Zionsville Community High School Proudly Presents: “Rock of Ages”
Dates: Nov. 16 – 18
Location: Star Performing Arts Center
ZCHS Choral & Musical Theater Director: Sam Chenoweth
Oct/Nov 2023
This musical, which has been nominated for five Tony Awards, tells a story of romance, music and determination on the iconic Sunset Strip. It revolves around a small-town girl and a city boy who find love amid the rock ‘n’ roll scene. The plot takes an interesting turn when the rock-centric bar they love is threatened with demolition. To preserve both the venue and the music they cherish, the aspiring rockers and their friends must come together.
The musical is known for its energetic and electrifying score, featuring classic rock anthems and powerful ballads that defined the ’80s. Some of the notable songs you can expect to hear include “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “I Wanna Know What Love Is,” “Here I Go Again,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and many more.
“Rock of Ages” is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a trip back in time to the ’80s and relive the era’s iconic music. Don’t miss out on this exciting musical experience! Get your tickets at zionsvillepac.org!
Nina Abel [Senior] — Lonny Barnett
I am a huge music nerd, specifically 1980s music, so a lot of these songs I really liked before the musical and I’m loving the rock concert vibe that’s going on. We’re telling a really fun, good story, but I really like the focus on how each song is being interpreted in this musical. And I’m loving taking on this free-spirited character.
My favorite number of the moment is “[Come on] Feel the Noise,” which is the opening number. It’s a fun introduction to the show and it really tells the audience this is not a normal musical. You’re about to watch a rock concert with some dialogue! It’s a great way to feature the ensemble groups that we have and also introduce the specific characters. It’s just a lot of fun and it’s really good music. We’re having a really good time with it!
Anne Nooning [Junior] — Sherrie Christian
I love Sherrie so much! I love playing this character! She’s so excited and wide-eyed to be in this environment of pure music and rock. She’s so unlike anything I’ve ever played before. I can connect with her in the way that she’s young and loves music. The style of music — the ’80s rock style — is a challenge for me because it is unlike anything I’ve ever had to sing before. It’s very different from what I’m used to.
I really like “Harden My Heart/Shadows of the Night.” It’s one I had not heard before this show, and I just love singing it. I hope the audience can connect to the music and experience it in a different way than they have before. And connect the story to it rather than just listening to the beat of the song, but to really understand what the songs mean when put into context.
Cole Sullivan [Junior] — Drew Boley
This is the first character that I’ve ever [played], and unlike Anne and Nina, who have both done so many musicals before, I have a clean slate. I don’t have any past characters that I kind of have to dust off and build something new again. I like that Drew is kind of my foundation, and I can relate to the guy so much. Drew is the guy who makes the cheesiest joke and is kind of a cornball.
I’m proud of the cast as a whole and how far everybody’s taking their parts — doing so much extra research. Every rehearsal is a step in the right direction. These are all classic songs, so I love that we’re keeping the tradition and also putting our own spin on it in the way that Zionsville [Community High School] always does.
Cast List
Lonny Barnett — Nina Abel
Drew Boley — Cole Sullivan
Sherrie Christian — Anne Nooning
Justice Charlier — Phoebe Sidebottom
Anita Bath — Claire Kauffman
Denise Dupree — Addie Coons
Stacee Jaxx — Matt Nelson
Hertz Klinemann — Matthew Orbaugh
Franz Klinemann — Thomas Murray
Janessa Gill — Clara Keiper
Mayor — Austin Lizama
Joey Primo — Darren Washington
Sherrie’s Father — Jonathan Fisher
Sherrie’s Mother— Eve Hodges
Constance Sack — (Carly Benner)
Waitresses/ Dancers
Chloe BeMiller
Dancers (Claire Kauffman)
*Savannah McCarthy
Ella Robinson
(Phoebe Sidebottom)
Meredith Stehr
Camille Twitchell
Rockers
Chase Beck
(Jacob Craig)
(Jonathan Fisher)
Micah Hundley
(Austin Lizama)
(Darren Washington)
Mugger — (Jacob Craig)
Record Producer #1 — (Micah Hundley)
Record Producer #2 — (Chase Beck)
Rioters
*Carly Benner
Maddie Callahan
Emma Foltz
Ashlynne Forbush
Libby Goben
Lauryn Herbon
Meredith Herbon
(Eve Hodges)
(Clara Keiper)
Ivey Lancaster
Lola Miles
Morgan Palanacki
Mikaili Patterson
Brooklyn Stockwell
Ivy Turnquist
Jackson Coleman
Jacob Craig
Austin Hartman
Tyler Mimms
Jonas Viskanta
Protestors
Alyssa Bagley
Allison Bowman
Claire Casavant
Talia Diffendal
Eliza Graefinitz
Gabriella Greenberg
Claire Henkle
Marianne Moss
Anne Roberts
Ana Yiannoutsos
*denotes dance captains
(__) denotes multiple roles
Writer:
Janelle Morrison
Photography:
Scott Clark