MOUNT CARROLL, ILLINOIS (June 13, 2025) — Timber Lake Playhouse, Illinois' oldest professional summer theatre, is thrilled to announce the return of the fan-favorite musical Rock of Ages, opening June 20 and running through July 6. This electric revival follows the record-breaking success of TLP’s original 2016 production, which remains the highest-attended show in the theatre’s history.
Set on LA's iconic Sunset Strip, Rock of Ages tells the story of Drew, a city boy with rockstar dreams, and Sherrie, a small-town girl pursuing fame. Filled with humor, romance, and the irresistible energy of the 1980s, this production features legendary hits such as "Don’t Stop Believin’," "Here I Go Again," and "Wanted Dead or Alive."
Directed by James Beaudry, who returns to Timber Lake Playhouse where he served as Artistic Director from 2009 to 2017, this production promises powerhouse performances, nostalgia, and a rockin’ good time. Joining Beaudry is choreographer Courtney Liu, Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at Elon University, whose Broadway credits include The Phantom of the Opera.
The production boasts Broadway veteran Michael Ehlers (CATS) as Hertz Klinemann, alongside a dynamic cast including Sam O’Neill as Drew, Amy Chen as Sherrie, Anthony Arpino* (The Wolf of Wall Street, Disney Cruise Line) as Lonny, Mikey Marmann (National Tour: Pretty Woman) as Stacee Jaxx, Nia Chavis as Justice, Alexander Cousins as Dennis Dupree, Gabriel Salazar as Franz, and Emma Theriot as Regina. With Timber Lake’s resident company from over twenty different states across the country and an electrifying live onstage band led by Music Director Matthew W Surico, audiences will experience the full thrill of rock ’n’ roll in an up close and personal way.
The creative team also features Scenic Designer Jonas Harrison, Costume Designer Thomas JC Gluodenis, Lighting Designer Abi Farnsworth, Sound Designer Nick Feldmann, Props Designer Finley Fields, Technical Director Iz Dillon, and Production Manager Star Howard.
"We’re ecstatic to bring Rock of Ages back to TLP," said current Artistic Director Tommy Ranieri. "James Beaudry’s return and this talented cast and creative team promise an unforgettable show that captures all the fun and excitement audiences have come to expect."
Tickets for Rock of Ages are available at the Timber Lake Playhouse Box Office by calling (815) 244-2035, open daily, 10AM-5PM, and through intermission on performance days, or online at timberlakeplayhouse.org.
Rock of Ages is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals (concordtheatricals.com).
