Constantine Maroulis to Star in Off-Broadway Musical Rock of Ages

American Idol alum Constantine Maroulis has signed on to star in an off-Broadway production of the musical Rock of Ages this fall, according to Variety. The show will begin previews on September 30 at New World Stages and open on October 16, directed by Kristin Hanggi Bare.

Written by Chris D'Arienzo, Rock of Ages centers on a 1980s Hollywood rock club threatened by developers that serves as the backdrop for a romance between a wannabe guitar hero and a small-town girl. The show incorporates music from that era, including songs by Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Styx, Twisted Sister and Whitesnake.

Rock of Ages ran in Los Angeles for seven weeks in 2006 starring Cry-Baby leading man James Snyder, and also played in Las Vegas for a week later that year. The show was first mentioned for a New York run in spring 2007. Variety reports that the off-Broadway production will have a budget of just under $2 million.

After placing sixth in the fourth season of American Idol, Maroulis began pursuing musical theater roles in New York. He appeared in the Broadway production of The Wedding Singer and the off-Broadway production of Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.

With a production team led by Matthew Weaver, Carl Levin and Corner Store Entertainment, Rock of Ages will be produced in association with Scott Prisand, Janet Billig Rich, Hillary Weaver, Jeff Davis, Charles Rolecek and Barry Habib. VH1 Classic had partnered with the show for its L.A. run and a New York reading, and Variety reports that producers are in discussion with the network about continuing its involvement.

The off-Broadway production will be choreographed by Kelly Devine, with a design team including Beowulf Borritt sets, Gregory Gale costumes and Jason Lyons lights.