Rock of Ages: Don Stephenson assumes the role of 'Hertz'

Don Stephenson temporarily assumes the role 'Hertz' on 17 Aug 2009 in the musical Rock of Ages. Stephenson is standing in for original cast member Paul Schoeffler, who is taking a leave of absence and will return to musical on 26 Oct 2009.

Don Stephenson's Broadway credits: 'Dracula, the Musical' (Renfield); 'Private Lives' (Victor Prynne); 'By Jeeves, (Bingo Little); 'The Producers' (Leo Bloom); 'Parade'; 'Panic.'

Rock of Ages opened at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on 7 Apr 2009, following previews from 17 Mar, where it is currently selling ticets through to 29 Nov 2009.

The production opened to mixed reviews: "a seriously silly, absurdly enjoyable arena-rock musical" (New York Times), "an irresistible, offbeat trip of a show that hits all the right notes." (NY1); "cheesy exercise in rock nostalgia" (Hollywood Reporter); "a somewhat glib nostalgia trip" (NewsDay).

In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl met a big city rocker and in LA's most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the '80s. It's Rock of Ages, an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Foreigner and many more.

Rock of Ages now features Constantine Maroulis (Drew), Savannah Wise (Sherrie), James Carpinello (Stacee Jaxx), Adam Dannheisser (Dennis), Mitchell Jarvis (Lonny), Michele Mais (Justice), Lauren Molina (Regina), Don Stephenson (Hertz) and Wesley Taylor (Franz).

The show is written by Chris D'Arienzo, directed by Kristin Hanggi and choreographed by Kelly Devine (Jersey Boys - Associate Choreographer).

Scenic design is by Beowulf Boritt, costume design is by Gregory Gale, lighting design is by Jason Lyons (The Threepenny Opera) and sound design is by Peter Hylenski.

The off Broadway engagement of Rock of Ages opened on 16 Oct 2008 at New World Stages and played its final performance on 4 Jan 2009 after 17 preview and 93 regular performances. The show made its world premiere in Los Angeles at The Vanguard for a limited 4-week run and was extended to 7 weeks by popular demand.

Rock of Ages is produced on Broadway by Matthew Weaver, Carl Levin, Jeff Davis, Barry Habib, Scott Prisand, and Corner Store Fund I, in association with Janet Billig Rich, Hillary Weaver, Toni Habib, Stefany & Simon Bergson, Charles Rolecek, Susanne Brook, Israel Wolfson, Max Gottlieb, Jennifer Maloney and Prospect Pictures.