I enjoyed an opportunity yesterday to see the matinee performance of Rock of Ages. There were very large crowds in the theater district and ROA had its share as well. When I arrived, the line went down the street to 8th Avenue, around the block and down from there. But the people who staff the Brooks Atkinson Theatre did their usual terrific job at getting everyone in with no problem at all. Seems like it was a sold out performance as every seat I could see both in the orchestra and mezzanine was taken. All the standing room looked taken also.
There has been one change to the theatre that I think is going to be a big help to people. Screens have been put into both the left and right sides of the extended stage so that people who have obstructed view seats can now see what is going on with the part of the stage that is blocked from their view. The screens are actually located inside a wall at the end of the extreme right and left side aisles.
The crowd was very much into the show. No rowdiness, just people who were looking to sing along and have some fun. At one point I turned around and saw both the balcony and orchestra filled with lighters in the air celebrating the moment. nice!
The show was wonderful. Constantine performed like the Tony nominee he is, and then some! I have only seen Kerry Butler do the role one other time and I really enjoy seeing her interpretation. She is an outstanding actress. So sorry she will be leaving next weekend.
Jenifer Foote was in for Lauren as Regina. She has a very beautiful voice. She played the role slightly different from Lauren (who is always good) and I enjoyed it. Also filling in was Erica Hunter playing the role of the reporter. Her interpretation as a wide eyed stunned reporter is adorable. Ericka is also a fine dancer.
Tom Lenk as Franz has really made that part his own. He is such a funny man with a beautiful voice to back him up. He’s a very soft-spoken, nice guy at the stage door.
He’s leaving around March 20th. If you haven’t seen him do this role yet, try to get in to see both him and Kerry while they are still there.
Is it possible that this cast could get any better? I don’t know how, but every time I come from this show, I feel like it’s got something new to see and experience. The cast is a consummate group of professionals who obviously know how to keep their roles fresh and very entertaining. Mitch Jarvis and Adam Danheisser have been in since the show opened Off-Broadway in October 2009. Yet every time I see them, I’m wowed. The same is true with Paul Schoeffler who left for a brief time to do another show, but returned. So happy he did as his Hertz is so amazing to watch. Michelle Mais continues to amaze audiences as she sings some terrific songs as Justice.
James Carpinello’s Stacy Jaxx really is “a living thing!” His physicality in the role along with a wonderful singing voice makes him dynamic to watch. And his bit with the llama at the end is so funny. First time I saw that was yesterday. And I also saw Jeremy Woodard hanging out with the beaver for the first time yesterday. Both his dancing and his Joey Primo are so good. Yesterday I noticed the way people were watching him climb the pole during the ending. The group I was in was amazed at him doing this. They applauded him directly when he made it to the top. Andre Ward is such a good character actor playing the roles he does. He really gets the laughs as the mayor and he can really dance.
Also in the show were two other beautiful dancers: Angel Reed, whose picture I was able to get at the stage door and Emily Padgett, who dances and sings up a storm. Both of these ladies added so much to my enjoyment of the show. Angel is another of the originals from Off-Broadway who always gives her all to the part.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the band who supplies the most fabulous sounds of music to the show in high energy, rocking style. They also play the part of Arsenal, the fictional band in the show. They really play their parts well.
Speaking of the stage door, to say it was a mob scene is putting it mildly! It was 4 deep from the barricade to the street. Every time the door opened and a cast member came out, a large yell of appreciation was heard. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen it as crowded as yesterday on the sidewalk, but as crowded as it was, everyone seemed to be really courteous to each other.
Next to me at one point were two women who were star struck when Constantine came out. They started saying how they had followed him on Idol, but then got very quiet as he approached. I can understand that! Been there, done that too! The first picture and this one were taken from the 3 deep line.
This post got a little long, but I haven’t written about Rock of Ages in awhile. The show is coming up on celebrating its First Anniversary on Broadway soon. Long may it play!
Constantine and his Rock of Ages co-star Emily Padgett appeared on the summer hit television show America’s Got Talent this past Wednesday, July 14. Appearing live on the first results show of the season, Constantine performed “I Want to Rock” with Dee Snider of Twisted Sister who made the song famous back in the 80′s. Joel Hoekstra, who plays lead guitar in Rock of Ages, was also onstage for the performance. Emily and Constantine sang “Don’t Stop Believing” with an ensemble of back-up dancers and a Rock of Ages band.
Constantine Maroulis News, Rock of Ages, Television | Karen | 
July 18, 2010 1:01 pm | 
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