After hit runs on Broadway and in Los Angeles, CA, and Las Vegas, NV, “Rock of Ages” hits stages of regional theatres for the first time. Timber Lake Playhouse is one of them. TLP is located at 8215 Black Oak Road, in Mount Carroll, IL.
The New York Times called the play, “a seriously silly, absurdly enjoyable, arena rock musical.” It runs from Thursday, June 30, through Sunday, July 10, 2016.
Set on L.A.’s infamous Sunset Strip at the end of the Reagan era, this exuberant show features hit tunes from the decade of big bands, big egos, and even bigger hair. The story follows Drew, an aspiring singer, and Sherrie, a wanna-be actress, who meet while working together at the Bourbon Room, a sleazy but still-charming rock club.
Complications arise when the couple splits and a team of Germandevelopers scheme to turn the beloved Strip into a strip mall. But, don’t stop believing.
Brigitte Ditmars returns to direct the show that features dozens of hits from the era by Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Poison, Pat Benatar, and more. The show takes on the energy of a rock concert, more than a typical musical. The onstage band is led by Cindy Blanc, with choreography by Jon Martinez.
The cast is made up of the company’s physically and vocally astonishing resident performers. Christian Chambers stars as Drew, and Annalise Griswold plays Sherrie. Newcomer Kieran McCabe plays famed rocker Stacee Jaxx. Chandler Smith returns as lovable narrator Lonny.
“Rock of Ages” sends up the hard-rock, MTV style of the era, so discretion is advised when considering bringing kids to the show.
Tickets are $17 to $25 dollars and may be purchased at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or by calling 815-244-2035. A cash bar is open prior to and during the show.
A special presentation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical adaptation of the Jack Black film, “School of Rock,” will perform afternoons during “Rock of Ages.” The cast is teens from the six Counties surrounding Timber Lake Playhouse. Tickets are only $10, and more information can be found online or through the box office.
The summer season at Timber Lake continues with “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum;” “Titanic;” “Gaslight.”
The Magic Owl Children’s Theatre will present a rock and roll musical version of “The Three Little Pigs” July 5, 7, 8, and 9, at 11:00 a.m., for kids of all ages. Tickets are $8.