Following a period of turbulence at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden that saw it's 2022-23 season cut short by behind-the-scenes resignations and changes in leadership, the Garden Theatre is once again alive as live theater has returned to the stage this week with a live and loud production of acclaimed musical Rock of Ages.
The return of live performances to the theater is thanks to a partnership between the Garden Theater and local entertainment company Victory Productions who are determined to make the theater a success.
Victory Productions are taking on the responsible for all aspects of the Garden Theatre’s shows, including programming, design, casting, rehearsals, costuming and set construction.
Victory President Fernando Varela said “We care about our entire community and are excited to have this opportunity to bring in national talent from around the country. Central Florida is rich in talent, and we hope that in the weeks ahead we can provide an opportunity for local artists to share the stage with world renowned performers. Producing these initial 2023 shows is a positive step forward for professional community theatre as well as a showcase for artists and an impressive entertainment experience for audiences.”
Rock of Ages is just the first in a season of shows that Victory Productions is bringing to the theatre this year included, DreamGirls, Next To Normal, and Something Rotten.
The curtain was raised on Rock of Ages at the Garden Theater on Wednesday, January 26, with the musical performing through February 26.
Victory Productions commented "This incredible group of performers are fearless in their pursuit of art, tenacious in their creative endeavors, and a family of supportive professionals.
They stand alongside a mind blowing rockin’ band, a resilient technical and venue operational staff that can face any challenge head-on, and a creative team that took an idea and delivered a production that stands head to head with any Broadway show. Thank you to everyone that supported us on this project. The journey is just beginning, and we couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead."
Rock of Ages takes you back to the time of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos, and sporting even bigger hair!
This five-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical features the hits of bands Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, and more.
The high energy show features an all-star and very talented cast, including American Idol Bo Bice, The Voice finalist Omar Cardona, and Broadway stars Justin Sargent and Diana Huey,
Just in case you are not familiar with Rock of Ages, the storyline starts at the tail end of the big, bad 1980s in Hollywood, and the party has been raging hard. Aqua Net, Lycra, lace, and liquor flow freely at one of the Sunset Strips’ last legendary venues, where egotistic rock star Stacee Jaxx takes the stage, and scantily clad groupies line up to turn their fantasies into reality.
Amidst the madness, aspiring rock star Drew longs to take the stage as the next big thing (and longs for small-town girl Sherrie, fresh off the bus from Kansas with stars in her eyes). But the rock ‘n’ roll fairy-tale is about to end when German developers sweep into town with plans to turn the fabled Strip into just another capitalist strip mall. Can Drew, Sherri, and the gang save the Strip – and themselves – before it’s too late?
Rock of Ages is a big, energetic tribute to the classic rock of the ‘80s, featuring all of your favorite rock anthems and power ballads, including: “We’re Not Going to Take It,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “The Final Countdown,” “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Rock of Ages is at the Garden Theatre through February 26, and it's definitely a show worth seeing.
