REVIEW: Rock of Ages

photo by Scott Suchman

I gladly accepted an invitation to attend Rock of Ages last night at the Orpehum Theater in Minneapolis.  My husband reluctantly joined me as my guest.  He wasn’t thrilled about going and would have much preferred to put on a tie and attend the symphony.  That said, at the end of the performance, he was whistling and had two rock fists up in the air.  He had a blast (and so did I).  Rock of Ages is more than polished Broadway voices singing and dancing to classic 80s rock songs.

Rock of Ages is pure entertainment.  It’s loud, fun, flashy and comedic.  The plot isn’t particularly novel or noteworthy but it doesn’t matter.  Rock of Ages is cheesy and hokey but it succeeds in entertaining because it doesn’t take itself too seriously.  The writing and acting acknowledges and pokes fun at these potential shortcomings, thus allowing cynics like me to just sit back and enjoy instead of picking it apart in my head.  The show is littered with jokes and the characters are very funny.  The Rock of Ages playlist is a celebration of 80s rock ‘n roll.  I wouldn’t consider myself a huge fan of 80s music but the songs are so classic that they are easy to enjoy.  Some of the songs are merely referenced with short snippets that compliment the story.  To its benefit, Rock of Ages doesn’t simply feel like a concert (as did the disappointing American Idiot).   You may want to bring earplugs though, they really aim to blow the roof off and last night there was more energy in the Orpheum than I’ve ever experienced at that venue.

In conclusion, I recommend Rock of Ages if you are looking to have some lighthearted fun.  If you are an 80s music fan, however, it’s probably a must see show!

Rock of Ages will be performed at The Orpheum Theatre through May 19, 2013.