'Rock of Ages' at Firehouse

Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre will be rockin' the Firehouse Arts Center with its latest production, "Rock of Ages," opening April 28 and running through May 13.

The jukebox musical by Chris D'Arienzo takes place at the end of the big, bad 1980s in Hollywood, built around the classic rock songs from the famous metal bands of the decade. The show features songs from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison and Europe among others.

There is a storyline, too, with rock star Stacee Jax (played by Equity actor James Royce Edwards) performing at Sunset Strip's last legendary venue, where scantily clad groupies line up in admiration. Aspiring rock star Drew (Kamren Mahaney) longs to take the stage to win the heart of small-town girl Sherrie (Lizzie Moss), but it is all interrupted by German developers who want to turn the Strip into yet another strip mall.

"Rock of Ages," first performed in 2005 and nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical, is a big, brash tribute to classic rock, gritty glamour and the rough energy of the Sunset Strip. Professional director Jasen Jeffrey is directing, teaming up with music director Pat Parr and choreographer Nicole Helfer. Artistic director is David Judson.

Shows are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; at 2 p.m. Sundays; with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m., May 12. A special presentation, "Inside the Show," with the actors onstage talking with the audience, will take place following the Sunday matinee on April 29.

Tickets are $19-$41, available at www.firehousearts.org, by calling 931-4848 or at the theater box office, 4444 Railroad Ave.