Rock of Ages
On most weekends, the Lakeview area is already rocking with people visiting shops and restaurants, but if you are looking for a rocking night of superb 80's music, head on over to Mercury Theater Chicago, where the Rock of Ages is a rad rock and roll extravaganza filled with incredible music and singing, and it's funny as hell! Participation in this musical is welcomed, and go for it! Because the more fanatic excitement you bring to this contagious cast of rockers, the more exuberant joy you will receive. The theater was buzzing with excitement as everyone took their seats, eagerly anticipating the show's start. And this cast killed it from beginning to end! The story follows a small-town girl named Sherrie, who dreams of making it big in Hollywood. She meets a charming young man named Drew, who works at the famous Bourbon Room. The two fall in love and dream of making it big together. But between their adversities, heartaches, and misfortunes, which ultimately end in love, you get to rock out with Lonny, Dennis, Regina, Justice, rock-wannabe nerd and confectionary dreamer Franz, and the famous rocker himself, Stacee Jaxx.
I loved the music from the 80s and was a rock fan of groups like Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Reo Speedwagon, and Styx, and I still sing "Oh, Sherrie at home. And with hits songs like "Cum on Feel the Noize, We Built this City; We're Not Gonna Take It, I Want to Know What Love Is, Harden My Heart, Pour Some Sugar, and Don't Stop Believin," this cast of rockers will have you feeling Forever Young. Michael Metcalf mastered the role of emcee and narrator. And with a kick-ass cast featuring Steve Watts (Dennis), Veronica Garza (Regina), Hertz( Jeff Diebold), Aaron M. Davidson (Franz), Sharriese Hamilton (Justice/Mother), and Donovan Hoffer as Stacee Jaxx, Mercury Theater's Rock of Ages is totally bad-ass. But the night belongs to the lovebirds of David Moreland (Drew) and Sherrie (Kayla Marie Shipman). Both had remarkable chemistry on stage, and Moreland was totally rocking with his impressive range and vocals.
Executive Director L. Walter Stearns, Eugene Dizon, Artistic Director Christopher Chase Carter, and Managing Director Kristi J. Martens have brought exceptional talents and fantastic productions, making Mercury Theater of Chicago a destination for outstanding theatrical performances. Director Tommy Novak, making his debut at Mercury and who has a plethora of titles behind his name, masterfully directed this 80's rock musical, making us want "More, More, More than just two hours. And adding superstar choreographer Laura Savage with the incredible Music Director Linda Madonia, Mercury Theater reminded us that the power of the once forbidden aphrodisiac (Rock & Roll) is still alive and well, and Rock of Ages is a night you won't forget.
4 STARS ****
Mercury Theater Chicago
Rock of Ages
Written by Chris D'Arienzo
Directed by Tommy Novak
Music Directed by Linda Madonia
Choreographed by Laura Savage
Now - September 10, 2023
