SNAPA's New Production Rocks Audience

Stage Notes Academy of Performing Arts presents 'Rock of Ages'

(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)

By Michael V. Hannigan

Some shows get you dancing in the aisles. Others leave you rolling in them.

SNAPA's production of "Rock of Ages" does both.

A talented ensemble cast is bringing this campy rock and roll love story to life this weekend and next at Stage Notes Academy of Performing Arts.

This show isn't for the "quiet sit on your hands" theater goers. No, there are plenty of sing-a-long moments and belly laughs for the audience to enjoy and the cast works hard to include the audience.

The story plays like an 80s rock ballad: small town girl meets city boy, but greed and the bright lights push them apart until the finale where ... well, no spoilers here.

The cast includes many faces familiar to our local theater community like Savannah Joblin-Smith, Zachary Smith, Daniel Holmes, and Chandler Hinojoza, who absolutely crushes it as the comedic narrator.

This was my first chance to see Nicholas Connor Wilcoxson perform and he hit some notes as the lead that made me absolutely believe he could be a rock star.

The strength of the show, however, is the chemistry of the large cast. Sariah and Daniel Holmes have done a great job directing and making sure everyone gets moments to shine.

If you are going, remember this show is on the longer side and runs about three hours with an intermission. There are also some adult themes and jokes, so parental guidance is recommended.

Showtimes are 7 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (July 18, 19, 25, and 26), and 3 to 6 p.m. on Sundays (July 20 and 27). The theater is located at 224 N. Prairieville St. in Athens

Tickets are available online here.

The Cast includes:

• Drew Boley: Nicholas Connor Wilcoxson

• Sherrie Christian: Savannah Joblin-Smith

• Lonny Barnett: Chandler Hinojoza

• Dennis Dupree: Mike Freiley

• Justice Charlier: Kaitlyn Cuellar Randall

• Stacee Jaxx: Justin Legel

• Hertz Klinemann: Daniel Holmes

• Franz Klinemann: Holden Guinn

• Regina Koontz: Alexandra Parker

• Waitress #1: Elizabeth Teague

• Constance Sack: Anita Joblin

• Ja'Keith/Father: Zachary Smith

• Mother: Denise Irion

• Joey Primo: Ethan Lodato

• The Mayor: Madison Hope

• Ensemble: Nicole Killian, Allison Booher

The Crew includes:

• Directors: Daniel & Sariah Holmes

• Sound: Jaedyn Underhill

• Lights: Kyleigh Underhill

• Spotlight/Projections: Breelyn Henderson

• Stage Manager/Prop Design: Nikki Dubose

• Graphic Design: Sarah Joblin