Lyric Theatre’s “Rock of Ages” Delights Patrons

The cast of “Rock of Ages”
Photo courtesy of
KO Rinearson

Lyric Theatre begins the fall season with the widely acclaimed “Rock of Ages” bringing the 80’s glitz and glitter back into our consciousness.  Even those who tried to avoid the decade while experiencing it will connect positively with the tongue-in-cheek humor, and the fresh take found in the story from Chris D’Arienzo with arrangements and orchestrations of the greatest hits of the decade by Ethan Popp.  Lyric’s Artistic Director, Michael Baron, is thrilled to present the show to Oklahoma audiences as it really strikes a chord with so many patrons who remember the 80’s as a time of personal growth or, rather, the necessary lull prior to enlightenment.

 “Rock of Ages” tells the story of a famous hip hangout of the period run by an ‘old hippy’ Dennis Dupree.  His bar, The Bourbon Room, is right in the jam packed center of the strip—where Hollywood is everything to everybody.  Bartender Lonny narrates the story of a community and a struggle to maintain their neighborhood as they must battle an unsympathetic developer determined to tear it down and make it ‘nice’ or, rather, sterile.  Of course, there is a love story along the way, and the tale of all who become sidetracked in the quest for happiness, yet ultimately find joy in unexpected places.  The 1980’s was a period of bold behavior and “Rock of Ages” is certainly that; it is not for general audiences as the content is adult, in a rather juvenile fashion at times!

“Rock of Ages” is directed by Ashley Wells and she does an excellent job of combining all the various elements that makes this musical work so well.  The result is a smooth performance by actors who can sing, singers who can act, dancers who move rhythmically and musicians supporting the cast as well as performing with skill and interest.  Wells has a team providing excellent support with wonderful musical direction by Brian Hamilton and sensual and athletic choreography by Amy Reynolds-Reed.  Dawn Drake directs the technical aspect that makes it all look and sound as it should.  Uldarico Sarmiento is creative in scene design, and J. Stephen Toney makes everyone look good with lighting.  Bryce Wood designs the sound and Courtney Strong the properties with Jeffrey Scott Cochran handling stage management.  Once again Jeffrey Meek designs beautiful and sexy costumes that move deliciously with the actors.

The cast meshes naturally showcasing exceptional talents.  Gregory DeCandia vibrates as the enthusiastic and irreverent bartender/bouncer and narrator, Lonny.  DeCandia does a superb job in creating the enthusiastic cad ultimately becoming lovable.  Vince Leseney is just like all the other old hippies who have become capitalistic, without shedding their personas.  His character, Dennis is quite well done–verging on stereotypical yet preserving an independence of spirit.

Derrick Medrano as Drew and Lauren Urso as Sherrie find love on the strip
Photo courtesy of
KO Rinearson

The young lovers are Sherrie, a budding young actress and Drew, dishwasher at The Bourbon Room.  Sherrie is beautifully played by Lauren Urso who creates the star-struck talent with an incredible set of pipes and command of the stage.  Drew is played by Derrick Medrano, the handsome boyish musician with dreams of his own. The two of them have excellent chemistry, harmony and veracity and they bring a certain integrity into the piece.

Stacee Jaxx is the supreme rock star and he is portrayed skillfully by Joshua Hobbs.  The glamour, glitz and glitter has gone to Jaxx’s head as he headlines the hot rock band, ‘Arsenal’ and Hobbs gives him the perfect attitude, very familiar to those who lived through the 80’s.  Nevertheless, the character does have some talent and Hobbs has the voice to prove it.  Unfortunately the Hollywood strip community is threatened by a developer who wishes to destroy the neighborhood and its character.  Justin Larmon is the developer Hertz, and Larmon makes a very convincing heavy, who is also light on his feet! Opposing him at every turn is the dedicated Regina played by Lexi Windsor. She epitomizes the perfect rebel; committed, loyal, determined and unwilling to throw in the towel.  Her vocals reflect her attitudes deftly and she definitely brings her humor with her.  Michael Andreaus is the perfect  mayor; seduced by the lure of big money and Keith Gruber is wonderful as Franz, the lackey son of Hertz although his heart is with the residents of the strip.  Sheridan McMichael is Joey Primo, the rock star who replaces Jaxx with excellent vocals and a slightly different selfishness.  Nakeisha McGee is Justice, the woman with a heart of gold running the neighborhood gentlemen’s club. Tatum Ludlam, Emily J Pace and Kaylene Snarsky are all members of a versatile ensemble.  The three girls operate as a unit but they are able to put forth distinct personalities and mannerisms enhancing their performance.

The most important component of any musical is the music–the band that accompanies each vocalist as well as setting the mood, changing the tone and binding the story.  Hamilton has assembled a talented group of musicians creating a very realistic 80’s rock and roll band.  Than Medlam and Jay Gleason on guitar, Clinton Trench on bass and Mike Mosteller on drums delight the audience with versatility and instrumental expertise.

“Rock of Ages” brings back a time when we all embraced a superficial façade, masking genuine concerns.  We hid behind big hair and rhinestones but we only made the world go away for a moment.  Those moments are indispensable, so re-visiting the 1980’s in sequins and glitter, teetering on platform shoes is a wonderful respite.  So, ‘don’t stop believin’!’  Escape to Lyric on the Plaza through November 4, 2017 and enjoy “Rock of Ages” a fun, tongue-in-cheek cheers.  For information and tickets, visit www.lyrictheatreokc.com or call 405-524-9312.  Lyric at the Plaza is located in the exciting Plaza district at 1727 N.W. 16^th Street.  Curtain is at 7:30 pm Wednesday and Thursday evenings and 8:00 pm Friday and Saturday evenings.  There are Saturday 2:00 pm and Sunday 5:00 pm performances as well.  This includes an American Sign Language Performance on Saturday, October 21 at the 2:00 pm matinee.