Local teens will be taking their parents on a nostalgic journey through the 1980s at Roxy Theatre this weekend as they perform “Rock of Ages,” as this year’s youth musical.
Jonathan Thorne, director for “Rock of Ages” said it is a classic musical with a twist. Instead of classical scores and dramatic solos, the hit play tells its story with hit 1980s rock and roll.
“If everybody loves 80s music, they’ll love this thing,” he said.
“Rock of Ages” tells the fate of the Dupree Room, a club that is being threatened by German settlers who want to tear it down and erect a mini-mall in its place. As employees and patrons of the Dupree Room attempt to save their beloved club, two employees, Drew and Sherrie, played by Adam Savell and Sidney McGee, find romance in the rock and roll.
“It’s a great musical,” Thorne said. “If they love 80’s rock, come and sing along. It’s a big party.”
While “Rock of Ages” has seen great reception on Broadway and other venues, Thorne said Newton Theatre Company would have one thing no other production had. The band will be on stage.
“Nobody has ever attempted this with the band on stage,” he said. “They’re usually in a pit. I decided to put them as part of the background.”
Clad in colorful head banger regalia, the band will be both a musical and visual accompaniment to the teen actors as they bring the 80s to life through the music of Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Journey, Joan Jett and many more of the iconic rock bands of the 80s.
Newton Theatre Company will produce four showings of “Rock of Ages,” February 29, March 1, March 7 and March 8. Showings will be at 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets, which cost $10 for adults and $5 for children, can be purchased from Kaleidoscopes, Dezignz by Nikki and BankFirst, reserved at the door or by calling 601-621-0033.
Editor's Note: A headline in this week's print edition of The Newton County Appeal incorrectly states "Rock of Ages" is set to debut Friday. We apologize for the error and are happy to set the record straight.
