Time to rock
<p>The cast of "Rock of Ages" on stage at Modern Theater-Coeur d'Alene. The show opens tonight and will run through Oct. 10. For show times and tickets, visit www.themoderntheater.org</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - From broadway to the big screen, "Rock of Ages" has rocked audiences since 2009. The west coast premiere of the musical hits The Modern Theater Coeur d'Alene tonight.
"Rock of Ages" has already sold out of tickets for tonight's show but an additional 17 shows will be added until closing night Oct. 10.
"Rock of Ages" is a 1980s rock musical centered around classic hits from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Poison and other well-known bands. Despite the musical's title, the Def Leppard song of the same name is not included in the musical.
The show offers a different theater experience than usual, George Green, "Rock of Ages" director, said the actors will often even talk directly to the audience.
"The entire cast breaks the fourth wall as does the band; the point of this is to engage the audience and to create a rock concert environment," Green said. "The more the audience wants to sing along and scream and holler, the better."
Green said the cast is full of high-caliber performers from top to bottom.
"Local favorites such as Daniel McKeever, Aubree Peterson, Shawn Hunt, Doug Dawson and Brendan Brady always garnish rave reviews," Green said. "Jesi B is returning to the stage after about a decade of spending time as the front lady of a local band."
The role of Stacee Jaxx, a rock legend, will be played by Chris Sweet from Boise who majored in theater at Central Washington. University of Montana graduate Quinn Vairi will conquer the role of Sherrie, the small town girl dreaming of making it big.
Green said he is excited for this production in particular. The "Rock of Ages" musical will be The Moderns first production as a professional theater.
"Every performer, crew member, and technician is paid at The Modern Theater as of this, our 55th season," Green said.
Currently the only two locations a professional production of "Rock of Ages" is performed near the west coast is at The Modern and at The Venetian in Las Vegas.
The show is for all ages though some material may not be suitable for the very young.
"You do not have to enjoy '80s music or rock and roll for that matter to have a fun time at this production," Green said. "There is some language and adult content in the show that parents may want to research."
For more information and to purchase tickets visit http://www.themoderntheater.org.