Lyric to Rock the Plaza with "Rock of Ages"
Lyric Theatre invites you to the raddest party in Oklahoma City as it closes out its 2017 regular season this month with a celebration of ‘80s rock music.
Go back to the ‘80s where big bands with even bigger hair gave birth to classic rock. Set to a soundtrack featuring the music of Whitesnake, Poison, Styx, Twisted Sister and many more, Rock of Ages chronicles the love between aspiring rocker Drew Boley and would-be actress Sherrie Christian.
It’s the end of the decade in Hollywood and Drew longs to take the stage as the next big thing. However, the rock ‘n’ roll fairytale is about to come to an end when German developers sweep into town with grand plans to convert the famed Sunset Strip – home to legendary music venues – into a strip mall.
Written by Chris D’Arienzo and arrangements and orchestration by Ethan Popp, Rock of Ages was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
“The show is packed with classic ‘80s rock hits such as We Built This City, Sister Christian, I Wanna Rock, We’re Not Gonna Take It, Wanted Dead or Alive and Cum on Feel the Noize, but underneath all that ‘80s fun is the story of life,” said Ashley Wells, Lyric’s associate artistic director who also directs this production. “We all see a little bit of ourselves in each of the characters. The lesson all of us learn eventually: that life doesn’t always go as planned.”
A special Pride Night hosted by Freedom Oklahoma will be Thursday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Select tickets are discounted $10 by entering the code “GAYLY” at LyricTheatreOKC.com.
Roughtail Brewing Co. presents its inaugural Pint Night Sunday, Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. Attendees who purchase their tickets online using the promo code “PINTNIGHT” will receive admission to that evening’s performance, a Lyric/Roughtail pint glass to take home and a Roughtail beer and snacks for the show.
Lyric’s production of Rock of Ages features costumes by resident costume designer Jeffrey Meek, set design by Uldarico Sarmlento and lighting design by Stephen Toney. The production stars Derrick Medrano as Drew and Lauren Urso as Sherrie.
The cast includes Josh Hobbs, Vince Leseney, Gregory DeCandia, Nakeisha McGee, Lexi Windsor, Justin Larman, Keith Gruber, Michael Andreaus, Sheridan McMichael, Tatum Ludlam, Kaylene Snarsky and Emily J. Pace.
“This is the perfect show about a ‘small town girl, livin’ in a lonely world, who meets a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit, both livin’ just to find emotion.’ What more is there to say?” Wells added.
Rock of Ages plays October 11 through November 4 at Lyric at the Plaza, 1725 NW 16th St. For additional information, call (405) 524-9312 or visit www.LyricTheatreOKC.com
For more than 50 years, Lyric has produced classic and contemporary musicals and plays featuring both nationally known Broadway stars and local favorites.
Copyright The Gayly – October 4, 2017 @ 7 a.m. CDT.