Show: Rock Of Ages
Location: Empire Theatre, Liverpool
Date: Tuesday September 14 2021
Time: 19.30
Running Time: 155 Minutes
Performers: Kevin Clifton, Luke Walsh, Rhiannon Chesterman, Joe Gash, Dennis Durpee, Gabriella Williams, Jenny Fitzpatrick.
Production Company: DLAP Group
Writer: Chris D’Arienzo
Director: Nick Winston
The days are counting down to Rock Of Ages returning to Liverpool‘s Empire Theatre from Tuesday September 14 to Saturday September 18 2021. Indeed, tickets are still available for this kick-ass show. Now, this will be the first theatre show of the autumn season at the Empire Theatre. So, let’s take a look at Rock Of Ages!
Rock Of Ages
Background
Rock Of Ages is a hilarious musical comedy complete with over 25 classic rock anthems. Now, these include Don’t Stop Believin’; We Built This City; The Final Countdown; and Wanted Dead or Alive. And not forgetting Here I Go Again; Can’t Fight this Feeling; and I Want To Know What Love Is. What’s more, all of these come loud and proud courtesy of an awesome live band. So, leave it all behind and lose yourself. But why? Because it’s a city and a time where the dreams are as big as the hair. Indeed, they can come true! Furthermore, the show is now a true global smash hit across Broadway, the West End, Las Vegas and even the big screen. Indeed, this show promises you the best party night out around.
Analysis Of Rock Of Ages
The pre-music soundtrack was getting ramped up, the stage was set and we were all ready to take our seats and enjoy this musical jukebox comedy. Before we could dive into the show there was a 20-minute delay due to a technical error. The situation was dealt with effectively and I appreciated the update to the audience. Suddenly the countdown started and we were in! The majority of the set is based around the inside of the Bourbon, a slightly seedy and grungy music venue on the famous Sunset Strip.
Poles, bars and Marshall stacks aplenty which gave the cast lots of different levels to perform off and there were to be used to full effect later on in the show. The onstage band which I have to profess I’m a sucker for, are positioned on an automated platform upstage. The band consists of bass, guitars, drums and keys. The musicians are incredibly talented and brilliantly in sync. The video screen is used to highlight and reference certain points in the script throughout the show and it blends into the set perfectly, it doesn’t draw attention until it’s needed.
Downsides
Now the plot is where this musical falls short. It is weak, there is no getting away from that. When a show is based on a weak storyline it doesn’t have far to go. In a nutshell, an innocent girl from Oklahoma runs away to the flashy lights of LA, works in the Bourbon, meets boy, Bourbon to be demolished by German property developers, girl meets another boy, loses her job, Bourbon is saved by a campaign and they all live happily ever after with girl back with boy number 1. Not exactly original but I’ll take it.
However, the saving grace from this tedious story is Joe Gash who plays the part of Lonny. He reminded me of a young Freddie Mercury, full of showmanship, theatrics and high energy. He held the audience’s attention perfectly, breaking the 4th wall for quipps such as “I’m carrying this show on my back!” and as is often said, many a true word is spoken in jest.
The ensemble executed the choreography very well. But I did feel that it took a while for them to find their groove. A couple of timing issues here and there at the beginning but as the show went on they got stronger and in sync. Nick Winston did an incredible job with the choreo. It was reflective of the music, strong, punchy and had balls. Great effort and a special mention to Erin Bell who lived and breathed every single move, outstanding performance.
Cast
The 2 leads, Sherrie and Drew – played by Rhiannon Chesterman and Luke Walsh – had a great connection. Some songs were incredibly difficult to sing and they gave great efforts especially in The Search Is Over. Jenny Fitzpatrick as Justice ‘Mamma’ Charlier, was another powerhouse, giving a strong performance. At times, it did feel like a sing-off between Fitzpatrick and Chesterman during Harden My Heart/Shadows Of The Night but I’m not sure if this was down to them not blending together or the sound mix not being right.
This brings me to my next point, I always seem to struggle with the sound in the Empire. Having watched numerous shows there over the years, I always find the sound to be ‘off’. Usually, the band is too loud meaning that we lose the vocals. But last night, it was the opposite. There were times where the mics were unnecessarily loud, and I appreciate a good level of sound but this was far too much. I’m not too sure if it’s the house system or the touring companies’ systems but I feel repeater speakers would be beneficial in this venue.
Other Notes
The show featured epic 80’s songs such as We Built This City, Hit Me With Your Best Shot and Here I Go Again and the soundtrack was the saving grace of this show. Notable stand out performances also go to, Ross Dawes as Dennis whose scene with Joe Gash and the Fogmaster 5000 would leave me laughing out loud. They have a great onstage relationship and they work incredibly well together. Also a special mention to Gabrellia Williams as Regina and Andrew Carthy as Franz. Their hilarious rendition of Hit Me With Your Best Shot left the audience in hysterics.
The cast did a sterling effort of getting the audience on their feet. Everyone was up and dancing and take from that what you will.
Summary Of Rock Of Ages
Rock Of Ages doesn’t take itself too seriously. It sells itself on giving you the best night out of the year, I wouldn’t go that far. If you like your musicals light-hearted and full of rock classics, then this is the show for you. It’s cheesy, slightly panto-esque and knows its place in the musical theatre hierarchy.
Notes
Target Audience: 16+
Content: Strong sexual references
Recommendation?: No
Overall Rating: 6/10 – Reasonable
Rock Of Ages Further Links
Rock Of Ages runs at the Empire Theatre until Saturday September 18 2021. So, to purchase tickets, please click here.
For more information about this show, click here.
Read our previous review of this show by clicking here.
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