Los Angeles (2005 & 2006)
The musical premiered on July 27, 2005 in Los Angeles at King King, a club on Hollywood boulevard. It Moved to The Vanguard Hollywood in January 2006 where it played for six weeks. Chris D'Arienzo's book was directed by Kristin Hanggi, with choreography by RJ Durell. Orchestrations and arrangements were by David Gibbs and Kyle Puccia. Gibbs has also played guitar in the onstage band, Arsenal. Laura Bell Bundy (Legally Blonde) played the role of Sherrie in this early production.
More Los Angeles and Las Vegas (2006)
Following a successful run at the Vanguard, the show then moved to Ren-Mar studios, where it played to sold out crowds. In May 2006 there was a short run at the Flamingo in Las Vegas.
Off-Broadway (2008–09)
The Off-Broadway run began at New World Stages in New York City on October 16, 2008 and ran through January 4, 2009, featuring Constantine Maroulis, Paul Schoeffler and Will Swenson in the cast. Kelly Devine took over choreography, and Ethan Popp was brought in to help orchestrate new songs added to the production.
Broadway (2009–)
The production transferred to Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre with previews beginning March 20, 2009, and officially opening on April 7, 2009. The Broadway production temporarily closed on January 9, 2011 and moved to the Helen Hayes Theatre on March 24, 2011.
The show's band has significant stage time compared to other musicals' bands and orchestras. The band was dressed in typical metal heads costumes as Stacee's back up band and they are always on stage. The drummer was placed inside a cage that jokingly said "Please don't feed the drummer". One of the guitarists in the stage band, Joel Hoekstra, is a member of Night Ranger (whose hit "Sister Christian" is performed in the show) and Trans Siberian Orchestra. Another guitarist Tommy Kessler is also a member of the band Blondie.
Toronto (2010–2011)
The musical held an open call in October 2009 looking for fresh new faces. In December 2009 the cast was selected and quickly rehearsed for a performance on City TV's New Year's Eve Special. Previews began on April 20, 2010 at The Royal Alexandra Theater Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with the official opening on May 11, 2010. The cast included Elicia MacKenzie as Sherrie and Aaron Walpole as Lonny. The show closed with its final performance Sunday January 2, 2011.
1st National US tour (2010–2011)
The US tour began at The Bank of America Theatre in Chicago, Illinois on September 21, 2010 and wrapped at the National Theater in Washington, D.C. on July 24, 2011. The tour visited sixty additional venues. Tour stops included: Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale. Constantine Maroulis reprised the role of Drew for the tour.
Australian Tour (2011)
The Australian production officially premiered in Melbourne in April 2011 at the Comedy Theatre with previews from March 2011. Justin Burford is playing the role of Drew
The production moved to Brisbane in November 2011, opening at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC, on 12 November 2011.
The Australian production closed after the final performance in Brisbane on 4 December 2011.
West End (2011–)
Rock of Ages at the Shaftesbury Theatre, January 2012
The UK production premiered in London's West End on August 31, 2011 at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Opening night took place on September 27, 2011.Natalie Andreou and Oliver Tompsett play the show's young lovers, Midwestern transplant Sherrie and wannabe rocker Drew. Celebrities Justin Lee Collinsand Shayne Ward star as Dennis DuPree and Stacee Jaxx respectively. The cast also features Simon Lipkin (Lonny), Rohan Tickell (Hertz), Rachel McFarlane (Justice/Mother), Jodie Jacobs (Regina/Candi) and Sandy Moffat (Franz), as well as Nathan Amzi, Grant Anthony, Scarlette Douglas, Carly Mercedes Dyer, Cordelia Farnworth, Ian McIntosh, Twinnie-Lee Moore, Jamie Muscato, Andrew Spillett, Zizi Strallen, Amy Thornton and Dylan Turner.
2nd National US Tour (2011–)
A second national tour will launch on October 4, 2011 in Providence, Rhode Island, and will contain an entire non-equity cast. Seehttp://www.rockofagesontour.com/ for more details.
Cast includes Dominique Scott as Drew, Shannon Mullen as Sherrie, Justin Colombo as Lonny, Matt Nolan as Stacee Jaxx/Father, Matt Ban as Dennis DuPree, Amma Osei as Justice/Mother, Stephen Michael Kane as Franz, Phillip Peterson as Hertz, and Katie Postotnik as Regina. The ensemble includes: Chris Sams, Joey Elrose, Wesley Faucher, Lisa Finegold, Tymisha "tush" Harris, Alyssa Herrera, Patrick Joyce, and Danny McHugh.
Film (2012)
The film rights have been sold to Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema. The film is to be directed by Adam Shankman and was originally expected to begin production in the summer of 2010, but started shooting in May 2011, for a June 1, 2012 theatrical release.
It has been confirmed that Constantine Maroulis will make an appearance in the film. Joel Hoekstra will also make an appearance. It was confirmed on April 13, 2011 that Amy Adams would not have a part. Anne Hathaway is also rumored to cameo as the reporter who interviews Stacee Jaxx during the song "Wanted Dead or Alive".
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