Rock of Ages Character Descriptions Director: Jess Fiene | Choreographer: Katie Denten | Music Director: Kathryn Johanson
Lonny Barnett Lonny is the narrator of the story, and is one of the funniest characters in the show. He is confident and silly, but also very rock n’ roll. He is a charming and funny guy who gets along with everyone. Should be played by an unflappable, magnetic performer with a strong tenor voice who can sing, act and has a great sense of humor.
Drew Boley Drew is an aspiring young rocker who works at The Dupree Room. He is a nice guy with some big dreams. The role requires an experienced performer with a solid tenor voice who can convey both a sweet, charming quality and fit the bill as a rocker.
Dennis Dupree (can be played by a male or female) Dennis owns The Dupree Room, a rock club in L.A. Dennis has to find a way to save his club from being demolished. Dennis can be laid-back, goofy, and fatherly and should have a big presence, strong acting skills and a good voice.
Sherrie Christian Sherrie is a sweet, small-town girl who moves to the city to pursue a brighter future. She hopes to get her break in the acting business despite her parents’ obvious disapproval. This is a perfect role for a performer a strong voice and solid acting skills. She should also pair well with Drew.
Regina Regina is the city planner, and she works in the mayor’s office. She’s also a huge rock n’ roll fan AND she’s got a revolutionary spirit that she puts into action to try and save The Dupree Room. Along the way, she finds herself wanting to spend more time with Franz Klinemann. Regina will be cast based on strong vocals and a confident performance.
Hilda Klinemann (can be played by a male/female) HIlda is a german businessperson and Franz’s parent. They propose a new design to the Mayor that includes tearing down The Dupree Room until Regina convinces her not to go through with it. Hilda learns in the end that every dream is worth pursuing. Hilda should be performed by an actor with strong vocals, a
Franz Klinemann The son of the overbearing Hilda, and he dreams of running a confectionary shop back in Hamburg. A young man with a sweet demeanor, a good singing voice and solid acting skills.
Stacee Jaxx Stacee is a true rock star, and is the lead singer of the band Arsenal. Stacee is a egotistical and a bit of a bad boy. The comedic villain of the show, Stacee is a bona fide rock star who doesn’t quite realize through his selfish and wild antics that he’s reached the peak of his career. Should be a charismatic performer with an excellent voice who can command the stage and make a self-absorbed rock star both villainous and hilarious.
Justice Charlier Justice is the owner of the dance club. She’s a smart woman who looks out for her girls. Justice should be played by a strong young lady with a warm, nurturing nature and a rockin’ singing voice.
Constance Sack An inquisitive reporter who interviews Stacee Jaxx just as he’s about to part ways with his band. This is a non-soloist role and should be played by who can infuse this curious reporter with energy and poise. When not playing Constance, the actor will be featured as a prominent dancer/vocalist throughout the show.
Ja’Keith Gill Ja’Keith becomes Drew’s agent and in the process, destroys Drew’s rock star dreams by forcing Drew to join a boy band. This is a nice featured role that can be played by a male or female and requires reasonable acting and singing skills. When Ja’Keith is not in the scene, this actor will be featured as a dancer/vocalist throughout the show.
Pre-Show Announcer As the first actor on stage to interact with the audience, the pre-show announcer has the distinct honor of opening the show with a monologue to help set the scene for what’s to come! They will also be featured as a prominent dancer and vocalist throughout the show in a number of songs. They may even double as a Protestor, Groupie, Fan, or Shadow of the Night.
The Band (Lead Guitarist, Second Guitar, Bass, Piano and Drums) Members of Arsenal, once led by Stacee Jaxx but are now separating from their front man. You can tackle this casting in two ways. Be prepared to show you can sell the spirit of the music by acting like you’re playing the instruments! These roles may double as a Protestor or Shadow of the Night.
Mother More nurturing and sympathetic. Sherrie’s mother is someone with maturity, warmth and a nice singing voice. Sherrie’s Father and Mother should pair well together. These roles may double as a Groupie/Fan/Crowd, Protestor, or Shadow of the Night.
Father The classic disapproving dad. Sherrie’s Father should be played by a young man who can play stern and imposing and someone who is comfortable singing a few solos. These roles may double as a Groupie/Fan/Crowd, Protestor, or Shadow of the Night.
Mayor Chooses the money over the music and is more than willing to sell himself and his city out to the highest bidder. This role can be played by a guy or a girl; just make sure you have a strong speaking voice and is comfortable making bold choices. When not playing the Mayor, this actor may be featured in other songs in a dance ensemble.
Tom, Jerry, Mugger Roles with few speaking lines, and all feed into the vivid world of the Sunset Strip of the 1980s. Tom and Jerry are total goofballs with a surfer/rock n’ roll vibe. These roles may double as a Groupie/Fan/Crowd, Protestor, or Shadow of the Night.
Waitresses (3 Featured) The waitresses work at The Dupree Room and exemplify the era of 1980s rock with style and flair. Cast three young women who sing and act well as a unit. They will be prominent dancers/vocalists throughout the show. Be prepared to be featured in the songs “More Than Words/Heaven” and “Dead or Alive” among others.
Protestors (3 Featured) A group of die-hard rockers helping Regina save the Sunset Strip in songs such as “We’re Not Gonna Take It”. These parts are the bedrock for the show. They must capture the need and desire to keep rock alive and kicking. Should be dynamic speakers. These roles may double as a Groupie, Fan/Crowd and Shadow of the Night.
Groupies and Fans and Crowd Groupies are fans of the band and get to dance around on stage with lots of excitement and rock n’ roll energy! These roles will be featured in a number of songs as prominent dancers and vocalists including “Dead or Alive”, “Feel the Noize” among others throughout the show. These roles may double as a Protestor or Shadow of the Night.
Shadows of the Night These roles are special features in the song “Harden my Heart/Shadows of the Night.” They represent the dark side of L.A. and will be featured as prominent dancers/vocalists. These roles may double as a Protestor, Groupie, or Fan/Crowd.