I (Rex) was able to attend a VIP Media event at Elitch Gardens this past Wednesday where I attended one of the new shows for this year at Elitch Gardens, Rocknation--Don't Stop Believin'.
In a park as family oriented as Elitch Gardens, it is very important to have shows that the entire family can enjoy. I think Rocknation fits that bill. The show is a high energy show that showcases rock music from the 70s though the current day. After starting with Journey (Don't Stop Believin'--naturally), they moved through Bon Jovi, Guns N' Roses, Kansas, Pat Benatar, a special tribute to Michael Jackson and many others. They even finished with one of mine and the Beast's favorites, KISS (you get one guess as to which song....that's right "Rock and Roll All Nite"). Although the Trocadero (the theater where the show plays) has seen better days in some respects, the lighting was good and the cast engaged in quite a few costume changes that added to the show.
Overall, the performers were ok, nothing spectacular, but gave it their all and brought good energy to the performance. When they really went all out on the singing, it seemed to work well (like on the opening of "Carry on My Wayward Son") but they were tenative at times. The choreography was a little weak, but again, the energy helped cover that up a little.
Bottom line is the show is a nice addition to Elitch Gardens and I'm sure on the hot summer days, taking in a show of Rocknation will be a family favorite. Thanks to Elitch Gardens for inviting us out to the special showing, and we will keep you updated on other items at the home park of RexandtheBeast.com as the summer goes on.
In a park as family oriented as Elitch Gardens, it is very important to have shows that the entire family can enjoy. I think Rocknation fits that bill. The show is a high energy show that showcases rock music from the 70s though the current day. After starting with Journey (Don't Stop Believin'--naturally), they moved through Bon Jovi, Guns N' Roses, Kansas, Pat Benatar, a special tribute to Michael Jackson and many others. They even finished with one of mine and the Beast's favorites, KISS (you get one guess as to which song....that's right "Rock and Roll All Nite"). Although the Trocadero (the theater where the show plays) has seen better days in some respects, the lighting was good and the cast engaged in quite a few costume changes that added to the show.
Overall, the performers were ok, nothing spectacular, but gave it their all and brought good energy to the performance. When they really went all out on the singing, it seemed to work well (like on the opening of "Carry on My Wayward Son") but they were tenative at times. The choreography was a little weak, but again, the energy helped cover that up a little.
Bottom line is the show is a nice addition to Elitch Gardens and I'm sure on the hot summer days, taking in a show of Rocknation will be a family favorite. Thanks to Elitch Gardens for inviting us out to the special showing, and we will keep you updated on other items at the home park of RexandtheBeast.com as the summer goes on.