Winthrop High School Drama Society Starts to Rock-On this Thursday

By Kate Anslinger

If you were alive in the 80s, there is a good chance you are fluent in the lyrics from songs like “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Come on Hear the Noise,” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”

But, you don’t have to be an ’80s lover to appreciate the show “Rock of Ages,” produced by the Winthrop High School Drama Society. The show, which takes place in the late ’80s, follows two story lines sandwiched between hit songs from the ’80s, epic dance moves and a whole lot of big hair that was par for the course during the time period.

The main character, Drew Boley, played by Jackson Tolliver, is torn between following his dreams of becoming a rock star, and pursuing the girl he is in love with. In the midst of Drew’s struggle, Lonny Barnett, played by Jay Dolan, grapples with German developers threatening to shut down his bar, The Bourbon Room, which is set on Sunset Strip in Los Angeles.

“I think this show was a lot harder to put together but casting has come together,” said stage manager Catherine Grimes, who admits that she now loves ’80s music.  “There are a lot of new elements that we never had to deal with before, like lighting and high-pitched vocals.

Tolliver and Dolan really had to step outside their comfort zone when learning the songs, considering the super high-pitched voices of rock stars back then.

“It was definitely a challenge for cast members with lower voices,” said Tolliver, who is hoping his hard work pays off with a big audience.

The cast and crew had a fun time going through their parents’ closets for old clothing that was big in the 80s, and costume designer Iggy Regis was in her element as she made stuff to fit the big and bright styles of the eighties.

“The show is aimed for adults, but anyone can enjoy it,” said Tolliver.

Performances will be at the Neil Shapiro Center for the Performing Arts on:

Thursday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 18 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

To  purchase tickets please visit:

http://www.winthropdrama.com/index.html