Rock of Ages rolls through Vicksburg, and it rocks!

This Monday I had the opportunity to witness the Vicksburg Theatre Guild’s performance of Rock of Ages at the Park Side Playhouse, and even though it was just a dress rehearsal, I was thoroughly blown away.

Set against the back drop of late 80s LA, the play follows Sherrie and Drew as they navigate the perils of love and friendship while battling the forces of German urban development, all the while singing the best bops of the rocking 80s.

The show shined bright with stellar performances by the usual suspects of VTG as well as some new comers. Amy Crews and Aaron Sherman stole the show as Sherrie and Drew respectively, with palpable chemistry during the duets. Andrew Cochran killed it as Lonny, narrator and friend of Drew, belting out his lyrics like a real rock star. Other standouts include Willie Thomas Jr. as Stacee Jaxx, alluring rock star and romantic rival of Drew. In fact, all the characters really understand their assignments including Clarence Shelby as Dennis, Shanna Dixon as Justice, Mary Claire Allison as Hilda, and Marshall Fitzroy as Regina.

The lighting in this musical is revolutionary, and Vicksburg has never seen anything quite like it. It is worth noting, however, that people with sensitivity to flashing lights should be wary of this performance. The lighting in the show could be a performance on its own. The ambiance with the lighting demands that you actually experience the emotions with the characters on stage. It is really a spectacle you wouldn’t want to miss.

The lighting is only enhanced by the raw musical talent from the actors and actresses in this show. I always knew talented people lived in Vicksburg, I just wasn’t aware they all got together and decided to act in this local theatre performance. The banter that is carried along with the songs makes you sway to the ebb and flow of the engagements between characters. A notable mention is Aaron Sherman, who plays the leading character Drew. His falsetto will bring you to tears. The musical talent is being guided by musical directors Cindy & Eric Fowler. They have done a phenomenal job of guiding the cast to harmonize and creating a chemistry between the actors that is undeniable on and off stage.

Rock of Ages The Musical also contains some of the most exciting choreography that I’ve seen in local theatre. Led by choreographer Heather Sumners, the dancers in this performance exhibit skills that surpass your expectations for community theatre. These dancers put Prince to shame. That may be an exaggeration, but you won’t know until you go check it out for yourself.

To wrap this up, I’d like to make a special shout out to Celeste Cochran for directing such a captivating show. You’ve done an outstanding job, and you have really brought something wonderful to Vicksburg that will live in the hearts of the audience for years to come. I’d also like to express my gratitude to Studio 61 for making this all possible. I cannot wait to see the show with an actual audience present to fill the room with laughter and cheers. Thank you all so much!

Shows are this and next weekend. Full details here.