Mingus Union High School’s A Troupe of Ridiculous Thespians theatre group will present the musical “Rock of Ages,” opening on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 6:30 p.m.
“Rock of Ages” tells the tale of an aspiring musician working in Hollywood, a young girl with similar dreams and a concert venue slated for demolition. Built around classic 1980s rock songs, the musical tells how the characters come together to save the Sunset Strip and the spirit of rock ’n’ roll.
Drew Boley, the aspiring rocker, is played by Jesus Barraza. Sherrie Christian, the small-town girl from Kansas hoping to make it as an actress, is played by Kayta Aronson.
After a German developer decides to buy up the rundown buildings on the Sunset Strip, the Bourbon Room included, the crew decide to save the beloved venue by hosting a concert with Stacee Jax, played by Xander Johnson, the lead singer of the band Arsenal.
Director James Ball said that they picked this musical to highlight the school’s rock band program and feature some of its rock singers and guitarists. It was also a change from last year’s more classical production of “Mary Poppins.”
The production features a cast of 32, a crew of over 40 students and a live rock band composed of three MUHS students, two MUHS alumni and other local musicians. The students have been practicing daily since the auditions in November.
Carla Renard is the choreographer and Stephen Renard is the assistant director and sound designer. Ball noted that all of the choreography is original and was a collaborative effort between the students and Carla Renard.
“It’s really cool to see all the natural talent here at the school and to the community that comes out and helps put on these productions,” Ball said. “I’m most excited to share the music, the dancing and the atmosphere.”
Ball added that the show has a lot of jokes aimed at those who lived in the ’70s and ’80s, and that he had a blast teaching the students some of those references.
There will be a special sing-a-long performance on Thursday, Feb. 8, in which the audience will be encouraged to sing along with the show. Lyrics will be projected on stage. Ball said it was the first time he was trying a more engaging audience experience.
Rock of Ages will have six presentations, including an early matinee. Tickets are available at atort.ludus. com.
‘Rock of Ages’ Schedule:
- Saturday, Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Feb. 4, 3 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 8, 6 p.m. [sing-a-long show]
- Friday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Feb. 11, 1 p.m. [early matinee]
