GSPA to present Teen Edition of Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical

When Josh Martin, director of the Garden Spot Performing Arts (GSPA) spring musical "Rock of Ages - Teen Edition," chose the show, he knew exactly what he was looking for. "We wanted something fun, high energy, upbeat," said Martin, who added that the teen edition jukebox musical of 1980s rock ballads has been edited for a family audience and is suitable for people of all ages.

"Rock of Ages" will play in the Stan Deen Auditorium at Garden Spot High School (GSHS), 669 E. Main St., New Holland, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 21, 22, and 23. Shows on April 21 and 22 will be at 7:30 p.m., and the show on April 23 will begin at 2:30 p.m.

The show is set in Hollywood at the end of the decade known for big hair and heavy metal. At one of the Sunset Strip's last well-known clubs, rocker Stacee Jaxx, played by Edward Monroe, is performing for a line of groupies, while aspiring rock star and club employee Drew Boley, played by Caleb Stefan, is looking for his big break on the stage. Enter Sherrie Christian, played by Erin Hamer, newly arrived from Kansas with her own hopes of becoming famous. "Drew and Sherrie fall in love," said Martin, who noted that the rock 'n' roll club where Drew works is threatened by demolition. "They come up with a way to save the club," said Martin, who called the plot light and humorous with a heartfelt message. "Sometimes your dreams don't turn out the way you thought, but they can still rock," he noted. "That's pretty true."

According to Martin, fans of '80s music will not be disappointed by the selection of tunes included in the show. "The big ones are 'Sister Christian' by Night Ranger, along with songs by Styx, Journey, Foreigner, White Snake, and Pat Benatar," said Martin. "It's a who's who (of '80s rock stars)." Songs include "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Benatar, "We Built This City," by Starship, and "We're Not Gonna Take It," by Twisted Sister. The finale is "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey.

In addition to wanting an upbeat musical, Martin said he chose the show to give the student actors a chance to stretch a bit. "We wanted a challenge for the kids, but an accessible challenge," he explained, adding that the show has a continuous rock concert feel. Introducing the 35 cast members to the music and the time period has also presented challenges, although Martin pointed out that the students are enjoying the music. "This music is not totally familiar to them," said Martin, who stated that he is encouraging the teenagers to lean into the rock personas. "There's a Bon Jovi character, for instance," he said. "For a young teen to have the confidence and bravado to carry off that role is a challenge," Martin added, "(The) '80s rock music is vocally very demanding - especially for young guys. It's high and it's loud, but we're working on that."

Additional cast members from GSHS staff are J.D. Stern and Jennifer Harris.

Tickets for the show may be purchased at http://gspa.seatyourself.biz or by calling 717-354-1584.