"Rock of Ages" - Global domination, anniversary parties and more, more, more!

Hey, Rockers!

Miss Lizzy checking in here from the heart of TCOTS central with some odds and ends for my rocking friends here!

First, for those of you in the New York area, come celebrate the 1st Anniversary of "Rock of Ages" on Broadway with a party at the famous Carnival at Bowlmor Lanes. Here are the details...

The cast of the Tony-nominated musical Rock of Ages will celebrate its first anniversary on Broadway with a May 12 evening at Carnival at Bowlmor Lanes in Manhattan.

Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis, Derek St. Pierre, Michele Mais, Michael Minarik, Angel Reed, Matt Stocke, Jenifer Foote, Katherine Tokarz, Jeremy Woodard, Becca Tobin, Winston Roye, Mitchell Jarvis and Tommy Kessler are all scheduled to be part of the 6-9 PM event, which is open to the public.

Guests will enjoy music, boardwalk games, live circus performers, up-scale carnival-themed food and drinks and an opportunity to rock out with the cast. Admission to the celebration is $25 per ticket (purchased at the door) and includes ten game tickets and live circus entertainment.

Carnival at Bowlmor Lanes is located at 110 University Place (between 12th and 13th Streets). For more information visit www.bowlmor.com or call (212) 255-8188.

Next, former ROA cast member and current star of "The Addams Family", Wesley Taylor, made his headlining solo debut at Joe's Pub this past Monday and Friend of TCOTS "Liz" was able to capture it on video and was gracious enough to share with us, so take a peek!

Finally, for those of you in the Great White(snake) North, all of us at The Cry of the Strip would like to wish a rockin' BREAK A LEG to Rock of Ages Toronto on their upcoming epic opening night, Tuesday May 11th at the Royal Alexandria Theater! In the words of Status Quo, here's to "Rockin' All Over the World"!!!!

Rock on,

Miss Lizzy

Rock of Ages Cast Past and Present - Whassup!

Hey, Rockers!

On this rainy Monday in NYC, I thought I'd catch you all up with some upcoming projects for some of the current and past members of the "Rock of Ages" family...

Ready? Then let's go...
First up...a concert from current cast member Lauren Molina at the Duplex in the West Village on Wednesday, April 14th at 9:30pm. Here's the show in her own words...

I'm making a comeback to the trusty old Duplex. It's cozy, fun, and I guarantee a singalong. Please come and have a few laughs with me and my music making friends.

It will be an evening of ukulele driven originals, and playful covers, layered with cello, guitar, banjo, and melodica.
I will be playing with Christian Imboden on guitar, and special guests Nick Cearley and Michele Mais, aka Maisey, from Rock of Ages

For tickets and information, go to the Duplex web site.

Next, speaking of Lauren, we have former ROA cast member and current "Addams Family" star Wesley Taylor...

Theatre World Award winner and Outer Critics Circle nominee Wesley Taylor (Addams Family, Rock of Ages) performs at Joe's Pub boasting special guests Matt Doyle (Spring Awakening, Bye Bye Birdie), Mitch Jarvis (Fiddler, Rock of Ages), Lauren Molina (Sweeney Todd, Rock of Ages), and Krysta Rodriguez (Addams Family, In the Heights).

Joining him will be Mary Mitchell Campbell-MD/piano, Damien Bassman-drums, Jason Reischel-guitar, Christian Imboden-bass.

Monday, May 3rd, 11:30pm Joe's Pub-425 Lafayette St.

To buy tickets go to the Joe's Pub web site.

Last but definitely not least, news from one of the original "Rock of Ages "wonderstudies", Tad Wilson! He made the following announcement this morning and I thought I'd share it with all of you...

"It is official that I am joining the cast of Priscilla Queen of the Desert when it moves to Broadway in 2011. We will begin this summer with a tryout period in Toronto before coming in to NYC. As soon as we get theatre information for the Broadway run, I will let you know. Stay connected and spread the word. "

Please follow Tad on Twitter at @tadwilson and on his official web site.

That's all for now...ROCK ON!

Miss Lizzy

Wesley Taylor - From "Rock of Ages" to "The Addams Family"

Hey, Rockers!

I hope you guys don’t mind indulging your dramatic conjurer here at TCOTS for a moment…

When an actor who has originated a role in a hit show decides to leave, there’s always some sadness, as fans have taken that actor and the character he or she portrays to heart. The role and actor are indelibly joined as one in the show’s history. But when they leave for the purpose of getting to create yet another role in another new show, well, then you have to temper your sadness with pride, as you know that others are seeing in that actor the talent that the producers of your favorite show did.

As many theater news outlets reported earlier this month, a new musical based on “The Addams Family” will be making its world premiere in Chicago on November 12, 2009, with a Broadway opening in April of 2010. “Rock of Ages” own Wesley Taylor will be joining this cast as 'Lucas Beineke,' whose relationship with 'Wednesday Addams' (played by Krysta Rodriguez, most recently of "In The Heights") will be the focal point of the plot. Other Broadway luminaries in this cast include Nathan Lane as 'Gomez', Bebe Neuwirth as 'Morticia', and the duo of Terrence Mann and Carolee Carmello as Lucas’ parents.

Wesley’s last performance in “Rock of Ages” will be the 7pm show on Sunday, September 13th and tickets are available through Ticketmaster or at the Brooks Atkinson box office.

Break a leg and do us all on the Sunset Strip proud, Wes!

Rock on,

Miss Lizzy