OUTscene Editor
It is simply amazing to me the array of Musical tours I have seen come through Seattle this past year and how Broadway has gotten gayer (Is it even possible?) with new shows like Xanadu, Legally Blond, etc. Even the revivals (Chicago and Hair) got Gay-er!
Last night I attended the Opening Night of the Seattle stop of the "Rock of Ages" National tour at The Paramount and was expecting Monster hits from 80's Macho Head banger and Glam rockers (Styx, Whitesnake, Europe, Journey) and the traditional female sexpots, but never in my wildest dreams would have expected gay and trans sub-plot(s)!
Without saying my age, The 1984-87 music era was "Rad" and the music (and the wine coolers) in ROA really took you back.
The Show has Star Power in former "American Idol" finalist Constantine Maroulis (Better than Taylor Hicks in 'Grease') in a part that was made for him.
The framework for this oldies fest, written by Chris D'Arienzo, is stitched together from the plots and clichés of early MTV rock videos, neatly festooned with a slew of hit oldies.
There's a little romance between two likable kids who've come to L.A. in search of stardom: a shy, gawky wannabe rocker, Drew (Maroulis), and pretty, semi-innocent Sherrie (Rebecca Faulkenberry), an aspiring actress.
Both work at a Sunset Strip nightclub, a legendary and gloriously seedy joint (designed with trashy flair by Beowulf Boritt) that's owned by the Super macho owner, Dennis (Nick Cordero) and frequented by the show's obnoxious narrator, Lonny (Patrick Lewallen).
The 'Conflict" comes from the Harmless German developer (Bret Tuomi) and his Flaming son (Travis Walker) similar to the 'Burlesque' Plot.
The saving grace of "Rock of Ages" is that it doesn't take its silly self seriously for a nano-second, and it keeps the hits coming — from Journey's "Any Way You Want It" to Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" to Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It."
Besides the music, I really enjoyed seeing lots of skin (on Glam rocker Stacee Jaxx (Mig Ayesa) who was shown in nothing but briefs frequently.
I also enjoyed the character of Justice (Teresa Stanley) who reminds you of Queen Latifah's Momma Morton in Chicago).
Act 2 it all came together nicely with unexpected Plot twists. It was Hysterical when Frantz (The Flamer) stood up to his Dad and sang Pat Benetar's 'Hit me with your Best shot" in a tight and bright fitness ensemble with clips of Olivia's "Let's get Physical" in the giant collage of TV screens.
Other Twists came from Frantz who said the best line of the night, 'I am not Gay, I am just German"!
Other Gay Sub-plots include a Trans Lap Dancer named, Candi. .Plus a Love admission from 2 guys you would never expect.
The Show ended with Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" made even more famous by the cast of Glee. If you are a Gleek, this is the show for you. True Head-bangers 'Enter at your own risk'.
Just when you think this would make a great Film, I read that Hairspray's Adam Shankman has done it and will be released in June 2012.
'Rock of Ages" at the Seattle Paramount runs through Sunday, February 13th. Click Here for Tickets.
On a side note; I wasn't as excited to meet Constantine Maroulis after the show (After interviewing Idol stars like Kris Allen and Blake Lewis that is enough star power) but was thrilled to be sitting next to Broadway Legendary 'Annie' Director and creator, Martin Charnin and his 'Ageless' Former 80's Soap Star wife, Shelly Burch (OLTL). Just mixing it up with them really made this 80's flashback so much more enjoyable.
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