The cast of Rock of Ages during the final number of Act 1. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

ROCK OF AGES

‘I Wanna Rock’: Opening night finally arrives for Rock of Ages

Aug 22, 2022 | 5:29 PM

The EA Rawlinson Centre will be Rockin once again as a major musical production takes the stage.

The show “Rock of Ages”, a musical featuring the songs of the classic rock era opens at the performing arts centre on Tuesday after it was delayed a few days.

The show takes you on a “Journey” to a time when old-school rockers who wanted “Nothin’ but a good time” were being pushed out by big business corporations working like “Shadows in the Night” to rid the street of the musical lifestyle.

As “The Final Countdown” begins for the end of the local rock bar, a small-town girl and a city boy are caught in the “Heat of the Moment”, falling for each other.

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Sherrie and Drew are struggling to find their voice, and money in the city with both, eventually parting ways, realizing that “Every Rose has its Thorn”.

Nonetheless, their love for each other grew stronger than any job or career would, realizing that they “Can’t Stop This Feeling” and are bound to be together.

At the same time, the members of the local bar stand as “Renegades”, telling the big shot businessmen, “We’re not Going to Take It”. Eventually, the bar stands victorious and along with Sherrie and Drew return to their version of “Paradise City” and vow to the world that “I Wanna Rock.”

Rehearsals for the production started in May and ran twice a week. After several months and many long hours, the cast and crew are finally ready to bring their talents to the stage.

Shania Cabilao plays the role of Sherri and believes that everyone will enjoy this show, especially for the nostalgia.

“Yes, it is a musical, but it’s filled with songs that people have grown up listening to so I am so excited for the audience to recognize these songs and sing along with us.”

Shania Cabilao as Sherrie. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

Tazana Nelson plays several roles in the production and said while the storyline may be a complex one, it’s a show that everyone in the city should see, maybe more than once.

“There’s the love story, there’s the fight against the man type thing, there’s the whole nothing but a good time aspect. I just think it’s a really fun, busy show.”

Nelson and Cabilao are excited to finally bring the production to life, given all the hard work they’ve endured.

“We’re all just one big happy family here, honestly,” said Cabilao.

“Rock of Ages” runs from Aug. 23 to 28. Two shows are on the schedule for the 27^th including the Canadian Tire Matinee which also goes on Aug. 28.

Tickets are still available and you can contact the EA Rawlinson Centre for details.

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock