THEATER REVIEW: ‘Rock of Ages’ Turns North Shore Music Theatre into an Electrifying ’80s Rock Concert

By Mark Allen Wood | Beverly Patch

Get ready to rock, Beverly! Bill Hanney’s North Shore Music Theatre has turned up the volume to eleven with their explosive, high-octane production of the 5-time Tony Award-nominated smash hit, "ROCK OF AGES," playing now through August 23, 2026.

From the very second the house lights went down, the North Shore Music Theatre Orchestra kicked into the opening number with raw power and precision, instantly supercharging the theater in the round. They didn't just play the score—they drove the entire night with authentic rock 'n' roll energy that made you feel like you had just walked straight into a headlining arena concert!

Set in 1987 on Hollywood’s infamous Sunset Strip, the show transports audiences straight back into the golden era of big hair, leather jackets, and monster anthems. The story follows Drew, a boy from South Detroit with dreams of rock stardom, and Sherrie, a small-town girl chasing her own Hollywood dreams, as they cross paths at the legendary Bourbon Room.

What truly elevates this production into an unforgettable night of entertainment is the incredible talent on stage. The entire cast boasts astonishing vocal range, hitting every soaring high note, gritty belt, and rock scream across an iconic catalog of hits from Journey, Bon Jovi, Foreigner, Styx, Whitesnake, and Poison.

Four lead performers, in particular, completely steal the spotlight with their dancing, vocal fireworks, and magnetic stage presence:

• EJ DOHRING (Drew): Dohring brings heart, charm, and an unbelievable set of vocal pipes to the role of the aspiring rocker. His powerhouse vocals soar effortlessly through difficult rock anthems, making the audience root for him from the opening chords to the final bow.
• MATT DaSILVA (Lonny): Serving as the Bourbon Room’s wild right-hand man and our cheeky narrator, DaSilva commands the stage with infectious comedic timing, explosive choreography, and a dynamic vocal delivery that keeps the audience in stitches and on their feet.
• TONEISHA HARRIS (Justice): Harris delivers pure vocal majesty. Her jaw-dropping range, soulful richness, and commanding stage presence bring down the house every single time she steps up to a microphone.
• EVAN HARRINGTON (Dennis): As the eccentric owner of the Bourbon Room, Harrington delivers a masterclass in comedic character acting and rock-solid musicianship, blending hearty laughs with fantastic vocals.

Together with a phenomenal ensemble and a pulse-pounding live band, the cast delivers showstoppers like "We Built This City," "Here I Go Again," and the crowd-roaring finale "Don’t Stop Believin’" with total arena-concert energy.

Owner and Producer Bill Hanney has delivered another massive crowd-pleaser to Beverly—a loud, hilarious, high-energy party that celebrates the wild spirit of the 1980s.

If you want an evening of pure nostalgia, incredible music, and unmatched vocal talent, do not wait. "ROCK OF AGES" is rocking North Shore Music Theatre only through August 23, 2026—grab your tickets before the final encore!