Around The Town Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...There are shows that are geared for a particular age group, and I do believe that “Rock of Ages” is one of these shows. The show, “Rock of Ages” is on its tenth anniversary tour, and is in Chicago for just one week. With a book by Chris D’Arienzo and filled with music by Poison, Styx, Twisted Sister and Whitesnake and others of this period, “Rock of Ages” is a story involving love Yes, as in many musicals, a small town girl. Sherrie ( adorably played by Katie LaMark, who has a powerful voice) heads out to Hollywood to find stardom. Of course she meets a boy, Drew ( deftly handled by Anthony Nuccio) who is also hoping t hit it big, and they become “friends”."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...Chris D’Arienzo’s loving ode to the music of the ‘80s isn’t aimed at the serious theatre patron looking for a complicated plot, deep subtext and three-dimensional characters. This fun-loving show, which is starting to show its age, is filled with stereotypes and bombastic musical numbers. It’s a good-natured wink and a nod to a more innocent time when America was challenged by the titillation of raunch, excess and glamor rock. Audiences who want “More Than Words” might consider braving the “Shadows of the Night” and head over to the beautiful Nederlander Theatre, ready to “Cum On Feel the Noise.” For many theatergoers, this show will be simply “Heaven” because, with its jukebox score by Poison, REO Speedwagon, Styx, Twisted Sister, Whitesnake, and other 80’s rock groups, this musical is “Nothin’ But a Good Time.”"
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Recommended
"...“Rock of Ages” starts a little slowly and maybe goes on a bit too long, but by the first intermission the show is running on high octane straight to the rousing finale. The youthful cast’s musical motor never diminishes. It’s impressive to consider that the ensemble must meet the physical demands of this high intensity singing and dancing eight shows a week."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Recommended
"...The show stealer here is John-Michael Breen as the show’s narrator and lead player, Lonny.His use of the a portable fog machine at precisely the right times couple with impeccable comedic timing to make Breen’s performance keenly memorable. Memorable is also the word describing the truly outstanding acting and vocal performance of Kristina Walz as activist Regina. Hers is absolutely a name to remember; she’s a star in the making."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Recommended
"...Directed by Martha Banta, everything is highly exaggerated which makes this version funnier but it also gallops through several of the songs and turns up the volume so that you may catch the beat rather than the words even though the show includes such standards as “Waiting For a Girl Like You,” and “Here we Go Again.”"
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...If you love Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Pat Benatar, Poison, Journey, this show is for you. ROCK OF AGES is full of classic rock hits by these artists and so many more. With the band on stage it feels like we're right smack dab in the middle of a concert."
