Rock of Ages: High School Edition
at Eastern Regional High School

Reviewed on March 24, 2018

Varun Andrews
Bordentown Regional High School
Submitted for publication to Philadelphia Inquirer - 1

Rock n' Roll glorified, strengthened, and revolutionized music with some of its greatest hits coming out in the 1980's. Luckily, those beloved hits were brought back to the forefront in Eastern Regional High School's spectacular production of "Rock of Ages".

With music from world-renowned bands like Bon Jovi, Journey, and Whitesnake, "Rock of Ages: High School Edition" transports audiences into the journey of a community's struggle to save rock n roll while balancing the inevitable love story between a wannabe rockstar and an aspiring actress. This jukebox musical ran on Broadway for over 2,300 performances, became a five time Tony nominee and a hit in the hearts and minds of its audiences.

From start to finish, Eastern Regional High School managed to keep the energy high and never skipped a beat. Especially with a fast-paced musical like "Rock of Ages", the cast as a whole should be given tremendous credit for making a difficult feat look simple.

Leading the production as Sherrie Christian, Lauren Cianfrani, showcased her incredible vocals and amazing acting skills. Transitioning from a small town girl to an exotic dancer, Cianfrani tapped into the hardships of such a large shift, adding to her character's complexity and naivety. Narrating the story and providing comic relief throughout the show, Lonny Barnett, played by Vincent Melara, owned the stage by displaying a certain charisma only seen in professional theater.

A performance that cannot go unmentioned was the one displayed by Jake Fritz in his role of charismatic rock star, Stacee Jaxx. Fritz's masterful vocals coupled with his priceless sense of humor allowed him to be a favorite among audience members. Franz Klinemann who was played by Primo Davis, stole the show with his excellent comedic timing and masterful stage presence, especially in the song, "Hit Me With Your Best Shot". It was clear that Davis was comfortable in character through his excellent physical presence.

The technical aspects of the production are the hidden stars though, as their fascinating set built by Chris Childs, Cyrena Kokolis,and Aaron Forsman took audiences back to the 80's and provided a classic concert feel. This was supported by the fact that the hair and makeup of every single character was executed with attention to detail and a desire to be authentic. To add, the lighting throughout the show was exceptional, complementing all if not most scenes perfectly, and taking the production to greater heights.

With an energetic ensemble, vibrant vocals, and exceptional chemistry, Eastern Regional High School's production of "Rock of Ages" produced zeal that would only be matched at a rock concert.

Emily Thompson
Baldwin School
Submitted for publication to Philadelphia Inquirer - 2

"Don't stop believing" in the power of rock and roll and its influences on people and love. Eastern Regional High School proved just that in their performance this past weekend of Rock of Ages: School Edition, written by Chris D'Arienzo.

The story follows the love lives of Sherrie Christian (Lauren Cianfrani), a wide-eyed actress from Kansas, and Drew Boley (Jordan Edmondson), an employee at the Bourbon Room and rock artist. With distractions from their narrator, Lonny Barnett (Vincent Melara), and a player who breaks Sherrie's heart, Stacee Jaxx (Jake Fritz), the two lovers spend both acts making their way towards each other in the midst of the chaos of the Sunset Strip.

Overall, the show was supported by the high energy of the female members of the ensemble and the narrator, Lonny Barnett. With the added element of the detail-oriented set of the Bourbon Room, the show certainly carried the caricature of the 80s from beginning to end.

From the moment he literally jumped on stage, Vincent Melara possessed an unparalleled energy, providing extreme comedy in his physicality, facial expressions, and tone, particularly in "I Can't Fight This Feeling." Meanwhile, Sherrie Christian (Lauren Cianfrani) brought a beautifully powerful voice to the stage, adding a country twang to the rock-and-roll sounds to showcase her Kansas roots in songs like "Harden My Heart/Shadows of the Night" and "Hate Myself for Lovin' You."

Stacee Jaxx (Jake Fritz) captured the essence of a stereotypical rock artist in everything from his physicality to his tone. Meanwhile, Anita Bath (Lindsay Cohen) executed a powerful and comedic performance of a Berkley-educated protestor.

The set of the Bourbon Room was practically professional in its details, aesthetic, and functions. It expressed the identity of the 80s while providing levels and spaces for actors to use in original ways.

Carried on a wave of energy, Rock of Ages demonstrated the power of rock and roll and, more importantly, the power of the committed and energetic cast from Eastern Regional.

Sam Spirt
Upper Dublin High School
Submitted for publication to The Voyager

An 80's rock concert and a Broadway musical are two of the most entertaining types of performances, so audiences are bound to go crazy when you combine the two. Eastern Regional High School wowed audiences with their production of the rock/jukebox musical, Rock of Ages:High School Edition.

With a story centered around some of the most iconic songs of the 80s, Rock of Ages tells the story of Drew Boley and Sherrie Christian, wannabe rockstar and actress, who get lost in the madness of the 1980s while struggling to find their identities.

Lauren Cianfranni took on the role of leading lady Sherrie Christian with powerhouse vocals, specifically an impressively high belt. Sherrie and Drew (Jordan Edmondson) had solid chemistry and created lovely harmony in their Act II duet, "High Enough." Most notable though, was Lonny Barnett (Vincent Melara) who served as the narrator of the story. His stage presence and high energy made for an entertaining and memorable performance.

Another major standout of the cast was Lindsay Cohen as lead protester Anita Bath. Cohen was passionate and quirky, and her vocals were highly impressive. Robert Sundstrom also gave a hilarious performance as the hippie bar owner Dennis Dupree, especially in "I Can't Fight the Feeling," his hysterical duet with Lonny Barnett. Other celebrated performers were hotshot rockstar Stacee Jaxx (Jake Fritz), and rebellious son Franz Klinemann (Primo Davis).

Eastern's large ensemble of rockers helped bring the Sunset Strip to life. Specifically, the featured waitresses added to the production with their fantastic dance skills and sleazy attitudes. The entire ensemble always had strong energy and perfectly blended vocals, particularly in Act I Finale, "Here I Go Again."

The most outstanding part of the production, however, was the Broadway-caliber scenery. Completely student built and designed, the Bourbon Room unit set had incredible detail and really felt like a bar on the Sunset Strip. The crazy 80s makeup design was also notable, as each cast member's vibrant colors stood out under the bright stage lights.

Pulling off the energy and atmosphere of a rock musical is difficult, but Eastern's cast and crew did so with enthusiasm and skill. Eastern Regional rocked the theatre with a story of love and passion, matched only by their own love and passion for the production itself.

Julia Maenza
Baldwin School
Submitted for publication to GPC Website Review 4

Classic rock and roll hits, incredible voices, and flawless technical elements all came together in Eastern Regional High School's production of Rock of Ages.

The jukebox musical debuted on Broadway in 2009, and was made into a film starring Russell Brand, Julianne Hough, Tom Cruise, and Alec Baldwin in 2012. Told by narrator Lonny (Vincent Melara), the story follows a young wannabe-actress named Sherrie Christian (Lauren Cianfrani) who wants to make it big in LA. She meets Drew (Jordan Edmondson), who seeks stardom as a rockstar, and they have obvious romantic chemistry. At the same time Franz and Hilda Klinemann (Primo Davis and Mia Sundstrom) seek to turn the Rock and Roll Headquarters of LA into an "efficient living" space, much to the chagrin of Anita Bath (Lindsey Cohen). As they fight for their city, for love, and for rock and roll, new relationships are forged and some fall apart.

Overall, the energy of the show was relentlessly high, flowing from one rock hit to the next. The entire ensemble worked together (equipped with fun and entertaining choreography) to engage the members of the audience.

Vincent Melara, who led the cast as Lonny, truly set the energy level for the evening. Lauren Cianfrani played Sherrie, with a beautiful voice and infectious optimism. Robert Sundstrom, or the owner of the Bourbon Room "Dennis Dupree" was incredibly believable as the hardened rock and roll lover.

The supporting members of the cast truly wowed the audience with their talent. Lindsey Cohen transformed into the community organizer Anita Bath. Cohen had the stage presence and vocal strength to consistently engage the audience. Davis and Sundstrom played mother and son Hilda and Franz Klinemann, and stood out as both humorous and moving. Jannette Fisher sang the charismatic Justice Charlier. Her strong and stunning vocals and stage presence left the audience wanting more. Last but certainly not least, the three waitresses, (Dana Ramadan, Madeline Redfern, and Addison Clark), anchored the show in their talent and likability. Though not heavily featured, they truly caught the attention of all.

The set was astounding, and made the entire story believable. The combination of vintage decor and the high tech screen made a cohesive setting for the plot to unfold. The ensemble of characters were decked out in 80s fashion, which all functioned together to create a picture of the time period. Lighting was masterfully done, and made the auditorium feel like a Rock and Roll destination.

Eastern Regional High School created an enthralling and electrifying production of Rock of Ages.