July 10, 2023
HACKETTSTOWN, NJ, July 10, 2023 — Centenary Stage Company and the NEXTStage Repertory enter their second and final weekend of ROCK OF AGES. The final weekend runs from July 13 – 16 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the Centenary University campus at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ. Tickets for this production of Rock of Ages are $25.50 to $29.50 for adults with discounts are available for select performances for seniors, students, and children 12 and younger. Rock of Ages does contain mild adult themes and may not be appropriate for younger children. For more information or to purchase tickets call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979 – 0900 or visit Centenary Stage Company on-line at centenarystageco.org.
“The rock musical Rock of Ages is the stage equivalent of a beach book. Which is perfect. You wouldn’t want to watch Titus Andronicus in the summer heat any more than you’d want to read War and Peace at the Jersey Shore! The plot is good-guy entrepreneurs vs. evil developers plus a love story straight out of a 70’s rock song. As the narrator says in one of his fourth wall breaking moments, “poop jokes and Whitesnake covers.” Admit it, that’s just what you need right now.” – Jane Primerano, NJ Arts Maven
The five-time Tony Award®-nominated Broadway musical, with a Book by Chris D’Arienzo and Arrangements and Orchestration by Ethan Popp, Rock Of Ages tells the story of a small-town girl, a city boy, and a rock ‘n’ roll romance on the Sunset Strip. But when the bar where rock reigns supreme is set to be demolished, it’s up to these wannabe rockers and their band of friends to save the day — and the music. Can Drew, Sherri and the gang save the strip – and themselves – before it’s too late? Rock Of Ages’ score features hit ’80s rock anthems and power ballads, from bands like Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and more.
“… it’s Centenary so I barely have to say the scene design is inspired (way to go, Chuck Lid), turning the stage into the Sunset Strip’s seamier [sic] side…The cast was amazing, led by Brandon Conti as Lonny…Conti’s non-stop energy (he even turns cartwheels) keeps the… plot running smoothly…Under Michael Restaino’s direction, the action never lags and his choreography never stops wowing the audience.” – Jane Primerano, NJ Arts Maven
Directing this production of Rock of Ages is Michael Restaino. Michael is a multi-hyphenated creative with a diverse background in working on theatrical experiences world-wide. Currently serving as the Manager of Creative Production Integrity at RWS Global, Michael oversees all productions at sea, internationally. In addition to his role at RWS, Michael is the founder of Michael Anthony Theatrical, one of the leading cabaret companies in New York City. Michael’s leadership extends to The Actors Studio of New Jersey, an emerging professional theater company focused on becoming a hub for artistic expression and innovation. As an advocate for the arts, Michael actively works to mentor emerging talent by being dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming theatrical environment, prioritizing inclusivity, diversity and respect within the industry. After spending nine months performing in Rock of Ages at the Eldorado Resort, Michael says, “I am honored to be telling this story from the opposite side of the bar at the Bourbon Room.”
Final performances of Rock of Ages will be Thursday, 13 at 7:30 pm; Friday, 14 at 8:00 pm; Saturday, July 15 at 8:00 pm; and Sunday, 16 at 2:00pm. Performances will take place in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the Centenary University campus at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Tickets for this production of Rock of Ages are $25.50 to $29.50 for adults with discounts available for select performances for seniors, students, and children 12 and younger. Rock of Ages does contain mild adult themes and may not be appropriate for younger children. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on-line at centenarystageco.org or by phone by calling the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979-0900.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at (908) 979 – 0900. The Centenary Stage Company box office is open Monday through Friday from 1 – 5 PM and two hours prior to all performances. The box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ. Centenary Stage Company can also be found across social media platforms; Facebook, Tik Tok, Twitter and Instagram. Like and follow to receive the latest in CSC news and special offers.
The 2023 Summer Season of Performing Arts events at the Centenary Stage Company is made possible through the generous support of Summer Sponsor: Explore Warren, as well as, the NJ State Council on the Arts, the Shubert Foundation, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the Sandra Kupperman Foundation, the John and Margaret Post Foundation, the CSC corporate sponsors, including Platinum Season Sponsor the House of the Good Shepherd.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Centenary Stage Company. (Photo credit: Trevor Callahan [Pictured: Jeremy Ashton & Deanna Elise Beaucher])
ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township.