Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre rolled out a high-energy, sexy rock musical with its production of “Rock of Ages.” Well-directed by Jasen Jeffrey and Musical Director Pat Parr, the show continues through May 13 at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., in Pleasanton.
What makes this show so enjoyable is its ability to laugh at its self and how cleverly the songs are used to further the storyline. Such iconic tunes as “Anyway You Want it,” “Can’t Fight this Feeling,” “Harden My Heart” and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” to name just a few, wrap around the story of Dennis (nicely done by David Erik Peterson) whose rock club on Sunset Strip is threatened by German developers. As Dennis and his friends rally to fight the Strip’s demise, a romance between one of his employees Drew (wonderful portrayal by Kamren Mahaney) and a new waitress Sherrie (beautifully voiced Lizzie Moss) develops.
There are many additional standouts in this very talented cast, especially Tanika Baptiste as Justice who runs a strip club, befriends Sherrie and knows how to belt out the blues, James Royce Edwards as the obnoxious rock star Stacee and Mario Mazzetti as the developer’s conflicted son Franz.
The cast also includes: the talents of Joe Hudelson as Lonny, Dennis’ assistant and the show’s narrator; Shelby Stewart as the chief protester against the development; and Steve Wilner as the German developer.
Choreographer Nicole Helfer uses her considerable talents to create very sexy, slightly raunchy moves that fit perfectly with the music and story. She also managed to find excellent dancers (Corrie Farbstein, Chelsey Ristaino, Loreigna Sinclair, Scott Taylor-Cole and Rod Voltaire Edora) to carry out her high-energy gyrations.
Margaret daSilva designed the 1980’s glam rock costumes that include killer over-the-knee boots for many of the woman. The wigs, however, don’t fare as well, especially the one worn by Lonny.
While the band truly rocked (Pat Parr and Kevin Seal on keyboards, Steve Danska and Craig Dunlap on guitar, Danny Min on bass, and Michael Cross and Ken Bergmann alternating on drums), the sound mix with the vocals, especially the spoken lines, left much to be desired.
Fortunately, there’s more great tunes than lines to worry about in this show and the music is screaming – in a good way!
For tickets, call 925-931-4848 or go to www.pcrtproductions.org.