glad we were that we did. Not only did it make an excellent 1^st. Year Wedding Anniversary present but it was one of the highlights of our trip.

The basic premise of the show; which was set in the heyday of Los Angeles Hair Metal of the 1980’s, was that a German property developer was in town with plans to tear down the famous rock music venues and strip clubs along the infamous “strip” and subsequently a motley collection of rock heads and strippers join forces to defeat the evil plan.

Add to this a centrally placed star-struck love story of Farmer’s girl from the American Mid West who comes to Los Angeles seeking fame and fortune and ends up as stripper and girlfriend of the leading man – the wannebe Rock God and you kind of get the picture of what the show was all about as far as a story goes.

Now that may all sound quite predictable and somewhat bland but add to that a really good live band on stage with some really excellent cover songs by the likes of Journey, Styx, Cheap Trick, Twisted Sister, etc.., some brialliant comedy moments, a “At Seat” drinks service, fantastic set and costumes and what you had was a high octane show that had absolutely tons of energy and boundless enthusiasm that had the whole audience on their feet and dancing whilst singing along to countless Rock Anthems.

This was far more a concert than a show and for myself and my wife even surpassed “We Will Rock You” as being the best “Rock Music” stage show we have seen to date.

Overall the show was dead tight with some excellent comic timing, a wealth of singing and musical talent and loads of energy, passion and drive that not only propelled you into this stage created world but made you feel a true part of the proceedings.

The nice thing about this show was that the story was kind of surplus to it’s needs and was rather a vehicle that the songs could shine forth from. No one took themselves or the story too seriously but rather let the music do the talking and for once musical theatre got it absolutely right in this highly entertaining show.

Now with any show that you are likely to see in the West End or on Broadway, tickets don’t come cheap and this show was no exception, but it has to be said that for us it was well worth the dosh and we only hope that one day soon the show will come over to London where we will probably be first in the queue to buy some tickets and have another fix of this highly addictive and cult show. It’s worth it’s weight in gold and would probably be worth the airline ticket alone to go and see. “Mama Mia” – eat your heart out!

Remember you saw it here first!