YEE: Rock of Ages at City National Grove of Anaheim

SUCH a great, high energy show!
Although I’m an OC native, I had never been to any production at the Grove so this was a special treat for me! I love musical theater and hadn’t been in over a year so of course I jumped at the chance to be a part of this YEE! The +1 was extra icing on the cake
Friday night traffic can be a little insane so my SIL and I arrived at the venue around 7 for the 8:00 show to pick up our tickets at will call. Parking was plentiful ($ 10 cash) and the will call window was easily visible from the parking lot so everything was a breeze.
While we wanted to go in and get a drink at the bar, the doorman told us we wouldn’t be allowed in for another 30 mins so we walked across the street to The Catch and mingled with the Angel fans instead.
The grove is a very sweet venue but I don’t think its prime for Theater. The chairs were padded yet became uncomfortable after a while… intermission was a needed break! I enjoyed the extra leg room and tiered set up but it was definitely a GA music venue trying to be a theater… unsuccessfully. I appreciate dressing up and being transported to another era when I attend theater arts so perhaps this was just a different kind of show with a different audience that didn’t feel the same. The set up didn’t ruin it for me, but I definitely noticed.
The show was awesome! Cute story line (fairly unpredictable), fun characters, great acting/​singing/​dancing as well as creative use of the stage space and even a little audience interaction. I loved it and was very impressed but wouldn’t bring anyone under the age of 15 as it was a bit racy in parts (drugs, sex & rock’n’roll) and I wouldn’t want to explain. lol
The songs were expertly woven throughout the story line and it was just good fun! Super thankful to have gotten the opportunity to see this production and would definitely recommend it! I would have given it 5 stars had it been in a proper theater.

Free tickets to a Grove show, this is what Unilocal Elite is all about. My wife and I enjoyed an afternoon date and a hell of show. We are children of the 80s so Rock of Ages soundtrack is right up our alley.
The Grove is a 1^st class venue with great service. The bartenders are great and the drinks are mostly single digit priced, pretty rare for a concert or show! Thanks again for hooking us up Ryan, you are the man.

This was my second time seeing Rock of Ages, last caught a bigger traveling production out in Redlands. My wife absolutely loves this show and when this opportunity came around, couldn’t resist, I RSVP’d without even checking wit her first. A move both bold and dangerous… that payed off amazingly. My wife was so stoked to go to the show and then when I got that email saying «Your in» the next day, big win.
It could not have been easier to get in and grab tickets, the venue seemed a bit crazy to park at due to the Angels game going on, but having been to the National Grove of Anaheim a few times, I knew where to park, so no big deal. Upon arrival, tickets right at will call as promised, no hassle. We followed Ryan’s suggestions and got there about 30 mins early. Biggest win for that… no line at the bar! 5 mins before the show it was like 15+min wait, so it was show time and «this place is about to become a sea of sweat, ear-​shattering music and puke.»
While I didn’t see anyone puke, I did enjoy the hell out of the show. The seats were pretty much dead center in the middle of the venue. The cast was pretty solid and did the music proud, the guy playing Drew was a strong singer, perhaps best part of the cast. Part the the appeal to seeing this is being able to look at all the dressed up people (may or may not have been one of them) rocking out to songs you know and you love. Each time I have seen this or movie there are always subtle plot changes, but nonetheless it was a great show and YEE event!

Loved this show!
I had just gotten back from New York where I had the opportunity to see Once, the musical. (If you’ve never heard of it, it’s the winner of 8-​Tony award, yes amazing-​ness!) I was glad the first weekend back I was able to see another musical thanks to Unilocal Elite, wonderful!
I enjoyed all the classic rock ballads and was impressed by the venue as well. From the moment I got my tickets (they were easily located at the box office) to being seated (kindly ushered to seats across the venue) to there being plenty of restrooms to use (no need to run to the ladies room during intermission), way to go National Grove of Anaheim on stellar venue planning to fit a huge crowd! Even more, parking is only $ 5 across the street and I’d actually never seen the National Grove at night and my friend thought it was beautiful with the lights, a true Kodak moment:)
What fun singing and getting the audience involved as well— would definitely see this musical again if friends wanted to go. Love love love musicals and being Unilocal Elite too. Three thumbs up!
Thank you Ryan C for my first Unilocal OC event!!!

The music was awesome and the show was great! Thanks for setting up such a cool event! :)

My music alliance is deeply rooted in the 90’s, but Ryan hooked us Elites up with two tickets to watch a broadway classic — Rock of Ages. True, my knowledge of this era is rather limited but as an arts connoisseur good music combined with a talented cast always makes for a great performance.
In a nutshell, I would describe the performance as an adult Glee show. More singing than dancing and much more adult humor. If you know what I mean.
The venue itself is unlike most performance halls that I’ve frequented, as the chairs are set as you would expect at a wedding and come to think of it, I’d visited this location in the past. The City National Grove of Anaheim was where I attended my first high school homecoming in the past. Ah the memories.
This theater also has the old Hollywood glamour, which makes for a great date designation. Additionally, Parking is abundant, but you can park across the street (in the food court area) for half the price — just saying.

I saw ROA in Vegas a while back and loved the show, so I’ve been meaning to see different iterations of it. I hated the movie, but was hoping to see it on stage again. Well, I heard that Rock of Ages was coming to Anaheim a few months ago and TOTALLY forgot about it until I checked the Unilocal events page! I was willing to pay to see it, but I could also just RSVP for free tickets from Unilocal?Don’t mind if I do.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the performance, but some of the harmonies were a bit off. I blame it on Wolfgang, haha, but I still loved the singing, music, and acting. Stacee Jaxx was probably my favorite singer, and Lonny was my favorite actor.
Anyway, Unilocal once again put on a great event! Parking was easy, will call was super quick, and the seats weren’t half bad. We were kind of in the middle on the right side with a few other Unilocalers. I was stuck behind someone tall so stadium-​style seating would have been useful, but that guy eventually moved over to an empty seat next to him.
Can’t wait for the next chance to get free tickets to a great performance/​movie/​etc. thanks to Unilocal :)

Went to will call, easy to get tickets. Sat really close to the middle. Amazing time!!!
This was my first YEE! I brought my wife and we had a great time. After requesting to go to this event, I received an email the following day saying I was in. It was so easy and hassle free. Parked in the open area parking, no worries there. Went to will call and told them my name… bammo! tickets. Go right in!!! No hidden fees or any paperwork of sorts to sign up. EASY PEASY!
The usher show us to our seats which was in the middle of the floor area!!! I was like WHAAA!!! Unilocal ELITE STYLE!!! lol. They were great seats. The location of them specifically… the actually seats were a bit uncomfortable after an hour or so. hahaha.
Anyways, this was our first Unilocal Elite Event and I can’t wait to go to more. The people seems nice and the whole even went swimmingly! Thanks Unilocal! I’ll do my best to honor the Elite status! I won’t let ya down! :)
Thanks to our CM Ryan C. for allowing me to join the ranks and attend this event! You rock!

«This show is about Poop jokes and Whitesnake songs»
As a product of 80s child, I love and grew up with these songs.
I walked in here, most of the people in the crowd I saw were older than I was.
But before I walked inside, I checked in to the Grove of Anaheim via foursquare (cough cough) for a free drink ticket. I actually redeemed it for a pretzel instead with the bartender.
If you have seen Rock of Ages the movie, this play and the storyline is the same. The play, however, tries to fit everyone with a line with a song. (It seemed very confusing at times because sometimes the love songs are fit for a couple, not fore a whole crew) Yes, REO speedwagon songs were a plenty.
The band in the background is amazing. I mean, who stands in a small area not moving during a whole show? The music, however, I didn’t think it was in harmony. Everyone has their own style of singing here, and some people here were a bit much for me. I thought the lady that looks like Susan Fenniger (yes, like the lady in my icon) sings like the girl from the B-​52s. I actually think Stacy Jaxx from Sunday’s show was amaze balls. He has that rough voice synonomous with Rocks songs.
Speaking of Rock, I saw Irene Y here. Sorry didn’t get a chance to speak to you for more than a minute, you’re cool for bringing your mom. I was also lucky to be able to sit by the aisle so we were in the middle. I actually thought the show was over after the intermission, because from the movie itself, that covered 80% of it. But the 2^nd half was just stupid funny. I think it added to more of the show but I found some moments that just enlightened me in different ways. Overall, a great time thanks to UnilocalOC for the elite event tix. What a great way to spend a nice relaxing Sunday afternoon.

I had a great time! Thank you so much for the invitation. The cast was great, the music was awesome… all around a terrific experience. I’ve never been to that auditorium and loved it. There isn’t a bad seat in the house! Not only will I return… I’ll start regularly checking the shows/​concerts being held there and visit often.

Knew nothing about the storyline but was more than thrilled to get into this event! Katie T and I arrived with ample time to grab our tickets, grab some drinks, and head over to our seats.
This was my first time seeing a show at The Grove (the other time I was here was for senior prom– ages ago) and I didn’t realize how small and intimate it was. We were located in the 3^rd tier and we were not very far from the stage! The musical was filled to the brim with rock medleys, corny lines, and random segues but extremely entertaining (didn’t hurt to the ab-​flashing Stacee Jaxx haha)!
Acoustics at The Grove aren’t the best and no where as good as other theaters but The Grove definitely has a more laid-​back easy vibe reflected in the seating which is perfect for people just wanting to have fun and a good time! This would be a great place for smaller shows or a concert where you’d like to see the artist more up-​close.
Thank you Unilocal for accepting us, Katie and I had a blast and a rocking Friday night!

If there was review to sing the praises of being Unilocal Elite, this would be as appropriate place as any. A review for a musical. I still can’t believe we had the opportunity to watch Rock of Ages. Next up… Book of Mormon? Well, we can dream. =)
Everything was easy peezy. Parking near the front was $ 10. No wait at will call to pick up tickets. Clean venue. Seats right smack in the middle of the venue. Lots of leg room. Good sight lines from every seat in the building.
I love the 80s! I’m more of a Cure, Prince, New Order, Smiths, Run DMC type of guy, but I also grew up being corrupted on «Hot For Teacher» videos on MTV. Nothing like finishing my multiplication tables and watching Van Halen after school. How can you still not love it when any club plays Journey, Guns ‘N Roses, or Bön Jovi at 1 am in the morning? Acid washed jeans, mullets and Malboro Reds, Bongo jean skirts, fishnet stockings, big hair, groupies… Rock of Ages brought all of that back.
The plot isn’t too complicated, but the non-​stop parade of songs and libidinous humor made for a thoroughly enjoyable trip in the way back machine. Even if you missed the ‘80s, if you’ve been to the Sunset Strip recently, you can still relate. The fictitious «Bourbon Room» club in the musical is a combination of characteristics of all the clubs of that time… the Roxy, Rainbow Room, Whiskey-​A-​Go-​Go, the Troubadour, just to name a few. I couldn’t help but notice that one character in the play bears a striking resemblance to Ron Jeremy. Funny? Funny is that my friend was having a drink at the Rainbow Room last year and guess who’s there having a drink too? Ron Jeremy. Yes, the glam and fun of 1980s still live on in today’s LA.
The singing and dance is gnarly. There’s a rad mix and balance of ballads with hair metal through out the 2+ hour show (with intermission). Did you want eye candy? Guys with 6 pack abs wielding guitars, women in Sunset Strip streetwalking attire… something for everyone. There is some sexual humor, but it’s all in good fun. If you appreciate ‘80s music, then I would highly recommend catching Rock of Ages next time it’s in town. It’s not a classic in the Les Miz, Phantom, Wicked sense, but if you’re a fan of the music and just looking for a fun time, then go. If you grew up in the 1960s, then you go see Jersey Boys (I’ve seen that also and recommend that too). The 1980s? Rock of Ages.
Thanks to Unilocal OC for arranging such a great show at an awesome venue!

«Just a small town girl livin’ in a lonely world, she took the midnight train, goin’ anywhere. Just a city boy born and raised in South Detroit, he took the midnight train, goin’ anywhere!» Journey’s «Don’t stop Believin’», is one of the many classic rock hits from the 1980’s that Rock of Ages is built around. Set in L.A.‘s infamous Sunset Strip in 1987, it tells the story of Drew, a boy from South Detroit and Sherrie, a small-​town girl, both in L.A. to chase their dreams of making it big and falling in love.
With impressive performances by both the actors/​singers and the band, the show is bound to keep you entertained the entire time! The narrator, Lonny Barnett, keeps the crowd laughing with his humor & speaking directly to the audience. There’s a perfect blend of comedy, sincerity, sexiness and live music that aids in the unfolding of the love story. It felt like being right in the middle of an 80’s rock music video!
If you’ve seen the film, you’ll notice several differences in the plot and some with the characters’ roles in the musical. However, given the differences, each is unique & captivating in it’s own way.
Rock of Ages is a must-​see for anyone who grew up during the 80’s and/​or appreciates that genre of music! You will not be disappointed!
Once again, thank you Unilocal for complimentary tickets to check out the remarkable show. And of course a HUGE thank you to our CM Ryan C. for making it all possible! You rock!
«Don’t stop believin… Hold on to that feelin’…Streetlights, people.» Wooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh… :)

I wanna ROCK!!!
Ahhh yeah, Unilocal made that a reality Saturday with a kick a$$ show at City National Grove in Anaheim! So Rad!
Parking was a breeze and with my will call tickets in tow, I made my way through checkin to embark on a rock n roll trip that was chalk full of big hair classics that had my toes tapping from start to finish.
Although it’s embarrassing to admit, I actually recognized practically every song on that live set and truth be told, I actually enjoyed most of the music! The performers belted out some great numbers and i found myself feeling their energy throughout the show.
Yes, it can be obnoxiously raw. Yes it can be lewd and lascivious but heck, it was the 80s people! An era wrought with decadence and debauchery, and of course good ol rock n roll!
Although the story has some minor differences from the motion picture adaptation (sans Zeta-​Jones’ vindictive mayor’s wife and Sherrie never hooked up with Stacee Jaxx or got knocked up for that matter) I still loved the comically driven twist of the live show! That being said, mad props to Ryan C and the folks at Unilocal who invited me to this awesome event! I had a blast!
Thanks guys
Happy Times!

Sometimes the dream that you go to a place searching for may not be the dream that you leave with. Drew and Sherrie both went to LA searching for fame but found something else instead. Yes, they found love, almost at first sight. But then love became a long and challenging journey for both of them, each venturing into different paths. Will their paths ever cross again?
An amazing classic rock musical love story laced with plenty of humor and laughters as well as tender and touching moments, Rock of Ages is an absolute blast! At times hilarious, at times heartwarming, and at times sexy, you’ll find yourself glued to your seat and completely captivated by the show.
Every cast member is very talented in his or her own special way which manifests perfectly in the role that they play. Each character is portrayed with much depth and thoughtfulness — from the rock star of a band to the mama san of a strip club — every one of them looks so real and fits so naturally in their role.
The band is DA BOMB! If you love classic rock, you are in for a real treat. The music flows perfectly well with the pace of the story, alternating between upbeat tempo rocks and soft ballads, often switching gears between electric and acoustic guitars.
It was an absolutely amazing show and we had a great time. A BIG thank you to Unilocal and to our awesome CM Ryan for the opportunity to attend this event.
And dreams do come true. But sometimes not in the way you expected to find it. Enjoy the show!