rock cast

Rock of Ages

Lichfield Garrick Youth Theatre

Lichfield Garrick

****

ALWAYS prepared to accept a new challenge, the hugely talented youth theatre cast have the theatre rocking with this lively juke box musical.

Compared with some of their previous shows, like Phantom and Les Mis, this one may have some of the older members the audience feeling a little uncomfortable at times with its sexual overtones, but it’s a true reflection of the situations it portrays from the 1987 scene in parts of Hollywood.

And if the standing ovation for the kids on opening night is anything to go by, Rock of Ages will go down as yet another success for LGYT.

The story is set in a bar/club called the Bourbon Room where aspiring rocker Drew Boley meets and falls for young wannabe actress Sherrie Christian from Kansas. He helps her land a job as a waitress, but a misunderstanding threatens their relationship which crashes after she is tempted into a seedy encounter in the men’s room (door closed) with sex-crazed rock legend Stacee Jaxx (I Want to Know What Love Is).

Dominic Sterland and Esme Wade form the perfect partnership as Drew and Sherrie, both their singing and acting being top drawer, particularly in The Search is Over, Oh Sherrie and, with the full company, Here I Go Again.

And what a cracking performance from Alfie Kentesber in his final show with the company. He plays the bounding full-of-fun Lonny, who is the show’s narrator, and enjoys a few sorties into the front row of the stalls when the opportunities arise.

The story revolves around plans by a German developer and his son to demolish the club after persuading the city’s Mayor to abandon the ‘sex, drugs and rock-n-roll lifestyle of the Sunset Strip and introduce clean living.

They are obviously pointing the finger at people like Stacee Jaxx, splendidly played by Tyler Young who has returned to the company to play the role, but the musical has a happy ending, especially for Drew and Sherrie,

There are many other top performers in the cast, and huge praise for the success of the show must also go to musical director Oliver Rowe and his brilliant on-stage band. They are exceptional.

Smart direction by Emma Hill ensures everything moves at a dynamic pace, while Jessica Lambert’s choreography is a delight.

Rock of Ages closes with a cracking finale . . . the entire company singing Don’t Stop Believin, with gusto. To 30-09-17. 

Paul Marston

The company’s next show, Les Misérables, will be performed in the magnificent surroundings of Lichfield Cathedral (25-28 April, 2018)

LGYT 

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