Written By Kyle Petty
CM Performing Arts Center is currently producing the hit Broadway musical “Rock of Ages” from January 18th to February 1st. “Rock of Ages” is a jukebox musical that saw a great deal of success on Broadway, running for over 2,000 performances that also led to the production of a movie in 2012 directed by the critically acclaimed Adam Shankman and starring familiar faces like Julianne Hough, Alec Baldwin, Mary J. Blige, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Tom Cruise – to name a few.
This musical is jam-packed with some of the most iconic and recognizable songs in 80’s rock and this cast tackles each one seemingly with ease. You might look at the song list and think you don’t know some of the songs, but I’d challenge you a bit on that – because I certainly knew more than I expected to! In terms of the storyline, well…there isn’t anything ground-breaking here. We’ve got your typical fare – boy meets girl at a bar (in this case, The Bourbon Room) and some developers align themselves with the Mayor with plans to demolish the bar to make way for more wholesome establishments.
In some ways, it gives Footloose vibes…but different? You’ll get what I mean when you see it.
There are quite a few faces in this production that you may recognize from other shows at CM, including the boy-in-question Drew, played fantastically by Jason Steven Kopp. The music is definitely the hero in this show and I can’t think of anyone better to lead the charge. Singing legendary songs like “I Wanna Rock” from Twisted Sister to “Waiting For a Girl Like You” from Foreigner (which I recognized from countless trips to the Stop & Shop) I can’t imagine you won’t be amazed. It’s incredible that after weeks of rehearsals he appeared on stage opening night – in the middle of January – and belted these songs out! A true powerhouse. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Kopp in two other productions on the island and this was by far my favorite. The girl we mentioned earlier is Sherrie, played by the equally talented Danielle Pafundi who is also no stranger to the stage. Pafundi has wonderful moments on her own in each number she is a part of, but her ability to shine alongside Kopp in “More Than Words/To Be With You/Heaven” and “High Enough” were clear standouts.
Photo Credit: @photosxbyem
Danielle Pafundi and Jason Steven Kopp.
Pafundi also paired well with Ayana Jane, who plays Justice – the owner of the strip (er, gentleman’s) club in town. This was Jane’s first time on the CM stage but it’s an appearance nobody will soon forget. Her soaring vocals were a highlight throughout and her Act 1 number “Harden My Heart/Shadows of the Night” with Pafundi was spectacular. Familiar faces don’t end there, however! The show’s narrator-of-sorts Lonny is played by CM veteran Anthony Arpino. Arpino’s energy and talent carry you through the show nicely and he never misses a beat with strong vocals that were on full display – especially during Act 2’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling” with Dennis, played by James O’Connor. I never stop being amazed by O’Connor! He’s another person that I’ve seen in multiple productions over the past year and I like everything he does better than the last. It’s so exciting to watch him shine and does not disappoint.
Photo Credit: @photosxbyem
Ayana Jane and Company.
All of these changes to the city are to the chagrin of the City Planner Regina, played by Sydnee LaBuda. LaBuda is another face that we love to see and voice we love to hear. Her rendition of “We’re Not Gonna Take It” (made popular by Twisted Sister) will bring you to your feet early in Act 1! We also saw powerful vocals and presence from Rich Giordano, who plays Stacee Jaxx. You’ll be particularly impressed with “Wanted Dead or Alive” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
Photo Credit: @photosxbyem
Sydnee LaBuda and Company.
Will Logan was another person who stood out to me – his physical comedy stole MANY a scene and I might say…this is my favorite from him too! I was also impressed with The Waitresses, who were featured often. Leah Cyran, Camilla Montoya, Jennifer Morales, and Olivia Swanson were strong vocally and brightened every scene they were part of.
The production was *made* fantastic by the production team – kudos to Director Keith Jones who made their directorial debut at CM with this production. Jones clearly understood the story and the comedy behind it, leading this production to a rousing success. Sarah Minto served as the choreographer this time around and delivered phenomenal choreography that dazzled and made everyone in the cast stand out and look fantastic!
As I said in the beginning – the true hero of this show is the music…and who is more perfect than resident Music Director Matthew W. Surico to lead the charge?! The vocals were crisp, harmonies were on point, and I particularly loved having the band on stage for the whole show! Very special shout-out to Surico on Keyboard, Rob Curry on Bass, Bill Dwyer on Drums, and Tomas Bradbard on Guitar that served as the perfect accompaniment for this talented cast. Last but not least, Scenic Designer John Mazzarella out does himself once again. The level of detail that is put into the set is mesmerizing – I found myself looking all over the stage trying to absorb it all. There’s just so many things to see and it serves as the perfect backdrop for a show like this! It looks just as you’d expect a bar like The Bourbon Room to look during the 80’s – you can even get a closer look during intermission where they serve Beer & Wine from the on stage bar!
Photo Credit: @photosxbyem
Jason Steven Kopp.
Whether you are looking for a laugh, solid music, or stunning choreography – or perhaps any combination of the three – Rock of Ages has something for everyone. This production is running until February 1st and tickets are selling quickly! Tickets can be purchased in-person at the box office, by phone, or via their website at www.cmpac.com.
Link to Review: https://www.thekylepettyshow.com/reviews/cmpacroa