Swenson, Barrett & More Join Constantine Maroulis in Rock of Ages

Will Swenson, who just ended a successful run in the Central Park production of Hair, and newcomer Kelli Barrett will join previously announced American Idol alum Constantine Maroulis in the upcoming off-Broadway production of Rock of Ages. The musical, directed by Kristin Hanggi, has pushed back its scheduled September 30 first preview date to October 1 at New World Stages, with opening night set for October 16.

In addition to Maroulis The Wedding Singer, Swenson 110 in the Shade, Lestat, Brooklyn and Barrett, Rock of Ages will feature Nova Bergeron national tours of Wicked, Sweet Charity, Adam Dannheisser The Coast of Utopia, Mitchell Jarvis Fiddler on the Roof, Michele Mais Roza, Zoot Suit, Lauren Molina Sweeney Todd, Brian Munn Wicked, Angel Reed The Country Girl, Rock 'n' Roll, Paul Schoeffler Sweet Charity, Nine, Wesley Taylor, Savannah Wise Les Miserables, Jackie Burns The Public's Hair, Lara Janine Japan's Wicked, Tad Wilson off-Broadway's Good News and Jeremy Woodward.

In Rock of Ages, it's the late 1980s and the final countdown is on for a legendary Hollywood rock club facing its demise at the hands of eager developers. When a young rocker hungry for his big break and a small town girl chasing her dreams land on the scene at this infamous venue, how far will ambition drive them? And will it be lights out for the club and all the regulars and rockers who have made it their home?

Written by Chris D'Arienzo, Rock of Ages features the music of rock icons including Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, REO Speedwagon and Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Asia, Whitesnake and more. The show 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. Variety reports that the off-Broadway production will have a budget of just under $2 million.

Rock of Ages will be choreographed by Kelly Devine, with a design team including Beowulf Boritt sets, Gregory Gale costumes and Jason Lyons lights.

The show is being produced by Matthew Weaver, Carl Levin and Corner Store Entertainment, in association with Scott Prisand, Janet Billig Rich, Hillary Weaver, Jeff Davis, Charles Rolecek, Susanne Brook, Jennifer Maloney and Prospect Pictures.