Nothin’ But a Good Time

Rock of Ages – Broadway in Chicago

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this new National Tour of the popular 1980’s jukebox musical has roared back into Chicago for a limited, one-week engagement of vintage rock ’n’ roll. The musical shows no sign of slowing down. As always, the show makes no effort to hide the fact that it’s nothing but a good time, a lighthearted a rock concert that features 28 nostalgic classics from the ‘80s, all masquerading as a musical comedy. The production sports big hair, gobs of glitter, yards of spandex, micro-mini skirts, thigh-high boots, acid-washed denim and a whole lotta bare skin. It’s highlighted by loud, over-the-top vocals accompanied by deafening electric guitar, percussion and synthesizer, and lit by blinding, mobile concert lighting, strobe effects and coated with oceans of fog. Boozy beverages are hawked in the lobby and clapping, dancing and singing along is strongly encouraged. It is, in essence, a party with a plot.

The story is simple and familiar. A boy with dreams of becoming a rock star meets a girl who envisions a glamorous life in the movies. They strike up a relationship, go their separate ways pursuing fame and, despite never fully achieving their goals, inevitably end up together in the end. A subplot, based (one suspects) on New York’s gentrification of Times Square, involves a German father-and-son team who want to shut down the bars and strip clubs along Hollywood’s Sunset Strip and turn the area into a family-friendly mall. Along the way hit songs like “Anyway You Want It,” “Here I Go Again,” “We Built This City” and “Don’t Stop Believin’” enhance the story.

This non-Equity cast is led by Anthony Nuccio as Drew and Katie LaMark as Sherrie. Both actors, who seem a bit old to be playing these young, naive characters, are attractive, have a fine  stage presence, excellent dance moves and powerful voices capable of belting over Marshall Keating’s killer, five-member onstage band. Sometimes, especially toward the end of the show, Nuccio over-sings, to the point where he sounds sharp and one fears for his vocal chords; however, the two actors make a likable couple and the audience roots for their predictable romantic reunion.

Other standouts in this production include John-Michael Breen, as Narrator and sound man Lonny, and Ryan M. Hunt, as his partner Dennis. Their duet “Can’t Fight This Feeling” is one of the show’s highlights. Sam Harvey sounds and looks great in his flowing, blonde tresses, as a sexy rock star, Stacee Jaxx. Kenya Hamilton, wows the audience with “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” and a magnificent, star-in-the-making, Kristina Walz is terrific as Regina providing stunning vocals and some comic highlights in this show.

Chris D’Arienzo’s loving ode to the music of the ‘80s isn’t aimed at the serious theatre patron looking for a complicated plot, deep subtext and three-dimensional characters. This fun-loving show, which is starting to show its age, is filled with stereotypes and bombastic musical numbers. It’s a good-natured wink and a nod to a more innocent time when America was challenged by the titillation of raunch, excess and glamor rock. Audiences who want “More Than Words” might consider braving the “Shadows of the Night” and head over to the beautiful Nederlander Theatre, ready to “Cum On Feel the Noise.” For many theatergoers, this show will be simply “Heaven” because, with its jukebox score by Poison, REO Speedwagon, Styx, Twisted Sister, Whitesnake, and other 80’s rock groups, this musical is “Nothin’ But a Good Time.”

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented April 23-28 by Broadway in Chicago at the Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph, Chicago.

Tickets are available at all BIC box offices, by calling the Chicago Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or by visiting TicketMaster orwww.BroadwayinChicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.