The young actors of Barrhead Composite High School’s (BCHS) drama production call the songs of their latest production, The Rock of Ages, classic rock, but for most of the audience, they are just good old rock and roll.
For three days, starting Jan. 19, students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 will be singing and dancing to songs older than they are as they transform the school’s drama theatre into Los Angeles’ Sunset strip, circa mid-80s, to help tell the story of Drew, a wannabe musician, raised in Detroit, and Sherrie, a small town girl and aspiring actress, who have come to L.A. to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love.
Peter Bonnema, BCHS drama teacher, said the production is modelled after the Broadway show, which ended in 2015 after a successful six-year run, with minor adjustments to make it more age appropriate.
“It’s called a jukebox musical,” he said, explaining that it differs from a regular musical in that the story is crafted first and then the songs are written to fit the story.
“Instead, here we have a list of beloved 80’s rock songs, and they (students) wrote a story to match the music.”
Some of songs which the audience will hear are: Don’t Stop Believin’ from Journey, Waiting for a Girl Like You from Foreigner and Hit Me with Your Best Shot, made famous by Pat Benatar.
Most years, Bonnema said, the drama department usually only hosts two productions a year, but due to the popularity of the course he decided to add a third production.
“We really have a talented group of actors,” he said, adding people who attend many of BCHS’ productions will recognize the actors and actresses from last winter’s Grease production.
Tickets are $10 with performances starting at 7 p.m. each night.
Due to the limited amount of tickets, Bonnema suggests people reserve their seats as soon as possible.
For more information about the play or to reserve tickets call BCHS at 780-674-8522 during school hours.
