Mirvish Productions – Chris D’Arienzo’s Rock of Ages

Reviewed by Paula Citron

Okay, Rock of Ages. First to be fair, the audience really seemed to be enjoying themselves, and the musical, using songs from the 1980s, will probably have a long and healthy run. However…while the second act is marginally better than the first, Chris D’Arienzo’s book is puerile and predictable.

Before anyone accuses me of being an elitist, I thoroughly enjoyed Mamma Mia! and We Will Rock You. The difference between these shows, also using found music by ABBA and Queen respectively, is that they have clever scripts.

I’m tired of sexy music video choreography. I’m tired of bathroom humour. I’m tired of girls with high pitched voices that sound dumber than dumb. I’m tired of obvious shtick.

Director Kristin Hanggi and choreographer Kelly Devine have simply duplicated rock conventions. There is not one original piece of stage business, or one innovative dance move in this entire show.

Rock of Ages continues at the Royal Alexandra Theatre for an extended run.

Rock of Ages
Mirvish Productions
Written by Chris D’Arienzo (featuring music of the 80s)
Directed by Kristin Hanggi
Starring Yvan Pedneault, Elicia MacKenzie, David W. Keeley, Aaron Walpole, Cody Scott Lancaster, Angela Teek, Josephine Rose Roberts, Victor A. Young and Peter Deiwick
Royal Alexandra Theatre, beginning Apr. 20, 2010