Musical Script: Rock Of Ages The
Set in 1987 on L.A.’s , the story follows Sherrie, a small-town girl from Kansas, and Drew, a "city boy" working as a busboy at the legendary Bourbon Room . Both dream of stardom—Sherrie as an actress and Drew as a rock star.
Read it. Perform it. Or just blast “The Search Is Over” and pretend you’re on the Sunset Strip. You won’t regret it.
Rock of Ages has left an indelible mark on musical theater. Its original Broadway production ran for , and at the time of its closing in 2015, it was tied as the 32nd-longest-running show in Broadway history. The musical's success spawned replica productions worldwide, including major runs in Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, and multiple national tours. Its popularity was further cemented by a feature film adaptation in 2012, starring Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, and Russell Brand, which introduced the musical to an even wider audience. The show has also inspired a "Teen Edition" adapted for high school performers, ensuring its legacy continues for new generations. rock of ages the musical script
Strengths
The performance rights for Rock of Ages are managed by Concord Theatricals (formerly Samuel French). Set in 1987 on L
The core achievement of the Rock of Ages script is its transformation of the 1980s metal scene from a moment of genuine hedonistic excess and latent tragedy into a safe, affirming fairy tale. The real 1980s Strip was defined by the specters of AIDS, heroin (the overdose of Nikki Sixx, whom the character Stacee Jaxx caricatures, being a notable reference), misogyny, and the financial rapaciousness of the music industry. The script acknowledges these shadows only to immediately exorcise them with a key change and a power chord.
The plot thickens when German developers, Hertz and Franz, threaten to demolish the Sunset Strip and replace its "sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll" culture with clean-living commercialism. The club owner, Dennis, and his quirky right-hand man, Lonny (who also narrates), attempt to save the venue by booking the world-famous rocker for his final show. Core Themes & Style Perform it
Rock of Ages: The Musical Script is a triumph of modern musical theatre, blending catchy music, witty banter, and heartfelt romance to create a truly unforgettable theatrical experience. Ahrens' script, paired with Menken's iconic score, has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. As a testament to the enduring power of rock 'n' roll, Rock of Ages continues to rock on, inspiring new generations of music lovers and theatre enthusiasts alike.
The script masterfully weaves these songs into the narrative, sometimes using them as diegetic performances within the Bourbon Room, and other times as expressions of the characters' inner thoughts and emotions.
The narrator of the show and a soundman at the Bourbon Room. He breaks the fourth wall constantly and keeps the story moving. Vocal range: Comic rock tenor.