C: Is for a rock show or is it a concert?

New York has a new guilty pleasure, and it is the rock transfer from off -Broadway, "Rock of Ages." In a time when recessions and worries have plagued our minds, "Rock of Ages" plunges us madly into the 80's and it is done with perfection. Sadly I missed the first half hour, as shows now start on Tuesdays at 7pm. When I arrived I felt like I had entered an event where I missed something. The audience was waving lighters, singing along and totally involved. Had there been a pre-show? No, this show is infectious. Unlike it's predecessor "Mamma Mia," this show has a book by Chris D'Arienzo that is uproariously funny. It winks at us all to remember the good, the bad and the ugly. Like the old Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland movies the plot is the same: Greedy German real estate developer (Paul Schoeffler) wants to tear down Sunset Strip, mainly the Bourbon Room. The club’s owner, Dennis (Adam Dannheisser), a pothead rock hound past his prime, hosts a farewell concert by a hit band that got their start there. American Idol Constantine Maroulis, is our hero, Drew a bartender/struggling musician looking for love and success. Maroulis, shows us why he was one of the forerunners of that hit show. He sustains notes for days while holding the audience in the palm of his hands. Vying for Drew's affection, enter Sherrie the dynamic Amy Spangler, an aspiring actress from Kansas. Looking like a bewildered Farrah Fawcett she meets and sleeps with Stacee Jaxx (James Carpinello), the bleached blond rock God stuck on himself. Like life, that act sends the show into the seedier side of Hollywood but like all good fables ends with everyone rocking into the sunset. This cast is down right terrific. Mr. Carpinello, is the epitome of the skinny, drugged out rocker, who girls throw their panties to. Wesley Taylor, as the German real estate's son, almost steals the show with his goofy accent. His duet ala "Let's Get Physical" with Lauren Molina, is a definite “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.” Mitchell Jarvis, is the narrator who leads us through this musical romp back to our past. He is zany and effervescent and just what the doctor ordered to sooth us into an evening where we can forget our troubles. Boasting 80's anthems, this is so much better than K-Tell. Poison, Journey, Twisted Sister, Joan Jett, Bon Jovi and oh, so much more. These songs stay with you. From the marvelous choreography by Kelly Devine; to the music and orchestrations by Ethan Popp; sets by Beowulf Boritt; costumes by Gregory Gale and the delightful direction by newcomer Kristin Hanggi, there is nothing missing, as all is done to perfection. What I missed was the chance to buy a ticket so the ushers could bring a drink to my seat, as I watched the show. Now that's service. This is a show that doesn't take itself seriously and is more fun than I would of ever guessed. This is the newest cult musical and I for one can't wait to bring my son and that is a F.A.C.T