Monday August 4th 2025
Rock of Ages
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Lolita Bozhko
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival has officially kicked off, and crowds of tourists from around the world are once again flocking to the city in search of fresh and exciting performances. As a reviewer, though, this whirlwind of activity can be quite overwhelming and, at times, stressful. A challenge lies in selecting the very first performance to attend as that initial choice often sets the expectations for all the following shows.
I am pleased to report that the first show I chose to see at the 2025 Fringe “Rock of Ages,” and it truly did not disappoint. Moreover, it not only met my expectations but managed to surpass them. But before diving into my thoughts, here’s a quick rundown of the show: “Get ready to rock! ‘Rock of Ages’ takes us back to the 80’s to join a small-town girl, a city boy, and a rock ‘n’ roll romance on the Sunset Strip. This musical celebrates love, ambition, and the fight for dreams, amplifying voices too often unheard in musical theatre. This production packs a punch with unforgettable iconic anthems, big hair, and even bigger heart”.
At least thirty minutes before showtime, a queue began forming outside the venue, with more and more people arriving closer to the time the show was about to begin. The show was entirely sold out — I was worried that someone might be turned away or left waiting outside, but it seems
that everyone who wanted to see the performance managed to get in, which was a huge relief.
Describing the show in cohesive words is a struggle because it was truly incredible. The stage production was so meticulous that, although very few props were available, I felt transported to that world. A live band accompanied the entire show, playing every single song in real-time, which added an extra layer of authenticity to the whole experience.
The storyline itself is straightforward, but it’s executed so nuancely that it’s prevented from feeling simplistic or cliché. The show is perfectly balanced, with each song seamlessly fitting into the overall narrative and performance. Every musical number adds to the emotional complexity of the story, keeping the audience engaged without overcomplicating matters.
Now, I want to share my thoughts on what I believe was the absolute highlight of the entire production — the casting. Having watched the “Rock of Ages” film, I can say that, while the story remained identical, this experience was entirely different. When it comes to musicals, there’s
often one or a few performers who naturally stand out, capturing all the
attention and becoming a main point throughout the show.
However, in this particular production, I was quite impressed by the fact that I couldn’t single out just one performer to follow. Every single cast member, regardless of the role they played, managed to steal the spotlight in every scene they appeared in. The level of talent across the entire ensemble was extraordinary. Each performer brought their unique energy, charisma, and skill to the stage, creating mesmerizing performance.
Personally, I consider myself quite picky when it comes to musicals and theatrical productions. Yet, this particular show managed to blow me away almost immediately, right from the first act. This production is truly a breathtaking achievement. It includes everything that makes musical theatre so magical — spectacular performances, magnetic storytelling, impressive staging, and a clear sense of passion from everyone involved.
I genuinely believe this show has enormous potential to become a major hit, should it continue to receive the attention and appreciation it deserves. All the ingredients for success are present, and I sincerely hope more people give it a chance.
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