Break out your spandex and your scrunchies, because you're about to be transported back to 1987 on Sunset Strip. The 80's are back for two nights in the form of 'ROCK OF AGES' Tenth Anniversary Tour live at RiverCenter.
It's 1987 on Hollywood's Sunset Strip when a small-town girl meets a big city rocker. As they fall in love in L.A.'s most famous rock club, ROCK OF AGES allows fans to rock out once again to their favorite '80s hits. The cult rock musical features music of iconic bands like as Styx, Poison, Twisted Sister, and Whitesnake among many others.
Photo: Rock of Ages Tour, photo by Jeremy Daniel
ROCK OF AGES will have performances at the RiverCenter on Monday and Tuesday, February 25 and 26, at 7:30 p.m. On the 25th, RiverCenter will also have local Mark Sasser leading their 6:40 Series to discuss rock music in the 80's. Sasser is a local guitarist who plays with the band HEAVY BLUE.
The musical debuted in 2009, and earned five Tony nominations including Best Musical. A decade later, the show has earned a cult following that the RiverCenter staff is excited to witness this week. Norman Easterbrook, Executive Director for RiverCenter, hopes to see some 80's gear in the audience for the shows. “We’re hoping to see a lot of 80s fashions at RiverCenter for these performances,” said Easterbrook. “This show’s popularity is based in audiences’ desire to rejoice, relive and reminisce about that incredible decade that was the 1980s. We hope they will come as they were – in their finest spandex and big hair, bring a friend and join together with others in the audience for a rock-n-roll experience rarely seen in the Columbus area.”
Andrew Tebo, who plays Hertz, was kind enough to speak with us this week about his experience on tour with the show. "Every night is a blast," said Tebo. "We get to tell an incredible story every single night on stage while singing some of the best music ever."
Andrew Tebo plays Hertz in ROCK OF AGES. | Photo by J. Demetrie Photography.
This isn't Tebo's first trip through Columbus. He appeared in Mamma Mia! on tour in 2017 playing Harry. "Columbus is a beautiful city," Tebo said. "When we came through, we were amazed by how much was there." He said he was looking forward to traveling here with a little more time on his hands to explore Uptown.
Tebo is having a blast on tour, and told us that what makes the experience is the people you're with on the road. "Touring isn't not for everyone, but I love it. The cast and crew for ROCK OF AGES are some of the kindest and most talented individuals I've ever worked with to date," said Tebo. "I'm not just saying that, either. Everyone is incredibly talented. This is, hands down, the cast with the most solid vocals I've ever been involved with. The singing is absolutely incredible. Every night."
Tickets are now on sale at the RiverCenter box office, 900 Broadway. Hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Tickets are also available by phone at (706) 256-3612 and online at rivercenter.org. Still not sure if you're ready to break out those scrunchies and head to Uptown this week? Check out the video below for a preview and a chance to get to know the cast.
If You Go:
What: ROCK OF AGES When: February 25 and 26, 7:30 p.m. Where: Heard Theatre, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts Cost: $57-$62 Call: rivercenter.org