Rock of Ages: Justin Matthew Sargent to play Drew

Justin Matthew Sargent will star as 'Drew' beginning 26 Mar 2012 in the Broadway musical Rock of Ages. Sargent assumes the role from Dan Domenech, who will play his final performance as 'Drew' on 25 Mar 2012.

Sargent, who has performed in Rock of Ages as a Vacation Swing, will take on his first-ever leading role on Broadway as the 'city boy born and raised in South Detroit, 'Drew.' He recently performed on Broadway in 'Bonnie & Clyde' and his regional credits include 'Pippin,' 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and 'High School Musical.'

It has also been announced that Genson Blimline has officially assumed the role of 'Lonny.' Blimline, who joined the cast on 19 Dec 2011, originally stepped into the role of 'Lonny' to cover for original cast member Mitchell Jarvis who had taken a leave of absence to take part in the Alley Theatre production of 'The Toxic Avenger.' Jarvis was scheduled to return to the show on 20 Feb 2012.

Rock of Ages principal cast currently features Dan Domenech (Drew), Adam Dannheisser (Dennis), Genson Blimline (Lonny), Michele Mais (Justice), Paul Schoeffler (Hertz), Emily Padgett (Sherrie), Jeremy Woodard (Stacee Jaxx), Cody Scott Lancaster (Franz), Josephine Rose Roberts (Regina).

The five-time Tony Award nominated musical opened on Broadway on 7 Apr 2009 at the the Brooks Atkinson, where it previwed from 17 Mar 2009. The show played its final performance at the Brooks Atkinson on 9 Jan 2011, it then resumed performances at Broadway's Helen Hayes Theatre on 24 Mar 2011, where it is currently booking through to 27 May 2012.

The decision to move the show from the Brooks Atkinson Theatre to the smaller Helen Hayes Theatre was made by the producer's for commercial reasons.

Rock of Ages opened at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre 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.

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.