ROCK OF AGES at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre

(Seen 4/15/09)

If sheer audio volume is a measure of musical success, ROCK OF AGES wins all the awards. In a season somewhat aroar with rock musicals, the powers behind this production provide non-stop, deafening taped music pre-show and during intermission. They also have waitstaff roaming the aisles -- pre-show, all during the show, and at intermission -- taking and delivering drink and snack orders.

Audience attention to and concentration on what's happening on stage is somewhat diluted. Too bad that the music of Bon Jovi, Styx, Pat Benetar, and many others doesn't have an undisturbed visual focus to add to the audio.

Actually, there is a standard fairy-tale story accompanying the manic movement, and a generally personable and professional cast unfolds a thwarted love story set against the larger background of rock clubs, mall developers, and corrupt officials.

Although the show was somewhat painful for me, I must point out that the enthusiastic audience loved every moment of it.