Rock of Ages first appeared on Broadway in 2009 to great success. A film version starring Tom Cruise was released in 2012 with moderate reviews. Broadway in Chicago brought the touring version to Chicago in April of 2019. Now, the Mercury Theatre is running a version that is better than the movie. Michael Metcalf stars as Lonny, the narrator of the story. He plays the 80’s rocker with a huge rock star hairstyle acting hilariously as he flirts with a woman seated up front.

A hysterical scene involves a couple getting physical in the bathroom. It is Stacee Jaxx, played hilariously with style by Donovan Hoffer, and Sherrie, played excellently by Kayla Marie Shipman. They fool around as they sing Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is”. This is just one example of the humor involved which was missing in the movie version.

The entire cast is fantastic. Aaron M. Davidson (Hair) is hilarious as Franz, the engineer who everyone thinks is gay, but is really just German. David Moreland (Rent, Cruel Intentions) is perfectly cast as Drew, the wannabe rockstar who can’t quite get it right.

In this performance, Darryl D’Angelo Jones is great as the Mayor, who is very open to accepting bribes. Also, Jason Richards (Avenue Q, The Producers) is fantastic as Hertz, the business tycoon trying to shut down The Bourbon Room.

Veronica Garza (Who’s Holiday) is so funny as Regina, the leader of the resistance to Hertz’s plans. Steve Watts is superb as the hippie owner of The Bourbon Room. Sharriese Hamilton is solid as Justice.  Lastly, Clayton Cross, Tafadzwa Diener, Julia Fleckenstein (Cabaret), Rachel Thomas, and Shaun Dennis White (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Cabaret) make for one hell of an ensemble.

Rock of Ages is the name of a song released in 1983 by Def Leppard. However, there are no Def Leppard songs in the show.

Overall, it’s a truly fun experience and a must see for all fans of comedy and 80s rock!

Get tickets now for Rock of Ages through September 10th!

Cost of a ticket: $65 (Premium Seats)
PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It +
Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Half Price > Go for Free > Don’t Bother
Follow us on Facebook!

Quinn Delaney