Capital City Players go back to the '80s in 'Rock of Ages'

Cast members raise their shot glasses at the behest of Bourbon Room owner Dennis Dupree (right, played by Chris Bise) during a rehearsal for Capital Players' upcoming production of "Rock of Ages" at Shikles Auditorium.
Cast members raise their shot glasses at the behest of Bourbon Room owner Dennis Dupree (right, played by Chris Bise) during a rehearsal for Capital Players' upcoming production of "Rock of Ages" at Shikles Auditorium.

Take a trip back to the 1980s with the Capital City Players show "Rock of Ages." It is a jukebox musical with a cast of 18 and a live band.

According to director Branden Bise, it is a fun story with a love twist and lots of comedy.

It is suitable for ages 13 and up, and many in the audience will recognize the music they loved in the '80s.

"It is a show where the characters break the fourth wall and interact at times with the audience, which is fun and a challenge," Bise said.

Brandon Sankpill is musical director, and he and Bise have asked two local bands, Five Turn Knot and The Cherry Pistols, to collaborate with the music.

"These two bands are fairly well known in the community, and this should make it fun," Bise said.

The band members are Jay Peltzer, Tom Reichart, Mike Kivett, Brad Barrowman and Cody Tichelkamp.

Stephanie Bise is the choreographer, and the dancing is high energy.

Ken Thompsan is the lighting technician, and Bise said the show has many lighting effects and colors.

The cast includes: David Baker, Stephanie Bise, Tori Stepanek, Chris Bise, Conrad Hildebrad, Steve Kretzer, Michael Dodson and Natalie Wittenberger, and dancers and a chorus.

"The show is about having a dream and following it. The end result may not be what you wanted, but at least you tried to reach the dream," Bise said.

At a glance

What: "Rock of Ages" presented by Capital City Players

When: through Sunday and June 9-12; Thursday through Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and two Sunday matinees at 12:30 p.m. Additional performance June 8 at 7:30 p.m. with no buffet, tickets are $20

Where: Shikles Auditorium

Tickets: $35 includes buffet catered by Argyle Catering. 681-9012 or capitalcityplayers.com