Sex, drugs and Rock of Ages: Tulare Encore set for musical

It’s loud, campy, laugh-out-loud, and all about rock ‘n’ roll in the 80s with sex, drugs, and language.

Not the kind of show Encore Theatre usually puts on—but that’s the whole point.

“We just wanted to try something different,” said co-directors Heather and Cameron Silva, a mother-daughter team.

The show opens for a three-weekend run on Sept. 29.

“The music is so good. It will bring out a new crowd,” Heather said. “We hope it will bring out people that maybe have never been here before.”

“Rock of Ages” was a five-time Tony Award-nominated musical on Broadway as well as a 2012 movie starring Tom Cruise as the self-obsessed, egomaniacal rock star who is persuaded to bring his band to play in the Bourbon Room to keep the Sunset Strip dive from being demolished.

The character is based on a Keith Richards/Jim Morrison over-the-top rocker.

“The movie was more serious,” Cameron said. “It didn’t have the same character. This version is a lot more fun. It breaks the fourth wall.”

Family favorite

“Rock of Ages” has been a family favorite of the Silvas for years. They all know all the songs. And they’re all involved with the show. Daughter Emily plays Sherrie, the small-town girl who wants to be an actress. The youngest daughter, Natalie, also sits with her mom and oldest sister as co-director, adding her ideas. Heather’s husband is an 80s music expert.

It’s a jukebox musical, mostly told through rock ‘n’ roll music of the 80s, where an aspiring rock star meets a small-town girl, and they join to save a bar where rock reigns supreme in West Hollywood.

“The show is full of great songs, and the audience will want to join in,” said Heather. “The show tells you a love story while you feel you’re at the best 80s rock concert. And it’s a laugh fest from beginning to end.”

The five-piece band is part of the stage cast, and some even have a few lines.

Encore family

Most of the cast has grown up with Encore Theatre, first performing with Encore Kids, graduating from the Stages program, and then the theater productions.

The Silvas—from mom on down—began in the kids’ ensemble. Heather thinks that long-time connection and growing of talent is one reason Encore shows are so popular and always attract top performers.

Evan Garcia plays Dennis, the Bourbon Room manager, who is still stuck in the 70s—"medicated mellow,” as Cameron Silva describes him.

Garcia began performing with Encore Kids in the sixth grade but hadn’t performed since he went away to college and worked in other states. Now, back in Tulare, he thought this show was just the one to get him back into theater.

“I really enjoy the music. I grew up on it,” Garcia said. “It’s challenging to get back into acting, but I enjoy it. People tell me I look like I’m having fun on stage, and I am.”

Cassidy Jessup, who plays Regina, the woman trying to save the Sunset Strip, is a newcomer to Encore and Tulare. She recently moved from San Diego to teach drama at the Riverdale school.

“I’m super excited about the show and all the dancing,” she said. “Regina is wild and so passionate. When I’m not playing Regina, I get to play a stripper—a very modest stripper. No nudity here.”

The show is intended for mature audiences, but Heather has no trouble letting her 14-year-old see it.

The Silva’s idea to try a new type of show must be working. Two performances sold out weeks ago, and another is almost sold out.

How to attend

What: "Rock of Ages," a musical comedy featuring music of 80s bands such as Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi and Pat Benatar

When: Sept. 29-Oct. 14

Where: Encore Theatre, 324 South N St., Tulare

Information: 559 686-1300 or www.encoretulare.org

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Sex, drugs and Rock of Ages: Tulare Encore set for musical