Watch Interviews with Shayne Ward and the cast of Rock of Ages at West End Live 2011
Watch Interviews with Shayne Ward and the cast of Rock of Ages at West End Live 2011 below:
ROCK OF AGES The Musical announces full London cast
** Shayne Ward and Justin Lee Collins to be joined by West End stars **
** Cast members to perform for the first time at West End Live this weekend **
London, 15th June 2011. ROCK OF AGES THE MUSICAL, the smash hit ‘Mix tape’ musical comedy set to take the UK by storm is proud to announce the full cast line up as Justin Lee Collins and Shayne Ward are joined by the great and good of the West End musical world.
The roles of the smalltown girl and boy (who meet, fall in love, lose each other then struggle to fight for their love – all to the backdrop of good old 80‘s ROCK!), Sherrie and Drew will be taken by West End stars Amy Pemberton and Oliver Tompsett. They will join a highly respected ensemble cast (listed below) when the show opens at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre. Previews start on 31st August.
As Oliver says: Growing up listening to 80′s Power Ballads on VH1 I used to dream about combining 80′s Rock songs with musical comedy but someone beat me to it. “Rock of Ages the Musical” is way better than what I dreamt of and you know what they say “If you cant beat them Join them!”
Joining Oliver and Amy to belt out some of the greatest hits of the 80’s (including Wanted Dead Or Alive, Don’t Stop Believin’, Here I Go Again, and I Want to Know What Love Is) will be Simon Lipkin best known for playing Nicky / Trekkie Monster in the Original London Cast of Avenue Q who will be taking the role of the wise-cracking narrator Lonny.
Also, members of the cast will be previewing the show at London’s West End Live event in Trafalgar Square this coming weekend, 18th and 19th June. The performances will be on Saturday – 2.55pm & 3.55pm and again on Sunday – 1.35pm & 3.35pm.
Leading cast:
Dennis Dupree – Justin Lee Collins Stacee Jaxx/Father – Shayne Ward
Drew – Oliver Tompsett Sherrie – Amy Pemberton
Lonny – Simon Lipkin Hertz – Rohan Tickell
Justice/Mother – Rachel McFarlane Regina/Candi – Jodie Jacobs
Franz – Sandy Moffat
(remaining cast are alphabetical)
Mayor/Ja’Keith Gill – Nathan Amzi Ensemble – Natalie Andreou
Ensemble – Grant Anthony Ensemble – Carly Mercedes Dyer
Ensemble – Cordelia Farnworth Ensemble – Ian McIntosh
Waitress #1 – Twinnie-Lee Moore Ensemble – Jamie Muscato
Ensemble – Andrew Spillett Reporter – Zizi Strallen
Young Groupie – Amy Thornton Joey Primo/Sleazy Producer – Dylan Turner
“If you’ve forgotten what it feels like to play air guitar in public,
then this is the place for you” (Dylan Jones, Editor, GQ)
ROCK OF AGES is the ultimate ‘80’s rock mix-tape musical’, a rip-roaring, hilarious story of hedonism, dreams, love and of course ROCK! So popular has it been in New York, Toronto and Melbourne that the show is currently being made into a star-studded movie. Filming is now under way on the movie that is set to be 2012’s blockbuster musical starring, amongst others, Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin and Catherine Zeta Jones. Tom Cruise will be playing the role of Stacee Jaxx.
For more information and to book tickets please visit: www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk
Biographies and photos of cast members are available along with other information.
EDITORS NOTES
ROCK OF AGES the musical is written by Chris D’Arienzo, directed by Kristin Hanggi and choreographed by Kelly Devine. Scenic design is by Beowulf Boritt, costume design is by Tony Award nominee Gregory Gale, lighting design is by Jason Lyons, sound design is by Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski, and projection design is by Zachary Borovay.
Five times nominated for the prestigious Tony Awards in the US (including ‘Best Musical’), ROCK OF AGES the musical is a celebration of Los Angeles rock culture, with a great story to boot. Set in 1987, a small town girl meets a big city rocker in LA’s most famous rock club and they fall in love to some of the greatest songs of the decade – all classic tracks which will have London rockin’ for more.
A much anticipated film of the musical, directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray), is now filming, starring Russell Brand, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise.
Tickets for ROCK OF AGES are available from THE SHAFTESBURY THEATRE: Box Office: 020 7379 5399 or at www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk. Performance times will be: Monday-Thursday at 7.30pm, Friday at 5.30pm and 8.30pm, Saturday at 4pm and 8pm.
Tickets are priced from: £20
Further Information: Shaftesbury Theatre Details:
Box Office: 020 7379 5399
Postal: 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London. WC2H 8DP
http://www.shaftesburytheatre.com
ROCK OF AGES The Musical announces further London casting
* X Factor winner Shayne Ward to set the West End alight *
* Shayne to take the role of rock bad boy Stacee Jaxx *
London, 8th June 2011. ROCK OF AGES, the worldwide smash hit musical set to take the UK by storm is proud to announce that UK pop superstar, Shayne Ward, has signed up to take on the role of disillusioned rock bad boy Stacee Jaxx.
Shayne will be taking to the West End stage when the side-splitting ROCK OF AGES The Musical previews at the prestigious Shaftesbury Theatre from 31st August 2011. Tickets are on sale now.
Having sold over 3 million records worldwide after winning the X Factor in 2005, Shayne’s unmistakable voice have turned him into one of the UK’s most loved talents, with Rock of Ages marking his West End debut. He says: “I cannot wait to take to the stage for Rock of Agesl it’s an absolute thrill to have been chosen for this part and can’t wait to show a new side to my voice. West End – prepare to rock!”
Shayne released his third album Obsession last Autumn, quickly followed by a nationwide UK and Ireland tour. At his very best on the stage, 26-year-old Shayne has become one of the UK’s premiere vocal talents. Manchester born, he has always loved all genres of music, and his first foray into the world of rock is set to be an exciting one.
ROCK OF AGES is the ultimate ‘80’s rock mix-tape musical’, a rip-roaring, hilarious story of hedonism, dreams, love and of course ROCK! So popular has it been in New York, Toronto and Melbourne that the show is currently being made into a star-studded movie. Filming is now under way on the movie that is set to be 2012’s blockbuster musical starring, amongst others, Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin and Catherine Zeta Jones. Tom Cruise will be playing the role of Stacee Jaxx.
For more information and to book tickets please visit: www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk
EDITORS NOTES
ROCK OF AGES the musical is written by Chris D’Arienzo, directed by Kristin Hanggi and choreographed by Kelly Devine. Scenic design is by Beowulf Boritt, costume design is by Tony Award nominee Gregory Gale, lighting design is by Jason Lyons, sound design is by Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski, and projection design is by Zachary Borovay.
Five times nominated for the prestigious Tony Awards in the US (including ‘Best Musical’), ROCK OF AGES the musical is a celebration of Los Angeles rock culture, with a great story to boot. Set in 1987, a small town girl meets a big city rocker in LA’s most famous rock club and they fall in love to some of the greatest songs of the decade – all classic tracks which will have London rockin’ for more.
A much anticipated film of the musical, directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray), is now filming, starring Russell Brand, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise.
Tickets for ROCK OF AGES are available from THE SHAFTESBURY THEATRE: Box Office: 020 7379 5399 or at www.rockofagesmusical.co.uk. Performance times will be: Monday-Thursday at 7.30pm, Friday at 5.30pm and 8.30pm, Saturday at 4pm and 8pm.
Tickets are priced from: £20
Further Information: Shaftesbury Theatre Details:
Box Office: 020 7379 5399
Postal: 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London. WC2H 8DP
J. Pearl Feat. Shayne Ward – MUST BE A REASON WHY… Released 8th August
Hot sounds and smouldering looks combine as stunning Brazilian-Russian New Yorker J.Pearl teams up with one of the UK’s premiere vocal talents Shayne Ward on Must Be A Reason Why… Perfect for those hot summer nights, the track is a blistering pop-fuelled dance feast based around the hook from Wamdue Project’s international hit King Of My Castle and is tipped to set the charts alight.
Pop-focused imprint SIMPLY DELICIOUS – sister label to dance legend Strictly Rhythm - was bang on the money when it signed
J. Pearl. Discovered singing karaoke at 3am in a Lower East Side bar and given a record deal within a week,
Must Be A Reason Why… is J. Pearl’s second release, following on from the US radio success of her debut, It’s Getting Physical.
Produced by Lucas Secon (Pussycat Dolls, Kylie Minogue, Cee-Lo Green, Jordan Sparks and Britney Spears) Must Be A Reason Why… marks a brand new and exciting direction for UK pop star Shayne Ward. When Shayne heard the track he immediately contacted Strictly Rhythm. Although well-known for his ballad-driven pop (his last single charted at No.8 and latest album sold over 100,000 copies), Ward has always been a fan of dance labels such as Strictly and is excited about his new musical path. Jean loved the idea and asked him to feature on the record.
“I loved recording with J. Pearl and working with Lucas Secon and Strictly,” said Ward. “It’s thrilling to be taking such a diverse direction in my career.” The love is very much mutual; J. Pearl is equally keyed up about working with Ward. “Shayne is a real charmer,” she said. “Working with him was an amazing experience.”
Indeed, Must Be A Reason Why… was a highlight on Shayne’s recent UK tour where he was joined on stage by J.Pearl at the London and Manchester gigs. While she was in the UK they shot the sultry music video at the venue famed as the location for The Kings Speech and has elements of the movie Eyes Wide Shut.
Following early plays from Radio One’s Pete Tong, Kiss FM and Capital, Must Be A Reason Why…is scheduled for release later this year. Mixes come courtesy of Afrojack, Guy Katsav, Funkystepz, Rivaz and Costi.
http://www.facebook.com/JPearlMusic
http://www.twitter.com/JPearlNYC
http://www.shayneward.com/feed/tagged/news/rss200.xml
http://www.facebook.com/shayneward
Press Contacts:
Kate Stuart
National Press
Big Machine Media
kstuart@bigmachinemedia.com
0207 936 3722
Brad Taylor/Sian Evans
Online Press
Big Machine Media
sian@bigmachinemedia.com
brad@bigmachinemedia.com
Shayne Ward makes his US performance debut in June
On Friday, June 10th, Shayne will make a rare club appearance to kick off Boston Pride weekend at Machine Nightclub.
On Saturday, June 11th Shayne will be a celebrity marshall in the Boston Pride parade through downtown Boston and perform on the festival stage at City Hall Plaza following the parade.
Shayne will also be on hand to meet and greet with fans and friends of the LGBT community.
For more information on Boston Pride, go to www.bostonpride.org
also
He’s appearing at Waterford Festival on 30th July
www.waterfordmusicfest.com
SHAYNE WARD ANNOUNCES UK SHOWS
“UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL”
Shayne Ward is well and truly back with a new single, Obsession, from the album of the same name, a top ten hit in Gotta Be Somebody and now the announcement of his first UK tour in two years.
A show stopping performance on X Factor and the release his third album late in 2010 reminded everyone of his very special vocal prowess. Ward, a singer’s singer, if ever there was one, says he’s thrilled to be back out on the road. He adds that, “as a singer and performer nothing beats the excitement of working with a live audience”. Live has always been Shayne’s natural habitat and now taking Obsession out on the road, he’s putting on the ultimate show, with his first set of intimate dates starting in Wolverhampton on 15th March.
Ward, who tours Ireland and Germany straight after the UK shows will be performing an array of his hits, right from his X Factor smash That’s My Goal to his RnB infused No U Hang Up to new fan favorites on current album Obsession. Having found his rightful place in pop society, The X Factor may have launched him but like another vocal great he has already moved beyond that point. Few know that Tony Bennett, one of Shayne’s all time heroes, came second in a talent show for singing waiters. However, he landed a recording deal with Sony, and has recorded 100 albums for the label.
The platform might be different but each generation throws up real talent and that always rises to the top whatever the route. This time around it’s Shayne Ward.
UK Concert Dates
Tuesday 15 March 2011 Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Wednesday 16 March 2011 London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
Friday 18 March 2011 Manchester O2 Apollo
Saturday 19 March 2011 Glasgow O2 ABC
Tickets are £25 regional (£26.50 London) will be onsale Friday 21st January @ 9am
Available at www.gigsandtours.com / 0844 811 0051
The album ‘Obsession’ is out now.
www.shayneward.com
www.twitter.com/shaynetward
Shayne Ward Announces March 2011 Irish Tour
Following his show stopping performance at this year’s Cheerios Childline Concert, X Factor comeback and release of his third album Obsession, Shayne Ward has announced an Irish tour next March including a very special seated show at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre to round off the dates.
Shows confirmed for this exceptional vocalists’ Irish tour are as follows:
Tuesday 22nd Belfast, Waterfront Hall
Wednesday 23rd Castlebar, Royal Theatre
Thursday 24th Killarney, INEC
Saturday 26th Dublin, Olympia Theatre
Tickets for the Olympia Theatre are priced from €39.20 inclusive of booking fee and on sale from 9am on Thursday 23rd December.
In person: from 100 Ticketmaster outlets nationwide
24hr hotlines:
Tel: ( ROI ) 0818 719 300/ ( NI ) 0844 277 4455
Buy online: www.Ticketmaster.ie
Shayne Ward burst back onto the scene this year with his Top 10 hit single, the infectious Gotta Be Somebody, the first release from his third album Obsession. The follow-up single of the same name will tie in with the dates.
Shayne’s debut single in 2005, That’s My Goal, sold over 1 million copies in the UK, his album went Platinum in just over a week and reached number one in eight other countries, he’s had two sell out arena tours and received a prestigious Ivor Novello award. It wasn’t just the UK fans that fell for him either. Elevated to superstar status in Asia – Shayne had numerous number ones, received countless awards and spent months touring for his adoring fans. He may have been launched by X Factor but like another vocal great he has already moved beyond that point. Tony Bennett came second in a talent show for singing waiters and got a Sony contract as a result – he went on to record 100 albums for the label. The platform might be different but each generation throws up it’s fair share of real talent and that always rises to the top whatever the route. This time around it’s Shayne Ward!
One listen to his recent album – the first single Gotta Be Somebody, the powerful crescendos in album track Obsession, and vocals bursting with confidence in Foolish and there’s no doubt he’s found his rightful place in pop society. But it’s been quite the journey getting there.
Although he grew up in Clayton, North Manchester, Shayne is fiercely proud of his Irish roots. “Since winning The X Factor its like there’s a major respect for me in the Irish community,” Shayne glows, “ It’s like one of their own has done it. Irish People shout at me in the street as if I’m part of their family – its really warming”. Shayne’s Irish influences permeate his music too, and its no surprise that he is related to Irish folk group The Fureys– “I love listening to traditional Irish music – even though some people might find it unusual” he smiles, “It really helps me chill out and reminds me of when I was younger. I’m also a huge fan of artists like Van Morrison, The Dubliners and U2.
Tickets for Shayne Ward’s Irish tour are on sale this Thursday, 23rd December at 9am.
For more see: www.shayneward.com / www.mcd.ie / www.ticketmaster.ie
