Rock of Ages is coming to the Paramount…and, big casting news for the film version!

The original Broadway cast of "Rock of Ages" with Constantine Maroulis center stage. Photo: Joan Marcus.

The hit 1980’s set jukebox musical of 2009, the Tony nominated Rock of Ages is coming to the Paramount Theater for eight performances starting February 8, 2011 and running until February 13. Starring American Idol runner-up Constantine Maroulis, who is reprising his Tony nominated performance from the original Broadway run, the show features a non-stop barrage of rock hits from the Eighties from the likes of Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake, and many more. The show, still running on Broadway, is a huge success and has spawned this national tour, as well as productions world wide. The light hearted, comedic musical has won legions of fans, ranging from Boomers and X’ers who fondly remember the music of the era, as well as younger audiences who have been attracted by the Glee-like covers of beloved songs. Apparently, audiences are unable to “Don’t Stop Believin'”. Tickets for Rock of Ages at the Paramount are available HERE and if you’re super excited about this show, you can head to the Paramount THIS EVENING for a special Rock of Ages Karaoke Party in the lobby. It’s FREE and it goes from 5pm to 8pm, There will be prizes and ticket giveaways to the show as well as opportunities to purchase discounted tickets. Check it out.

Cruise? Baldwn? Gwynnie? Are they lining up for the movie?

AND, news has been breaking that the cast for the film, to be directed by Hairspray director Adam Shankman, is starting to firm up. Russell Brand is reported to be circling the role of Lonnie, the record company man, and Alec Baldwin is in talks to play Dennis, the owner of the rock club at the center of attention in the musical. Those two characters share a duet, REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t FIGHT This Feeling” and it will be VERY interesting to experience that, since Mr. Baldwin isn’t exactly a powerhouse singer…anyone who’s witnessed his performance in the PBS production of the concert version of South Pacific, can attest to that.

Also reportedly very interested in a role: Tom Cruise, who’s been eyeballin’ the showy supporting role of aging rock star, Stacee Jax. Cruise is keen to jumpstart his flailing career with a showy and out of character supporting performance, a la his Oscar nominated part in Magnolia, a decade ago.

There’s been less buzz about the two lead roles, that of Drew (the Constantine Maroulis part) and Sherrie, though it seems unlikely that Mr Maroulis would be considered; obviously the film makers are looking to go the “star studded” route for the film, which begins filming this summer. (My guess it, they’ll go the young and cute route for these two parts…paging Selena Gomez!) There have also been rumors that Gwyneth Paltrow is interested in a role; her last film musical, Country Strong did not perform well, but Paltrow earned good reviews for her singing in that film, as well for her recent turn on Glee.

We’ll keep you posted.