The electrifying energy of “Rock of Ages” has captivated audiences worldwide, both on the big screen with its star-studded movie cast and on countless stages through its dynamic musical productions. For schools eager to bring the rock anthems and comedic charm of “Rock of Ages” to their own auditoriums, the High School Edition offers a fantastic opportunity. A common question arises when planning these productions: how flexible can casting be, particularly for iconic roles like Lonny?
This very question was raised by Jenell Riordan, a Theatre Director at Desert Ridge High School, in an email to Samuel French, the licensing company for “Rock of Ages.” Jenell inquired about the possibility of gender-neutral casting for Lonny, a character known for his comedic timing and often perceived as traditionally male. Her rationale was practical and resonant with many high school drama programs: balancing the typical gender ratios in student theater groups.
Brooke Jackson, another educator preparing to direct “Rock of Ages: High School Edition,” echoed this sentiment. She highlighted the removal of the song “Can’t Fight This Feeling” in the High School Edition, which, in her view, made Lonny’s character potentially more androgynous. Brooke was considering female students for the role, recognizing their comedic talents and instincts, crucial for Lonny’s character. She reached out to Samuel French to understand if casting Lonny as female would present any major issues.
The response from Abbie Van Nostrand at Samuel French was unequivocally positive and insightful. Sharing Brooke’s query with Chris D’Arienzo, the writer of “Rock of Ages,” Abbie relayed D’Arienzo’s enthusiastic approval for gender-neutral casting. D’Arienzo emphasized that casting should prioritize talent and comedic ability, not gender, as long as the script’s lines remained unchanged. Interestingly, he even advised productions to avoid watching the “Rock of Ages” movie to prevent misinterpretations of the comedy, suggesting a fresh, stage-centric approach.
This open approach to casting provides significant freedom and opportunities for high school productions. It allows directors to tap into the full spectrum of student talent, regardless of gender, ensuring the best possible performance for the role of Lonny. For schools with a surplus of talented female performers, this flexibility is particularly beneficial, opening doors for students who might otherwise be limited by traditional casting norms.
The permission for gender-blind casting in “Rock of Ages: High School Edition” underscores the adaptable nature of stage productions compared to the more fixed portrayal in the “Rock of Ages” movie cast. While the movie offered a specific interpretation of the characters, stage productions, especially at the high school level, thrive on creative interpretation and tailoring the show to the strengths of their student actors. This decision empowers educators to create engaging and hilarious productions of “Rock of Ages” that resonate with their students and audiences, embracing inclusivity and prioritizing talent above all else.
