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Coming soon: "Rock of Ages"
Some say the 1980s were a decade to forget. We had the creation of the "me" generation and Donald Trump became famous. The Challenger exploded, killing everyone aboard.
Nancy Reagan started a "Just Say No" campaign against drugs and Michael Jackson wore a sparkling glove.
But the '80s weren't all bad. We also had music. We had lots of head-banging heavy metal music and it really tore the place apart.
That's the heart behind "Rock of Ages," the Broadway musical running from Nov. 13 to 18 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.
You like your musical idols? How about Journey, Styx, Pat Benatar, Poison, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Twisted Sister and Whitesnake? Their music makes an appearance in "Rock of Ages."
Like most musicals of this genre, there is no serious story involved here. Oh, they wrap something around the music, but the show is about the music and the times.
It's notable that the lead role of Drew Boley was originally created by an "American Idol" heartthrob, Constantine Maroulis.
Some people say the '80s were a music desert, but with songs like "We Built this City" and "Don't Stop Believin'" there was plenty of memorable and sing-along-able stuff.
That's what the experience of seeing "Rock of Ages" is like. It is designed to get your toes tapping, your butt shakin' and your vocal chords screaming at the long haired kings and queens onstage.
Tickets are available at the box office or at marcuscenter.org.
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