As previously reported, Rock of Ages will transfer to Broadway's Brooks Atkinson Theatre, the current home of the Grease revival. Previews at the Atkinson will begin March 20 with an official opening scheduled for April 7.
In a joint statement Rock of Ages producers Matthew Weaver and Carl Levin recently said, "After such an exciting run Off-Broadway, we are delighted to be moving Rock of Ages to Broadway. We know these are difficult and uncertain times for everyone, so we are thrilled to announce that Rock of Ages will set a new precedent on Broadway with a top ticket price of $89 for weeknight performances and $99 for weekend performances."
The Off-Broadway company boasts "American Idol" finalist Constantine Maroulis as well as Kelli Barrett, Nova Bergeron, Adam Dannheisser, Mitchell Jarvis, Michele Mais, Lauren Molina, Brian Munn, Angel Reed, Paul Schoeffler, Will Swenson, Wesley Taylor, Savannah Wise, Jeremy Woodard, Jackie Burns, Lara Janine, Christopher Spaulding and Tad Wilson.
Casting for the Broadway production will be announced shortly.
Written by Chris D'Arienzo, directed by Kristin Hanggi and choreographed by Kelly Devine, Rock of Ages, press notes state, "is an explosive new musical with a heart as big as 80's rock hair. As a legendary rock club faces its demise at the hands of eager developers, a young rocker hoping for his big break falls for a small town girl chasing big dreams of her own." The musical features hits from such rockers as Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia and Whitesnake.
The production has scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Tony nominee Gregory Gale, lighting design by Jason Lyons, sound design by Walter Trarbach and projection design by Zachary Borovay. Music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations were penned by Ethan Popp with original arrangements by David Gibbs.
Rock of Ages, which premiered in Los Angeles at the Vanguard, will be produced on Broadway by Matthew Weaver, Carl Levin, Jeff Davis, Scott Prisand, and Corner Store Fund I, in association with Janet Billig Rich, Hillary Weaver, Stefany & Simon Bergson, Charles Rolecek, Susanne Brook, Barry Habib, Israel Wolfson, Jennifer Maloney and Prospect Pictures.
New Line recently won the screen rights for Rock of Ages. Librettist D'Arienzo will not only pen the screenplay but will direct the feature film as well.
Show times on Broadway will be Monday at 8 PM, Tuesday at 7 PM, Thursday at 8 PM, Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 2 and 8 PM and Sunday at 3 and 7 PM.
Tickets for the Broadway production, priced $46.50-$99, will go on sale Jan. 5, 2009, by calling (212) 307-4100 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.
The Brooks Atkinson Theatre is located in Manhattan at 256 West 47th Street.
