Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...The key to a decent production of this show is detail - and that's Weinstein's byword here. It's not some auteur retooling - "Rock of Ages" is just "Rock of Ages" - but if you've never had the dubious pleasure, here you go."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...If you suffer from nostalgia for the 1980s in any form - from the presidency of Ronald Reagan, to wine coolers, mix-tapes, fishnet tights, pole-dancing and heavy metal glam rock bands (along with all the grungy decadence that came with them), "Rock of Ages," the eclectic jukebox musical, is the show for you."
Daily Herald - Somewhat Recommended
"...With its parade of pre-existing "hair metal" hits shoehorned into a self-aware script and its unrepentant product placement, "Rock of Ages" harbors no pretense of art, no hint of deeper meaning. Instead, this deliberately dopey jukebox musical revels in big hair and big hits -- and shamelessly cashes in on 1980s nostalgia."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...The staging is full of jokey, raunchy topical subversions, mainly carried out by Nick Druzbanski as Lonnie, the endlessly saucy narrator. It works often enough to keep things amusing but also makes you less likely to care what becomes of the would-be lovers (Cherry Torres and Russell Mernagh) at the center of the show. Still, the period music survives. It's hard to stop believing in "Don't Stop Believing"."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Tonight, for the fourth time, I watched “Rock of Ages”, a true “rock concert” made into a play, but with a local flavor. There was no major guest star as we have seen in the previous “Broadway In Chicago” versions circa 2010 ( Bank of America Theatre), 2012 (smaller version at Broadway Playhouse) and 2014 ( Bank of America Theatre, again), and now, on the stage at Drury Lane Theatre, a very fun-filled energetic “knock-out” version is ready to show Chicagoland its stuff.
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Chris D’Ariezo’s loving ode to the music of the 1980s, with musical arrangements and orchestrations by Ethan Popp, isn’t aimed at the serious theatre patron looking for a complicated plot with deep subtext and three-dimensional characters. This fun-loving musical comedy, filled with stereotypes and bombastic musical numbers, is a good-natured wink and nod to a more innocent time when America was enjoying the titillation of raunch and excess called glam rock. Audiences who want More Than Words should brave the Shadows of the Night and head out to Drury Lane Oakbook, ready to Feel the Noize. For many theatergoers, this show will simply be Heaven."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...But to patrons of all ages and musical tastes, read here that Drury's Scott Weinstein-directed, Stephanie Klemmons-choreographed hard rock piece of loving 80s memorabilia is, as the song says, "Nothin' But a Good Time.""
The Hawk Chicago - Recommended
"...But, the production itself is a massive success. Drury Lane’s Rock of Ages works because neither the director nor the actors take themselves and this silly show too seriously. Instead, they fully commit to the campiness of it and refuse to shy away from any theatrical impulses. Nothing is off-limits, and everything is well-supported by Stephanie Kelemmons’ fearless choreography and Scott Weinstein’s clear direction. As the old woman behind me exclaimed after the show: “It’s terrific!”"
Chicago Theater and Arts - Recommended
"...Director Scott Weinstein obviously encouraged his performers to have fun. The choreography (Stephanie Klemons) included a cool segment that was reminiscent of the mechanical bull rides that were popular at the time."
NewCity Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...The jukebox musical features dozens of eighties rock classics, complete with acid-washed jeans and fishnet tights. This regional premiere at Drury Lane, directed by Scott Weinstein, is as big and goofy as Jon Bon Jovi's hair circa "Dead or Alive." For example, the show's narrator, Lonny (Nick Druzbanski), peruses a copy of "Acting for Dummies" just before "Here I Go Again." It's hard not to giggle and just give in to the cheesiness of the moment."
