Their performance will be sure to melt your face.
South Delta Secondary and the Equinox Theatre present Rock of Ages: High School Edition next week in Tsawwassen.
The curtain rises on this year’s production on Saturday, Feb. 22 with a special $5 sing-along matinee preview at 2 p.m. Audience members are also encouraged to dress the part in their favourite vintage clothing.
Evening performances run from Tuesday, Feb. 25 to Saturday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. nightly.
Rock of Ages: High School Edition takes you back to the times of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair. The Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical features the hits of bands such as Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and others.
Artistic director Jennifer McKee said the school has been working on the production since September.
The show features two casts, two crews and one band with more than 100 in the overall production.
“Kate Prefontaine, our technical director, it’s her favourite show and she has seen it several times, so this was her choice this year,” said McKee. “I was hesitant at first because I had seen the full edition, which is quite raunchy and I thought, ‘oh my’, but then I read the high school edition and it’s goofy, it’s silly and fun and our kids are really loving the story, the music, the costumes, particularly in that rock, grunge time.”
McKee said the production is quite elaborate with as many as 52 people on stage at any given time.
“We have principal characters that are in every cast, so everyone is part of the show every night, they just switch between principal and ensemble roles,” she said. “We have gone with this model for the past three years. Part of it was an increase in enrollment, but a huge part of it is to give more opportunities to students to play various roles and to recognize that it takes an entire ensemble to be successful.
“That is really the big moral of our story. It’s about having a dream and having those dreams is really great. They might change, they might shift and you might have obstacles, but as long as you have people in your life that you love and a community that supports you, you will be successful.”
Grade 12 student Trista Lang plays Sherrie Christian, the leading lady in the show.
She said she finds the role inspiring and is looking forward to bringing the character to life.
“This is a rock music show, where last year was very classical and focused on the dance aspect,” she said. “It’s very exciting. It’s now becoming real. The past few weeks we have really focused in on the technical aspects of the show.”
Grade 10 student Nick Keenleyside plays Dennis Dupree, who owns the Bourbon Room, the main setting for the show.
“He is the owner, a retired rock star who is stuck in the ’70s and when the story of the show happens and they are trying to tear down the Sunset Strip, he tries to stop it and save his property,” he said. “This character is really fun to play and I get to play off of other characters, which is one of the best things I love about musical theatre.
“Everyone is getting super pumped for the opening shows. The first couple of months all the different aspects are separated, now we are working together and just going all out.”
Tickets for the show are $20 for adults, $10 for students/seniors and $5 for children under five. Purchase tickets online at: sdssequinoxroa.eventbrite.ca, call the school at 604-943-7532, or purchase tickets for cash only at the door.
The Equinox Theatre is located in South Delta Secondary, 750-53rd St.
