After many long, exhausting weeks of rehearsal for the cast and crew, Riverside Brookfield High School turned up the volume for its annual spring musical, “Rock of Ages.” This high-energy, rock and roll-filled show dazzled its audiences from March 6-9. Featuring classic hits from the 1980s and a storyline filled with heart, humor, and big dreams, this production was one for the books.
Featuring a plethora of talent, juniors Ben Buoscio, Iris Williams, Hayden Clark, and senior Wesley Greco were just some of the highlights of this year’s cast that didn’t fall short when it came to bringing the musical to life. Greco felt that all of the hard work leading up to the Thursday premiere was bound to pay off.
“Once it came together, it was really solid, and I felt confident about it,” Greco said. “Even backstage, when we’re not on, we talk and make friendships.”
Williams, who played Sherrie Christian, a main character in the performance, feels the same way. As the days counted down towards the first live rendition, she swept away the nerves and put forth her elation to be a part of something so big.
“This show began to feel like muscle memory,” Williams said. “It doesn’t feel like I have to be so nervous, but if I am, I try to channel that to make my performance better. I’ve really been enjoying this opportunity just because it’s so fun, and it’s such a silly show.”
Alongside Williams is junior Ben Buoscio, who stars as the story’s main man, “Drew Boley”. As Buoscio was able to spend more and more time unlocking his character to fit the mold, he gained a greater sense of the kind of character he plays.
“He’s really just a normal guy. I sort of thought of it as just a guy who really likes music and really wants to perform and eventually, he’s given the opportunity to do so. He wants to rock.” Buoscio said.
As for the rest of the cast and crew, Buoscio made sure to make note of those who helped make the production possible that may not get the same spotlight as those front and center under the lights.
“A lot of it is tech-related. People definitely don’t realize how much goes into the sound system, and managing sound in general which is a huge thing,” Buoscio said.
Hayden Clark, another junior amidst the long list in this year’s musical who stars as a dance member, feels that her role in the play greatly improved as time went on thanks to her companions.
“We definitely improved. I’d say that our dancing has been one of our biggest challenges, but our dance captains have worked us really hard. It took a lot of work, but I believe we pulled it all together,” Clark said.
Williams, who also works with the dance group, played a large role in nailing the choreography and bringing everything together to put on an exhilarating performance. Specifically, she believes that the final few days were when the production reached its’ final form.
“I feel over the last week especially, everybody has bonded because we’ve all worked towards this end goal. I think everybody is really happy with how far it’s come,” Williams said.
For the juniors, “Rock Of Ages” was a chance to step up and show what RB theatre department is all about, with the chance of being the next lead, stage manager, or tech director. But for the seniors, this final musical was a chance to take the stage one last time, celebrate years of hard work, and leave their mark on RB Theatre’s legacy.
“I’d tell them all to just go for it,” Greco said. “Freshman year, my mom forced me to join the musical. I really didn’t want to do it. Then I got my ensemble role, and I liked it. All of a sudden, I was excited to join Grease. I slowly got up to the big roles.”
Whether you came for the nostalgia, the music, or just to support the talented students of RB, Rock of Ages delivered in every way. If this production proved anything, it’s that rock and roll–and RB theatre–is alive and thriving. For those looking to get involved who still have their high school years ahead of them, Greco had some simple, yet touching advice.
“Just try your best, hope for the best, without caring so much about the role. Whatever I got, I got because I trust the directors,” Greco said.
Surely enough, Greco became appreciative of RB’s theatre program beyond his own words, signaling to the underclassmen to take their chance.
“I’d just say to go for it, and let everything else happen,” Greco said.
