Casting Boys and Girls for "Rock of Ages" Teen Edition

LONNY BARNETT is the omnipotent narrator who often addresses the audience directly. Lonny is a charming and funny guy who gets along with everyone, and is also the secondary male lead. Cast an unflappable, magnetic performer with a strong tenor voice, solid acting skill and a great sense of humor. The actor should also pair well with Dennis so the comedy of their bromance is clear to the audience.

DENNIS DUPREE is the owner of the Bourbon Room. He’s a bit older than the others at the club and a little burnt out on the party scene. Cast someone with a big presence, strong acting skills and a good voice. Dennis should pair flawlessly with Lonny as the other half of the bromance.

DREW BOLEY is “just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit” who moved to L.A. to rock. However, every rocker has to do his time, so Drew barbacks to make rent. While the music and setting of the show is the 1980s, Drew is a classic musical theatre archetype – the nice guy with big dreams. The role requires an experienced performer with a solid tenor voice who can convey both a sweet, charming quality and still fit the bill as a rocker.

SHERRIE CHRISTIAN is the female romantic lead, and, like Drew, is a musical theatre archetype – the sweet, small-town girl who moves to the city to pursue a brighter future. Sherrie hopes to get her big break in the acting business despite her parents’ obvious disapproval. This role is perfect for a performer with a strong voice and solid acting skills. She should also pair well with Drew.

Sherrie’s FATHER is the classic disapproving dad. Cast a young man who can play stern and imposing, and is comfortable singing a few solos.

Sherrie’s MOTHER is more nurturing and sympathetic than Sherrie’s Father. Cast someone with maturity, warmth and a nice singing voice. Make sure that Sherrie’s Father and Mother pair well together.

JOEY PRIMO is a secondary character with several great stage moments, including the classic line, “I poop money.” Cast a young man who is fearlessly willing to make a total fool of himself and then sit back and enjoy his performance.

ANITA BATH is the Mayor’s assistant who refuses to compromise on what she thinks is right. She leads a protest to save the Bourbon Room and, in the process, falls in love with Franz. Cast a young lady with a strong voice and who can convey a real sense of purpose and conviction.

The MAYOR chooses the money over the music and is more than willing to sell himself and his city out to the highest bidder. This role can be played by a guy or a girl; just make sure your actor has a strong speaking voice and is comfortable making bold choices.

HILDA KLINEMANN is a German real estate developer aiming to turn the Sunset Strip into a strip mall. Hilda won’t take no for an answer from anyone, including her browbeaten son, Franz. Cast a young lady with a strong speaking and singing voice who can make bold acting choices. A great sense of comedic timing is important for this actress.

FRANZ KLINEMANN is the son of the overbearing Hilda, and he dreams of running a confectionary shop back in Hamburg, Germany. Cast a young man with a sweet demeanor, a good singing voice and solid acting skills.

STACEE JAXX, the comedic villain of the show, is a bona fide rock star who doesn’t quite realize that he’s reached the peak of his career. His selfish and wild antics are beginning to wear thin on those around him, especially his band. Cast a charismatic performer with an excellent voice who can command the stage and make a self-absorbed rock star both villainous and hilarious.

JUSTICE CHARLIER is the owner of the Venus-A-Go-Go Dance Club. She’s a smart woman who looks out for her girls. Cast a strong young lady with a warm, nurturing nature and a rockin’ singing voice.

WAITRESS #1, #2 and #3 work at the Bourbon Room and exemplify the era of 1980s rock with style and flair. Cast three young women who sing and act well as a unit.

The PROTESTERS are a group of die-hard rockers helping Anita save the Sunset Strip. Be sure to remind your troops that these ensemble parts are the bedrock for the show. They must capture the need and desire to keep rock alive and kicking. Cast dynamic speakers for the roles of PROTESTER #1, #2 and #3.

(LEAD GUITARIST, SECOND GUITAR, BASS, PIANO and DRUMS) are members of Arsenal, once led by Stacee Jaxx but are now separating from their front man. You can tackle this casting in two ways. If you have cast members who are proficient musicians, let them rock out! If you don’t have musicians on hand, your performers can easily act like they’re playing the instruments (these roles could be played by either guys or girls, and the band can perform in the ensemble).

CONSTANCE SACK is an inquisitive reporter who interviews Stacee Jaxx just as he’s about to part ways with his band. Cast a performer for this non-singing role who can infuse this curious reporter with energy and poise.

JA’KEITH GILL becomes Drew’s agent and in the process, destroys Drew’s rock star dreams by forcing Drew to join a boy band. This featured role can be played by a male or female and requires reasonable acting and singing skills.

The VENUS-A-GO-GO DANCERS should be cast as an ensemble who can carve out their own individual personalities within a fun, unified company. Cast young ladies with nice singing voices and solid movement skills.

This sleazy film PRODUCER from Orion Pictures sees Sherrie as the next Molly Ringwald and offers her his card (which is a picture of his beach house in Malibu). This role is non-singing.

The ROCKER is a featured role who hangs at the Bourbon Room with Joey Primo. This is a great role for one of your guys who has a strong speaking voice but may not have the strongest singing voice.