IT’S GETTIN’ DIFFICULT TO NOT STOP BELIEVIN’
It’s no accident that Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” came from an album entitled Escape, because that is what I wanted to do from The Pantages as of the first scene in Rock of Ages. This nitwit of a musical uses a preposterous book to showcase music of the longhair bands of the 1980s. It’s boring, loud, and insultingly stupid. Of course, Constantine Maroulis is stunningly talented in the lead, but it breaks my heart that someone like him lives in a land that makes him a star on American Idol, but then he winds up in this shi—er, show. Is this really the best thing for him and for all of the amazing talent on that stage? 
The poor cast had to speak ridiculous lines and act like complete idiots in musical comedy roles that would have been deemed too broad for the 1930s. At least the spectacular band had great music to work with, assuming you’re into 1980s rock.
As these jukebox musicals begin to grow in theatres like a fungus, I have to convince myself that they won’t cut off the oxygen the American Musical Theatre needs to survive. I must not let myself stop believin’.
tonyfrankel @ stageandcinema.com
photo by Winslow Townson
Rock of Ages
scheduled to close in Los Angeles on February 27
for tickets, visit http://www.broadwayla.org/production/show.info.asp?ID=35
on tour through the United States until June 26
for a list of cities, tour dates, and tickets, visit http://www.rockofagesmusical.com/tickets-2/us-tour/
NOW TOURING THROUGH MAY 23, 2012
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Guess you didn’t get the joke. The musical is supposed to be loud, it’s hardly boring, and the insultingly stupid lines are by design.
But glad you notice Constantine’s talent. I’m sure he’s laughing all the way to the bank.
If you didn’t have ‘nothin’ but a good time’, then you must be from outer space. LOL
It’s very entertaining and funny and the music rocks. This was obviously written by a total square. If you love 80s rock, which a lot of people do, you will love this. I have the CD and play it all the time. I say check this out. You’ll have a blast.
My Family and I just saw the play. It was very entertaining and laugh out loud fun!!! It was a BLAST!