Rock of Ages

As I mentioned in my last post I went to see Rock of Ages at the Pantages Theater on Tuesday night.  My aunt's best friend, Julie (who I sometimes refer to as my "LA guardian angel"), invited me to be her plus one.  I had seen this hilarious high-energy musical on Broadway with Mary last year, and I was stoked to see it again. 

I thought this was just going to be a normal, fun-filled night watching an awesome show.  Much to my surprise, however, it was opening night and since Rock of Ages is being made into a movie (from Warner Bros... holla!!), that constituted a red carpet event in Hollywood.  We walked up to the historical theater to find a red carpet and tons of press.  Come to find out, it was a star-studded event with notable attendees including Zac Efron, Camilla Belle, Carmen Electra, Malin Akerman, Adam Shankman, Juliann Hough, Lisa Vanderpump (and her husband Ken Todd who I know and love from the Sports Club!), etc, etc, etc.  

After the show, I witnessed paparazzi up close and personal for the first time.  As we were leaving, we were literally inches away from Malin Akerman as she was surrounded by paparazzi.  It was a strange thing to witness... there were several of them all calling out her name and snapping photos as she tried not to fall on the slippery sidewalk (it rained during the show) and pretty much ignoring them.  I pray that I don't awkwardly end up candidly in the background of some photo in US Weekly sometime soon... eek. 

I wish I would have had the slightest inkling of who my company was going to be that evening... I would have changed out of my work outfit which included a blazer, jeans and glasses.  Not exactly my normal red carpet event look.  Whoops... haha.  

Okay, enough about the red carpet stuff.... now about the show... :-) 

Rock of Ages is set in 1987 on the Sunset Strip, where a small town girl meets a big city rocker in L.A.’s most famous rock club. Their love story is told through a quirky narrator and 80s hits that will have you singing along and dancing in your seat. It received five Tony nominations (including Best Musical) after opening in 2009.  Oftentimes, shows that go on tour across the country aren't nearly as good as they are on Broadway. This show, however, absolutely matched its Broadway counterpart and did not disappoint in the slightest.  Much of the original cast (including the Tony nominated lead, Constantine Maroulis) is traveling with the show which helps significantly.  It's hilarious and snarky and fun.  My favorite character, Franz (a sassy German who dreams of owning a confectionary shop), had me 'lol-ing' the whole time. 

If you're in LA, you should absolutely go see it.  (Don't delay... it's only here until Feb. 27)!  You can buy tickets here OR if you'd like to save a little moolah, you can go to the box office 2 hours before the show begins to purchase $25 rush tickets (subject to availability, naturally). I've done this rush ticket method for a few shows and it's great!  I highly recommend it.  :-)

Here's their performance at the 2009 Tony's to give you a little preview...

Currently listening to: Rock of Ages soundtrack... duh. 

Why: See above. ;-) 

Don't Stop Believin'...

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Hail to Thee My Alma Mater.... and All That Jazz.

This week I had the lovely surprise of being featured the University of Oklahoma's homepage (number 3 on the scrolling headlines).  

From OU to the Oscars – 2008 public relations graduate Annie Terracina shares how she came to work the Red Carpet

This link led to a feature story on my job at the Academy.  I had originally been approached and interviewed for this story over a year ago, but it was never published.  I thought it might have just been lost forever, but I was re-contacted for an update interview a few months ago.  Still, I had no idea when or if the story would ever see the light of day, so it was a very fun surprise indeed when it surfaced this week!  There are a few fact errors (For the College Watch Party Contest, actual Oscar Watch Parties from college students were judged and awarded prizes, not simply a "party plan".  Also, I interned at The Regan Group, not "The Reading Group").  But oh well, other than those minor deets, a very well-written article!  

It really means a lot for my beloved OU to acknowledge my post-graduation achievements.  In a student population of more than 30,000 students, I know that I was viewed and cared for as an individual...not simply a lost face in the crowd.  I think this just further solidifies that I am "Sooner born and Sooner bred, and when I die I'll be Sooner dead."  ;-)  Boomer Sooner indeeeeed.  

In other news, I saw Chicago at the Pantages this week!  We had great seats and Michelle Williams (formerly of "Destiny's Child...ha) played Roxie.  It was a jazzy sassy good time.  Those who know me will not be surprised in the least that I have been listening to the soundtrack non-stop since the viewing. My favorite song is "All That Jazz" (such a CLASSIC!), but I am  also very much enjoying "When You're Good to Mama" and "We Both Reached for the Gun."  

I think the 2010-2011 season at the Pantages was tailor-made for me. HAIR, Spring Awakening, Rock of Ages, Phantom of the Opera, AND West Side Story?!?!  I am so excited, I can barely contain myself.  Who wants to go with me?

And finally, how funny is this street sign?  I saw it on Fuller and Franklin I believe (at Runyon Canyon) and it made me laugh a lot.  Whoever did this, I want to be your friend.