The five-time Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical features classic rock hits and an engaging storyline. The show continues to further Victory’s mission of bringing diverse, inclusive, and high-quality performances to Central Florida while showcasing local talent.
“This is a dream role for me. I’m so grateful to Victory Productions and Fernando Varela for creating a space where a person of color like myself can do a role like this,” says Omar Cardona. “I’m excited to be back home and perform for my community after all the support they gave throughout my recent journey on The Voice. Orlando is underrated for its talent and this cast will prove what we can create here in Central Florida.”
“I’m always up to a good challenge. Stepping into a theatre role is exciting and something I’ve always wanted to pursue,” says Bo Bice. “I am lucky to perform alongside this highly talented cast. It’s always enjoyable to perform with artists who come together to create magic; it’s a different beast than being a frontman. That’s what makes it unique for the audience and ROA fans to experience. Let’s Rock!”
“I fell in love with musical theatre through the lens of rock ‘n roll. Rock music is inherently theatrical and a driving force for cultural change. The storytelling is incredibly impactful. That’s why it transfers so well to the stage,” says Justin Sargent. “I’m so excited to bring this show to The Villages! I grew up in Central Florida. I got my BFA from UCF. I met my wife while working at the theme parks. This place is completely centered around entertainment and hospitality, so above all, I want the people who come see our show to have the best night out they can imagine! You’re going to be blown away by the cast we’ve assembled.”
Performing alongside Bo, Omar, and Justin is a cast is rounded out by some of the best and brightest in the theatre world.
Helen Hayes and Gregory Award-winning actress Diana Huey brings her talents to the Rock of Ages cast. She is best known for the First National tour of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, where she made international headlines as the first Asian American in the title role.
Also joining the company are Broadway power couple Christine Dwyer and Matt DeAngelis. Christine starred as Elphaba in Broadway’s Wicked. She wowed audiences across the country in the National Tours of Waitress as Jenna, Finding Neverland as Sylvia, and Maureen in Rent. She also appeared alongside John Legend, Sara Bareilles, and Alice Cooper in Jesus Christ Superstar live on NBC. Matt starred in both the Broadway company and the National Tour of Waitress as Earl, and in Hair as Woof. DeAngelis also appeared in the National Tours of Green Day’s American Idiot, Once and the West End production of Hair.
Tony LePage, an accomplished performer who recently starred in the Broadway and AppleTV production of Come from Away and Broadway’s Rock of Ages, will add another amazing voice to this talented cast.
And Militia Vox, a praised rock vocalist and frontwoman of all-girl heavy metal sensation Judas Priestess, will round out the principal cast. Militia has performed alongside Cyndi Lauper, Twisted Sister, Nancy Sinatra, and many more. And her recent single, “Push Comes To Shove” by Bad Penny, which features her duetting with the legendary Rob Halford, rose to #23 on the iTunes Rock Charts.
Completing the cast is an incredible collection of triple threats including Jonté Jaurel Culpepper, Javian Depalma, Brian Minyard, Kirsty Rimmer, Drew Ray, Adriana Michelle Scheer, Regan White, and Tim D. Zimmerman.
“This will be one of the biggest productions to hit Central Florida in a long time and we are incredibly proud of this cast, crew, and creative team. We received over 150 audition submissions and were able to pair national talent with our local artists. Over half the cast is local to Central Florida and the level of talent is through the roof” says Fernando Varela, Founder of Victory Productions.
Rock of Ages will be one of those shows that The Villages residents will be telling all their friends about. Don’t miss out on what will be a performance for the “Ages.”
