Gone But Not Forgotten: Rocking the Norwegian Breakaway: "Rock of Ages"
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If you thought that cruise ship shows were basically souped up versions of amusement park productions, think again. For many years, the high-energy, rock 'n' roll experience, the "Rock of Ages" production on the Norwegian Breakaway was where it was. The show transports you to the wild 80s with its classic rock hits, big hair, and even bigger personalities. From the moment the lights dimmed and the guitarist walks on stage to rock out a killer solo before the real music starts, you know you are in for a ride through one of the most fun and nostalgic musical journeys.
The first time I saw the Breakaway production, during my cruise from New York to the Bahamas in 2018, I was blown away by the talent of the cast but unfortunately, I had no idea what any of their names were. The sad part of the Norwegian productions was the fact they didn't distribute cast lists or post the names of the cast members in a conspicuous place. I found out on the cruise I took the following year there was a monitor near the box office that showed the names, headshots and bios of the main performers. The 2018 cast brought so much energy to the stage, making you feel like you were right there in the heart of the 80s rock scene. The lead performers nailed their roles, belting out anthems like "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Here I Go Again" with such passion. It was impossible not to sing along and get caught up in the excitement. The choreography was tight, and the costumes perfectly captured the era's flamboyant style.
The following year, I took photos of the box office monitor featuring the cast so I could look them up and try and follow their rising stardom. Sherrie, played by Emily Griffiths was AMAZING and Drew, played by her real like boyfriend at the time, Tommy McGowan had perfect chemistry with Miss Griffiths. The standout for me though was our Lonny Barnett played by Shaun Espedido, he was hilarious, his vocals sat exactly where they needed to be, sounding natural and effortless with the iconic musical numbers he presented, his acting was spot on and he was also super cute for those of us who crushed on the rockers of the 1980s. Speaking of hot rockers, Joshua Woodie as Stacee Jaxx left everyone wanting more. Each time I saw the show during the 2019 cruise, at the point in the show where his character splashes his "vodka" in the audience, I was in the lucky seat where most of it ended up. The rest of the cast was solid and made me wish the show featured the full score as it was presented on Broadway and National Tour rather than the abbreviated 90 minute version. Speaking of the Broadway production, Norwegian didn't scrimp when it came to recreating the show, the set and costuming were almost exactly as it was in New York.
Emily Griffiths as Sherrie
The story is a delightful mix of love, dreams, and rock 'n' roll, set against the backdrop of LA's Sunset Strip. The humor is spot on, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that keep the show light and entertaining. The production design is top-notch, with impressive sets and lighting that add to the overall immersive experience. It's clear that no detail was overlooked, and the result is a show that's both visually and musically spectacular. Unfortunately, this fantastic production closed to make way for "Six," another highly acclaimed musical.
If you enjoyed the "Rock of Ages" movie or are a fan of 80s rock music, you will love this production. It's an exhilarating show that captures the spirit of the era and leaves you wanting more. The cast recording is a great way to relive the experience and keep the rock 'n' roll vibes going long after the curtain falls. So grab your friends, your best rock gear, and get ready to rock out on the Norwegian Breakaway!
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