While there are many films that have inspired Broadway musicals, occasionally a Broadway musical serves as the inspiration for a movie. In the last few years we’ve seen Chicago, Rent, and Mamma Mia! make their Hollywood debuts and the most recent stage-to-screen adaptation, Rock of Ages, opens in movie theaters Friday, June 15.
We’re big fans of the musical, so we were really excited for the chance to watch a preview screening of “Rock of Ages” before it opened nationwide. From the film trailers, I could tell that there were going to be some big differences between the stage and screen versions and while there are some changes in the plot, characters and songs, the face-melting rock and roll still lives on in the movie and the bodacious 80s clothing and hair only look more awesome up close on the big screen. The casting for the movie is fantastic and I especially enjoyed the outstanding, and hilarious, performances from Catherine Zeta-Jones and Tom Cruise.
In our group there were some who had seen the musical (both on Broadway and at the Fox) and others who had never seen the stage show, so it was fun to see everyone’s reactions to the movie. Some preferred seeing the show live, some liked the film a little more than the musical, but just like when we saw the live show, we were all smiling the entire time during the movie. Those who hadn’t seen the show before had a fantastic time and can’t wait to see Rock of Ages when it returns to the Fox stage next May. One thing we all agree on is that whether on stage or screen, Rock of Ages is definitely nothin’ but a good time!
Have you seen Rock of Ages the musical? Are you planning on seeing “Rock of Ages” on the big screen? We’d love to hear what you think of the show and what you think of the movie!