Rock of Ages

Theater

Comedy

Helen Hayes Theatre

Until Tue Dec 31

$$$$

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Time Out says

Thu Mar 15 2012

The new jukebox musical Rock of Ages, which crams 30 hard-hitting ’80s hits into a self-consciously campy romantic comedy, knows its demo. For anyone who threw devil horns at a Quiet Riot concert, had their ears shredded by Eddie Van Halen’s awesome fretwork or felt their heart bursting from Steve Perry’s caterwauling, this slick package is cock-rock nirvana. And if a two-hour set of pulse-quickening covers isn’t enough, there are strippers, a funny narrator (Mitchell Jarvis, ripping off Jack Black’s spaz-rocker shtick) and—for the ladies out there—American Idol cutie Constantine Maroulis. Yes, the ingredients are all fast-food leftovers. But mixed together and nuked for three minutes, they are quite tasty.

You may be surprised to learn that there’s a book to Rock of Ages. And yet Chris D’Arienzo makes a good-faith offering of actual characters who are somehow motivated to launch into renditions of “We Built This City” and “Cum on Feel the Noize.” The ridiculous plot involves German developers who want to raze Los Angeles’s Sunset Strip, including legendary music club the Bourbon. Meanwhile, wanna-be rocker Drew (Maroulis) tries to win the hand of actress-turned-stripper Sherrie (Kelli Barrett). But enough narrative: More Whitesnake and Pat Benatar!

Rock of Ages shouldn’t be this enjoyable, but director Kristin Hanggi whips her talented cast into a lather of headbanging goofiness, turning up the volume to avoid explanations. It pretty much works: They bring the face-melting solos, you supply the flashbacks.—David Cote

Follow David Cote on Twitter: @davidcote

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Venue details

MAP

Name:
Helen Hayes Theatre
Address:
Helen Hayes Theatre 240 W 44th St
Midtown West
New York

Cross Street:
between Broadway and Eighth Ave
Phone:
212-239-6200
Website:
hayestheatre.com
Transport:
Subway: A, C, E to 42nd St–Port Authority; N, Q, R, 42nd St S, 1, 2, 3, 7 to 42nd St–Times Sq
Map
1. Helen Hayes Theatre
  - 240 W 44th St
    Midtown West
    New York
  - 212-239-6200
  - hayestheatre.com
  - 40.757808,-73.987683

Event phone:
212-239-6200
Event website:
rockofagesmusical.com

Categories:
Theater. Musicals. Comedy
Good for:
Business. Dating. Date night. Going in a group. Local talent. Lots of laughs. Mood. Escapism. Take a tourist. Take your parents
Event type:
Plays & Shows

Rock of Ages 2013

Date Time Price information
Thu May 23

8:00pm

$70–$165, premium $225–$265
Buy tickets
Fri May 24

8:00pm

$70–$165, premium $225–$265
Buy tickets
Sat May 25

2:00pm

$70–$165, premium $225–$265
Buy tickets

8:00pm
Sun May 26

3:00pm

$70–$165, premium $225–$265
Buy tickets

7:30pm
Mon May 27

8:00pm

$70–$165, premium $225–$265
Buy tickets
Tue May 28

7:00pm

$70–$165, premium $225–$265
Buy tickets
Thu May 30

8:00pm

$70–$165, premium $225–$265
Buy tickets
Fri May 31

8:00pm

$70–$165, premium $225–$265
Buy tickets

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Rock of Ages

Time Out rating:

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Rock of Ages 2013

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