Addison Trail to present winter musical, ‘Rock of Ages (High School Edition)’

Addison Trail students rehearse for the school's upcoming winter musical, “Rock of Ages (High School Edition).” Performances will take place on Feb. 6, 7 and 8. Pictured are (back row, from left) junior Evan Grossman (Dennis Dupree), senior Cole Parent (Drew Boley), (middle row, from left) freshman Lea Staller (Anita Bath), senior Teagan Whitaker (Sherrie Christian), junior Isabel Aramburu (Lonny Barnett), junior Daniella Cassata (Justice Charlier), sophomore Adam Sakleh (Franz Klineman), senior Dominika Zdanowicz (Hilda Klineman) and (front row) junior Ryan Ficarra (Stacee Jaxx).

Addison Trail Theatre invites you to step back into the ’80s and rock out as the school presents its winter musical, “Rock of Ages (High School Edition)” by Chris D’Arienzo (adapted by Samuel French, Inc.).

The show is set in Hollywood, Calif., in the 1980s – when ripped jeans, big hair and rock and roll music filled the streets. But that’s all about to end when developers come into town with plans to turn the area into a strip mall. Rocker Stacee Jaxx (played by Addison Trail junior Ryan Ficarra), aspiring rock star Drew Boley (played by Addison Trail senior Cole Parent), small-town girl Sherrie Christian (played by Addison Trail senior Teagan Whitaker) and their friends must come together to save the area – and the answer might just be in the ’80s music itself.

“The ’80s is a fun time period to feature, and I hope audience members relive their youth and rock out,” said Anna McSweeney, Addison Trail Theatre Director. “The set creates a rock concert feel, so it’s an exciting environment.”

McSweeney added she chose “Rock of Ages (High School Edition)” because it allows a variety of students to be featured in lead roles.

Ficarra said the musical has something for everyone.

“Those who experienced the ’80s can reminisce about those years, and those who didn’t live through that time period can learn something new about that era,” he said.

Whitaker said the production is a lighthearted comedy.

“It’s a musical within a musical,” she said. “The story has lots of subplots and doesn’t take itself too seriously.”

Addison Trail junior Isabel Aramburu, who plays Lonny Barnett, added the production showcases the trends, influences and importance of the ’80s.

“Rock of Ages (High School Edition)”

When: 7 p.m. Feb. 6, 7 and 8 (also a 2 p.m. performance on Feb. 8)

Teacher-Parent Organization (TPO) Spaghetti Dinner: Between the two productions on Feb. 8 (from 4 to 6:15 p.m.)

Where: Addison Trail, 213 N. Lombard Road in Addison

Tickets: Tickets will be available to buy at the door and cost $7 for adults, $5 for students and children ages 3 to 12, $3 with an Activity Pass and are free with a District 88 Senior Gold Card.

For questions or more information: Call 630-628-3365