The Riverside musical and theatre group will be performing a new musical that will open on February 22, 2017. Rock of Ages is truly a unique musical that celebrates the classic rock songs from the 1980s. It is a love story, but mostly the musical explores the journey of chasing one`s dreams. Ms. Nicole Roberge’s production will be a family friendly “High School edition”.
Roberge gave some insight as to why this musical was chosen. “We decided on this musical because we looked at the kids and asked, what kind of singers do you have? What kind of dancers and actors? I have got 54 pretty awesome rock and roll students this year.”
The music is excellent; audiences will hear songs such as “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey and “Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi. The jukebox style of this musical and the rock aspect is going to excite a variety of ages in the audience. “I think that everyone is really going to enjoy the rock aspect of this show. Especially the parents because this is exactly the era that they grew up in,” said Roberge.
A typical musical like this one takes a lot of effort to perfect for a successful performance. This means that the cast and Roberge work very hard with extra hours even outside of school to ensure a successful performance. “The average lead actor or technician
A typical musical like this one takes a lot of effort to perfect for a successful performance. This means that the cast and Roberge work very hard with extra hours even outside of school to ensure a successful performance. “The average lead actor or technician, such as our lighting designer, will work very hard, probably putting in an extra 80 hours. I spend an extra 115 hours outside of school on these big productions,” said Roberge.
Roberge added that “the product is only one aspect of it; the process is a learning opportunity for students to become more physically as well as vocally confident, and to collaborate on one collective goal, which is the best musical that the musical theatre class can make together.”
In the musical theatre class, there are 54 students and every one of the students will be participating in the production of the play. In the first few weeks of September, the cast members went through some key points on singing acting and dancing. Then Roberge auditioned for roles, but there are no cuts. Sometimes there are not enough roles in a play. If this happens, students will have a role written for them. For this musical there is double casting, so two different casts will be performing the musical on alternating days. “Two separate versions, so everyone is going to need to see it twice,” said Roberge.
“I can’t wait to show this musical to Riverside’s community and I think that we are all going to get into the 1980s rock and roll vibe with this musical,” said Roberge. So make sure you come and watch this play and remember opening day will be on February 22, 2017!
