Reviewer: Kristine Gotham
Venue: Midland Center for the Arts
Midland Center for the Arts rocked out last night to the sound of 80’s songs as they opened their newest production, Rock of Ages. Audience members were treated to performances of familiar anthems like Come on Feel the Noise, I Wanna Rock, We’re Not Gonna Take It, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, and Don’t Stop Believin’.
The story is a common one, city boy meets country girl, he likes her but doesn’t tell her, she becomes disillusioned with the city until the two meet again and realize that they truly want to be together. Secondary story lines include a typical rocker who takes advantage of the girl and a developer seeks to tear down the beloved neighborhood but a group of protestors are making it very difficult for him to accomplish his goal.
Noah Walther plays Drew, wanna be rocker, born in Detroit with dreams of making it big in the rock world. As you watch Noah you see Drew’s insecurities, his longing for the love of a sweet country girl, his dreams of being a rocker, and his realization that being true to yourself is more important than fame and fortune. Noah looks the part of a rocker, thin build and long hair. And his voice, as he sings those familiar rock songs and powe ballads, cements the image in your mind.
Lexie Schultz plays Sherrie, Drew’s love interest. With Lexi’s performance you see a young woman, naive, new to the city, hoping to find the path to being an actress. In Lexi, Sherrie realizes that the city is a hard place to live, that not everyone has your best interest at heart, and when you find a true friend you want to hold onto them. Lexi’s voice brings a sweet sound and vulnerability to songs of longing, and a strength and resolve to songs that relate to the hard facts that she has been forced to face.
Kyler Syring and Justin Radinski, play the parts of Lonny Burnett and Dennis Dupree, respectively. Syring’s Lonny brings humor to the show as the Narrator. He breaks through the “4th wall” of the stage to involve the audience in the story as it moves along. Syring is funny and inviting, an excellent choice on the part of the director. Radinski’s Dupree is the owner of the local and beloved bar. Dupree’s gravely voice fits perfectly with his portrayal of the hard living bar owner.
Colton Jordan plays rocker, Stacee Jaxx, loved by fans but hated by his bandmates. Jordan fully embodies his character. His mannerisms and his singing voice are those of someone who has found fame and it has definitely gone to his head.
Jared Kaufman and Andy Frikken , play father and son, Franz and Hertz Kkeinemann. This duo perfectly portray realestate developer and his hyper-obedient son. Frikken performs with an exceptional German-esque accent, even carrying it through his singing. Kaufman perfectly balances his role as the obedient son and man who longs to have his own chocolate shop.
Anastasia Breen as Regina, is the perfect foil to Frikken and Kaufman. Her appearance is rather mousy, but her strong vocals in such songs as We’re Not Gonna Take It showcase her strength as a performer and as a rebel character.
The main cast of characters is rounded out with Sabrina Dahlgren as Justice Charlier. Dahlgren portrays Charlier as the mama figure to lost souls, as she herself was once the one with dreams that the city beat out of her.
The full cast is supported by an ensemble including, Myah Shelton, Claudia Marsh, Kellen Williamson, Andrew Fergerson, AJ Rock, Jillian Distelrath, Gloria Heye, and Liv McIntyre. Without the voices and energy of these supporting actors this show would not be nearly as successful.
This show was so much fun! As a teen of the 80’s, the songs brought back so many memories. Megan Krause Meyer was stupendous in her double role of Director and Choreographer. She chose just the right actor for each part. The choreography fit the songs and the scenes. The set designer and the costume designer blended perfectly with Meyer’s vision to create a world that transported the audience back to a bar/neighborhood of the 1980’s.
Rock of Ages continues at Midland Center for the Arts, Thursday, August 8-day through Friday August 9 and Wednesday, August 14 through Friday, August 16. Show times are at 8pm each night.
