Honest Review of Rock of Ages on Broadway - Is It Worth Seeing?

This is Ikeda from the At Broadway team.
We were fortunate to be invited to the rock and roll musical Rock of Ages, which held its preview on June 19. I attended with a senior colleague. This engagement runs only until September 13, 2020 as a limited run, so if you are in New York during the period, we recommend visiting the theater. I hope this overview of New World Stages and my candid impressions will help you decide whether to see the show.

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About Rock of Ages
The theatre
Detailed seating guide
Honest review
Discount tickets

About Rock of Ages

After its Tony honored 2009 debut, Rock of Ages returned for a 10th anniversary run Off Broadway. It inspired a hit 2012 film featuring Tom Cruise.

A decade after the premiere, the fan energy remains strong. Leading up to this engagement, there were many fan events, and the show has earned praise across the country, with Time Out New York calling it “insanely funny.”

For the synopsis, cast, and highlights, see the detailed page below.

Rock of Ages show details >>

The show plays at New World Stages

New World Stages

This production runs in an Off Broadway venue with fewer than 500 seats, a short walk from the main Broadway corridor. But it is only about one minute on foot from the blue line C and E trains at 50 Street. New World Stages looks a bit like a cinema from the outside and uniquely houses five separate stages inside one complex.

Address: 340 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019

For features of this multi stage complex, see the theater guide below.

More about New World Stages >>

The five stages are assigned based on each show’s features and needs, with different capacities and seating layouts. Some have only an orchestra level while others add a mezzanine. Rock of Ages is presented in Stage 3, tied with Stage 1 for the largest capacity. Stage 3 previously hosted Avenue Q for ten years from 2009 to 2019.

Why hit Broadway titles return to New World Stages

New World Stages presents original Off Broadway works and also welcomes acclaimed former Broadway titles for extended runs. Rent, Avenue Q, and the currently running Jersey Boys are examples. Rock of Ages likewise returned here after its 2009 Broadway engagement.

The casual spirit of Off Broadway at New World Stages

After a quick bag check, the stairs lead down to a relaxed lounge level that feels different from the formal vibe of many Broadway houses.

There are two bars at opposite ends where guests sip drinks and chat on sofas before the show.

A rainbow wash lit the walls during our late June visit, likely in recognition of PRIDE month. Even the Playbill handed out at seating featured the rainbow cover for June and not the usual yellow one, which might’ve been pretty rare.

Original cocktails with a rock vibe

The bar menu included show themed cocktails for the current productions.

We ordered two Rock of Ages specials, one bourbon based and one vodka based, brightly colored in red and yellow. Watching the bartender free pour the vodka felt perfectly rock and raised our anticipation for the performance. Each drink was $15, very much in line with theater pricing.

Grab Rock of Ages merchandise

The lower lobby on level B2 has scattered booths for each show, where you can buy original items. The Rock of Ages stand sits toward the far end after you descend the stairs.
Expect multiple T shirt designs plus rock themed goods like guitar picks and shot glasses. The dynamic logo looks great on everything.

Bar where we ordered the original cocktails

Guitar pick $10, sticker $10, shot glass $15

Our seats for this performance

We sat toward the back of the center block, with a clear view and plenty of energy from the stage. Even the rear rows feel close in this venue since it is relatively smaller than many Broadway houses, so most seats should be comfortable for enjoying the show.

How to read the ticket: ORCHC L 106

Orchestra Center = Orchestra, center section
Row L (12th from the front), seat 106

By the time we took our seats, a flashy 1980s Los Angeles inspired set was already on stage, with era defining rock tracks playing over the sound system. Since it was my first time in a sub 500 seat house, I was surprised how near the stage felt even from row L.

Impressions after seeing Rock of Ages

I hadn’t seen the movie and went straight to the musical. My quick take is that it is a stage overflowing with love, youth, and the raw energy of rock.

The audience brings a concert mindset, so it feels less like traditional musical etiquette and more like joining a live rock show. If part of Broadway’s appeal is the shared atmosphere, this title delivers that spirit in full.

80s and 90s rock that everyone can enjoy

Bold 80s Los Angeles inspired signage in the venue

The set list features artists like Mr. Big and Bon Jovi, songs familiar even to those who aren’t a rock expert. The guests behind us sang along whenever a new track started.

The show embraces the rough around the edges attitude of rock and turns it into comedy, which I loved. For newcomers, it might spark a real interest in rock and roll.

Scene stealing supporting characters

One unforgettable supporting role, Stacee Jaxx

The two leads are pure and straightforward, while the adults around them are hilariously over the top. With biting one liners, physical comedy, and loud costumes, there is so much to take in that you will wish you had more eyes.

Despite the constant joking, they support the protagonists and steer the story toward a happy ending, which is very satisfying. Honestly, the supporting cast may have left a stronger impression on me than the protagonists.

Music of life

Stage design that feels like a rock concert

The plot follows a familiar arc of chasing dreams, stumbling, and realizing what matters with help from others.

That very familiarity lets the direct and powerful messages of rock and roll cut through. Frustration, longing, and doubt are swept up by the music in a way that feels bold and cleansing. It reminded me how good rock can feel. Music of life is an apt phrase.

A stand up finale set to Here I Go Again

Spoiler alert, the finale explodes to Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again.” With roaring guitars, pounding drums, and bright lights, the audience rises and sings along. Even as a newcomer, I want everyone to experience that rush.
If you don’t happen to know the song, a quick listen on the show page or on YouTube will make the big moment even better.