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Rock of Ages rocks Toronto starting in February

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Exclusive interview with Rock of Ages director Dr. JP Gedeon

TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2022 – Talking about Rock of Ages coming to Toronto’s Elgin Theatre for a three-month run starting in February, Dr. JP Gedeon, CEO/Executive Producer of More Music and Director of Rock of Ages, says “I am over the moon that we were able to make this happen and the timing is so perfect. At the end of this long pandemic (COVID-19), we all want to sing the songs we know and have some good laughs and Rock of Ages embraces that. It feels like a big extravaganza and it’s just what we need right now!”

Dr. JP Gedeon, CEO/Executive Producer of More Music and Director of *Rock of Ages*, *photo by Eric Carriere*

Dr. Gedeon grew up in Toronto and is especially excited to see the production launch here. “The inaugural leg is the hometown tour with a stunning all Canadian cast and then we travel to major cities across Asia, the United States and Canada,” states Gedeon. “The 80’s are so big right now, so it appeals to people in their 20’s and 30’s who love the retro vibe and to those in their 50’s and 60’s or older who experienced the 80’s. For many of us, it’s a nostalgia trip. We fully expect many audience members to come dressed in leather skirts, fingerless gloves and puffed up hair dos.”

What is Rock of Ages?

Rock of Ages is one of the longest running hit musicals on Broadway. Described as “gnarly concoction of power rock and hilarious comedy , this reimagined version of the iconic ’80-inspired production promises top tier talent and a night that won’t soon be forgotten.”

At the electrifying show, audiences will hear 80’s chartbuster hits from artists like Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Pat Benatar, Styx, Twisted Sister, Joan Jett, Survivor, Foreigner, Guns N’ Roses and others.

“This is like a 3-D wall of sound that’s full of life and excitement,” says Gedeon. “The 80’s were a time of innocence, freedom, youth and joy, and the nostalgia of those days brings to you a new, fresh and re-envisioned Rock of Ages. In this reimagined version, we are pulling concepts from the original in terms of design, power rock, lighting, sound and how the story is told on stage, but believe me, this is like no other production of Rock of Ages you have seen before!”

Asked what surprises we might see in this reimagined version, Gedeon is reluctant to give away any secrets, but adds: “We have a few surprises and new twists and let’s just say that one involves something about the character of Bon Jovi and a lama!”

The world-class team behind the production of Rock of Ages includes Gedeon, as Director, Mark Camilleri as Musical Director, Choreographer Sean Cheesman, and a stellar Canadian cast. Cast members include Trevor Coll (We Will Rock You North American Tour), AJ Bridel (Peter Pan, Drayton Entertainment, Anne of Green Gables, Charlottetown Festival; Kinky Boots, Mirvish), Kae Kae Lee (Zombies 3, Disney, What We Do in the Shadows, Fox), Louise Camilleri (ShowBoat, Gershwin Theatre; Mamma Mia, Mirvish, Lord of the Rings, Mirvish) and Steffi DiDomenicantonio (Come From Away, Mirvish, Canadian Idol).

“We did a casting call across the country and have come up with a powerhouse cast of Canadian A-listers,” says Gedeon. “I am blessed with an extraordinary team of talented people including Music Director Mark Camilleri who has done everything and is a powerhouse in the music industry and MTV video award-winning Choreographer Sean Cheesman who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business (Cream by Prince, Scream by Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson, So You Think You Can Dance) and is one of the kings of the dance world with one foot in the 80’s era.”

The Director has a message for those who haven’t yet seen Rock of Ages: “Buy tickets for your loved ones for Christmas gifts! This production will make you laugh and will blow you away with a spectacle of power rock and lighting and sound like you have never experienced before!”