Rock of Ages at Toby’s Dinner Theatre is a loud, glittering, unapologetic celebration of 1980s rock culture, wrapped in big hair, bigger dreams, and enough power ballads to shake the walls. This production (directed by Mark Minnick) understands exactly what the show is meant to be: joyful escapism with a wink, a smirk, and a whole lot of heart beneath the shiny spandex. From the moment the band kicks in, the audience is transported to the Sunset Strip, where love is messy, ambition is reckless, and rock and roll reigns supreme.
Set in 1987 Los Angeles, Rock of Ages (book by Chris D’Arienzo, arrangements and orchestrations by Ethan Popp) follows the intersecting lives of dreamers, rock gods, and misfits orbiting the legendary Bourbon Room, a grungy club fighting to survive in a changing city. At the center of the story are Drew, a wannabe rocker working at the club, and Sherrie Christian, a small-town girl who arrives in L.A. chasing stardom and something more. Their budding romance unfolds against the looming threat of developers who want to tear down the Bourbon Room and replace it with a soulless strip mall, led by the morally outraged (and hilariously repressed) Regina and her German associate. As dreams collide with reality, alliances are tested, hearts are broken, and everyone must decide what they’re willing to sacrifice for love, music, and survival.
Guiding us through this chaos is Justin Colombo as Lonny, the show’s narrator and self-appointed ringmaster. Colombo is wickedly funny, armed with impeccable timing and a deep understanding of the show’s self-aware humor. Lonny constantly breaks the fourth wall, explaining the plot, poking fun at the genre, and pulling the audience into the joke. Colombo makes this role look effortless, delivering punchlines with confidence and physical comedy that never overstays its welcome. He is the connective tissue of the production, and every scene he touches becomes sharper, funnier, and more engaging.
Rachel Cahoon, as Sherrie Christian, brings warmth and sincerity to the story’s hopeful heart. Sherrie could easily become a caricature, but Cahoon plays her as wonderfully funny and genuinely naïve, grounding her in emotional truth. What stands out most is Sherrie’s arc — her journey from wide-eyed optimism to hard-earned resilience feels organic and earned. Even as Sherrie faces disappointment and betrayal, Cahoon allows her to remain hopeful, which makes her growth deeply satisfying. Cahoon’s comedic beats land beautifully, and her vulnerability makes her easy to root for.
The plot takes a deliciously messy turn with the arrival of rock god Stacee Jaxx, played by Oscar Salvador. Stacee is the lead singer of the fictional band Arsenal, brought in to save the Bourbon Room with a final, epic show. Salvador fully embraces the role’s swagger and excess, delivering a performance that is titillating, outrageous, and wildly entertaining. His Stacee Jaxx is everything you expect from an ’80s rock star — egotistical, magnetic, and just self-aware enough to be hilarious. Salvador’s physicality and commanding stage presence ensure that every entrance feels like an event.
Adding depth and vocal firepower is Kadejah Oné as Justice Charlier, the owner of the Venus Gentlemen’s Club. Justice is savvy, grounded, and unafraid to take control of her own narrative, and Oné brings a stunning voice that elevates every scene she’s in. Her performances anchor the show musically, offering moments of vocal clarity and strength that contrast beautifully with the surrounding chaos of the Strip.
The score is a nonstop parade of ’80s rock anthems, cleverly woven into the narrative. “Harden My Heart/Shadows of the Night” delivers emotional intensity and vocal strength, while “Wanted Dead or Alive” captures the restless yearning at the heart of the show. “High Enough” provides one of the evening’s most soaring, heartfelt moments, and “Pour Some Sugar on Me/I Wanna Rock” is pure adrenaline, bringing the house to its feet (Ross Scott Rawlings is music director). The finale, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” is everything it should be: uplifting, communal, and joyfully excessive, leaving the audience buzzing long after the final note.
One of the standout numbers of the night is “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” which boasts the best use of ’80s style I’ve seen in a long time. From the bold choreography (by Minnick and Julia L. Williams) to the attitude-soaked presentation, the number perfectly captures the decade’s confidence and flair, earning some of the loudest applause of the evening.
Ultimately, Rock of Ages at Toby’s Dinner Theatre succeeds because it knows exactly what story it’s telling. Beneath the outrageous humor and familiar hits lies a tale about holding onto your dreams, protecting what you love, and finding your voice — even when the world tries to drown it out. It’s funny, loud, heartfelt, and endlessly entertaining. Whether you lived through the ’80s or simply love the music, this production delivers a night of theater that is pure rock-and-roll joy.
Running Time: 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.
Rock of Ages plays through March 15, 2026, at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, 5900 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia, MD. Tickets, including dinner and show (adult, $78–$99; child, $67–$70), can be purchased by calling 410-730-8311 or online.
The menu is here. The playbill is here.
Note: Toby’s is still undergoing construction, although it doesn’t affect the performance or the top-notch service they provide.
