I Can’t Fight This Feeling

Rock of Ages

Chris D’Arienzo’s theatrical tribute to the glam rock bands of the 1980’s is yet another jukebox musical. The show sports a huge roster of rock hits by the likes of Journey, Pat Benatar, Bon Jovi, Styx, Twisted Sister and many more artists. It’s a loving tribute to that bygone era of excess. The show features big sound, big talents and big hair, generously peppered with spandex, mini-skirts, thigh-high boots, acid-washed denim and lots of skin.

The musical tells the story of a young wannabe rock star from Detroit named Drew. As the show opens he’s come to LosAngeles to make it big. Upon arriving, he finds work as a busboy at a hard rock bar called the Bourbon Room. The club’s owned by rock legend Dennis Dupree, assisted by his friend, Lonny Barnett. Lonny, as it turns out, is also the super hip narrator of the musical, who often breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to the audience.

 Sherrie, a pretty girl from a small town in Kansas, soon arrives hoping to make it in the movie business. With no money and nowhere to go, Drew finds Sherrie sweet and irresistible and persuades Lonny and Dennis to hire her as a waitress. Taking it slow, Drew and Sherrie soon become friends, even though both Drew and Sherrie secretly dream of romance between them. 

Meanwhile, Hertz and Franz, a German father and son team arrive in LA, determined to convince the Mayor that they be hired to clean up and gentrify the seedy Sunset Strip. The Mayor’s assistant, Regina, sets out to protest this and put a stop to it. When Dennis learns that his bar is about to be torn down, to at least go out in a blaze of glory, he lands on an idea that’ll draw a paying crowd. 

Dennis has heard that famed rocker, Stacee Jax, who began his career at the Bourbon Room, is leaving his band, Arsenal. He persuades the singer to return for a farewell performance. Drew is hired to be their opening act and, while performing, he’s spotted by a record producer. Depressed by Drew’s seeming lack of interest in her, however, Sherrie follows Stacee into the men’s room for a little loving. Then Jaxx orders Dennis to fire her.

Unemployed and brokenhearted, Sherrie wanders out into the street, where she chances to meet a motherly business woman name Justice. She kindly offers Sherrie employment at her seedy strip joint, called the Venus Club, at least until something better comes alone. As the curtain falls on the first Act, it seems as if every character’s hopes and dreams are dangling in peril. 

The show premiered on Broadway in 2009, where it played on and Off-Broadway for seven years. The show became so popular that it launched a Las Vegas production, has had multiple international productions and has toured the US and Canada at least three times. In 2012 there was even a film based upon the Broadway show that starred Tom Cruise. Many of Chicago’s best professional theatre companies have produced this popular musical, and now Tommy Novak has directed a glossy new production on Southport.

This is a glorious production. It’s filled with color, sparkle, verve and vitality. Novak has turned the Mercury Theater into a rock venue. While blasting the hits, that just keep coming, the production boasts a large, talented cast of super singers, accomplished actors and dazzling dancers. Laura Savage has choreographed the show accentuating the skills of each performer, while Linda Maldonia, playing keyboard with her onstage band, has musically directed her cast and musicians with finesse. The band is conducted with feeling by drummer, Justin Akira Kono.

This cast is phenomenal. David Moreland and Kayla Marie Shipman are both sensational as Drew and Sherrie. I can’t imagine a better pairing and their voices, as well as their onstage chemistry, are exceptional. Michael Metcalf and Steve Watts bring more fun to the show as Lonny and Dennis, especially in their unexpected duet in Act II. The always wonderful Sharriese Hamilton grounds her portrayal of Justice/Mother in reality and provides a strong, caring maternal presence in her character. Jeff Diebold and Aaron Davidson, two familiar faces of the Chicago theater scene, make the most of their hilarious portrayals of Hertz and Franz. Veronica Garza, last seen at Paramount in “School of Rock,” dazzles again, this time as Regina. Stacee Jaxx, as played by Donovan Hoffer, is appropriately sleazy and a true rock legend, in their own right. They may be remembered from fans of NBC’s hit show, “America’s Got Talent.” And, it goes without saying, that the hardworking ensemble, all playing multiple roles, truly keeps this production rocking on.

Exploding with a multitude of hit songs from the 1980’s, this show is a pulsating, nonstop, rocking rapture of music and adult humor. Featuring songs like “Anyway You Want It,”  “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “Oh Sherrie,” “Here I Go Again,” “We Built This City” and “Don’t Stop Believin’” this show is bound to be this Summer’s smash sensation. I have to confess, “The Search is Over,” “I Can’t Fight This Feeling” and I know every future audience member will, like me, be in “Heaven,” as they “Cum On Feel the Noize.” This superlative show is “Nothin’ But a Good Time!”      

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented July 14-September 10 by Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office or by going to www.mercurytheaterchicago.com.

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