By Jennifer Joyce

Upon entering the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on Broadway, you are handed a small lighter and then come face to face with a very unique sight. The stage has been transformed into an old 1980s bar on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, with not only guitars hanging on the walls, but also many signs promoting strip clubs and various rock bands. In addition, while waiting for the show to begin, waiters walk up and down the aisles serving audience members cold drinks and beer. When the show starts, the first people who come onstage are the five long-haired members of a rock band. You can’t help but wonder: Am I still on Broadway? Absolutely! This is what you experience when you go see Broadway’s newest hit: “Rock of Ages.” Don’t let the title fool you-this show is nothing short of great fun. With a talented cast, awesome audience participation and familiar rock music, you’ll be dancing in your seat from beginning to end.

“Rock of Ages” takes place in 1987 on the Sunset Strip, where hair is big and people love to rock. It is here that two young lovers-a small town girl and a big city rocker from Detroit-meet in one of the strip’s most famous rock club. Sound familiar, Journey fans? Together, they experience the highs and lows of life in show business and try to save their club from being torn down by a greedy German land developer.

The cast is amazing. Each cast member has dynamite, power-house voices, and their own enjoyment of the show spreads like wildfire among the audience. In this production, two actors stood out above the rest. One of them was former “American Idol” contestant Constantine Maroulis, who played rocker-wannabe Drew. Not only did he have great acting skills, but also a powerful voice that penetrated the entire house. The other man who stole the show was Mitchell Jarvis, who plays Lonny, the narrator of the show. He not only is a great actor and a great singer, but most important of all, he is hysterically funny. As narrator, he knew how to work with the audience and how to encourage them to join in the fun. The other cast members were equally enjoyable. Overall, the cast did a terrific job bringing the show to life.

Unlike other musicals, this show greatly encourages audience participation. You can easily sing along to most of the score, but what makes this show unique, is that the audience feels as though they are at a rock concert at the same time. Lonny, Drew and other rockers persuade the audience to scream, clap, and shout just as loud as they want. Finally, the small lighter given when entering the theater is encouraged for waving in the air during the slow songs, just like at a real rock concert. Being part of the show is what makes the experience twice as fun.

The scenery was very impressive, and it took the audience back to the 1980s. From the old fashioned bar to the guitars and posters hanging on the wall, it was obvious that every piece was carefully thought out. In addition, a giant LED screen was hung towards the ceiling, which showed continual videos in each scene. This idea was very clever and enhanced the show greatly. The costumes were also very impressive, and continued to define the age of classic rock. While the rockers wore sequined, studded jackets and jeans, the girls wore short leather skirts and extremely low cut tops. Overall, every technical aspect was extremely well done.

Finally, the music brought the entire production together. With hits from classic bands such as Bon Jovi, Journey, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake and more, you’ll be dancing in your seat and singing the songs all the way home. For college students, it’ll feel like a live concert of your favorite “Guitar Hero” songs. Some of the classic songs include “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “Nothin’ But a Good Time,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and, for the grand finale, “Don’t Stop Believing.”

“Rock of Ages” is the new rock musical that could easily win multiple Tony Awards this year. The cast is superb, the production is fabulous and you’ll want to see this show again and again. After a fantastic Broadway opening on April 7, tickets are flying fast. So if you’re looking for “Nothin’ but a Good Time,” go see Rock of Ages, and get ready to rock on.