Most drinkers don't spend much of their weekend nights in the stuffed up, richy rich theatre shows where the price of Bud in plastic cups equal the most chichi Manhattan bar cocktail prices. Plus, the entire experience is compounded by the fact you have to chug this sad little plastic cup before you rush to your seat for a two hour long show that's most likely aiming to be a cerebral experience. A drinker's choice of a fun time? I think not.
But a few weeks ago, my theatre going friend offered me a free ticket to the off Broadway show Rock of Ages, a musical that revolves around 80s music. I thought, heck, I like 80s music, why not?
Not only was there refreshing chic modern bar setup, there were waiters to take your drink your order while you sat in your theatre seats and vendors offering 4 or 5 dollar tequila shots from plastic tanks they lugged around on their backs. The drink prices were still higher than a cheap drinker would like, but still, the experience was refreshing to see -- how could you not enjoy an 80s music musical without a lovely drink in your hand?
Rock of Ages itself was a smile touting, fist pumping theatrical experience where even the most rigid of theatregoers were drinking drinks and singing Journey's glorious anthem Don't Stop Believing by the show's end. The show doesn't have much in way of story (a smart move when encouraging drinking at a show) -- It's a simple narrative that's based on the beginning lyrics of the aforementioned song above -- a girl named Sherrie (yes, Oh, Sherrie is played) who's just a small town girl who meets a guy that's just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit. The music is so lovably cliched, so cleverly used (my favorite is when they use Journey's Any Way Want It in a strip club) that you have to love it all. There was even a moment where Extreme's More Than Words inspired slightly drunk women to lift up there flashlight lighters (provided by the show) and wave them in the air.
And there is no better way for me to enjoy theatre for a night it then by offering me a drink and letting me shout out 80s tunes from my theatre seat.
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