“Rock of Ages” Comes to Bucks County Playhouse

“I wanna rock!” You’ll sing this line to yourself before, during and after seeing Rock of Ages, a fun 1980s-set musical featuring many beloved and popular songs from the time, at Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pennsylvania.

I attended a Thursday evening performance one week after opening with my mom and we laughed, danced and sang along the whole time! The fun began as soon as we entered the theater — with the curtain up, several members of the cast were already in character as they hang out in The Bourbon Room setting of the musical. One of those characters was Lonny, who plays an important role in the show and serves as narrator. He is both physically and verbally comedic and his character broke the fourth wall, interacted with the audience and appeared all throughout the theater. He was played exceptionally by actor Conner Gillooly.

© Mark Garvin

Rock of Ages is set on Los Angeles’ famed Sunset Strip in the 1980s, and it follows two young adults, Sherri and Drew, from small towns descending upon the City of Angels to find fame. As the two pursue their dreams and work at The Bourbon Room, a fictionalized rock-and-roll club similar to Whisky a Go Go or The Viper Room, developers threaten to overtake the Sunset Strip. It’s a tale of love, fighting for what you believe in and coming of age. And it’s hilarious with a really catchy soundtrack! I also thoroughly enjoyed the performances of Noah Mutterperl, as Drew, and Drew Starlin, as Dennis Dupree, the owner of The Bourbon Room.

“’Rock of Ages’ is the soundtrack of the ’80s wrapped inside a big, funny Broadway musical. While people may not immediately recognize the title—the minute they understand what it is and hear what music is in it, they get excited,” said BT McNicholl, producing artistic director, Bucks County Playhouse. “They know every song. And while we’re giving ‘Rocky Horror’ a break this year, we’re definitely not giving up the party. Come dressed for the occasion, get ready to sing along and get ready to rock.”

© Mark Garvin

The soundtrack includes hits like “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Here I Go Again,” “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.” I guarantee you will be tapping your feet and silently singing along to most of the songs.

Directed and choreographed by Shea Sullivan, Rock of Ages runs through Nov. 1 at Bucks County Playhouse. Don’t miss the fun!

Bucks County Playhouse’s theatrical legacy dates to its founding in 1939 by a roster of Broadway luminaries; 2026 marks its 14th anniversary season since its 2012 reopening and restoration by the Bridge Street Foundation.