Dec 10, 2008–New Line has won an auction for screen rights to “Rock of Ages,” a stage musical using 1980s rock anthems. Chris D'Arienzo, who wrote the book for the Off Broadway musical, will write the screenplay and direct the film. It becomes the second big musical project for New Line, which is developing a sequel to the smash hit, “Hairspray.”
The storyline takes place at a Sunset Strip rock club called Rock of Ages, where a man and woman fall in love but get torn apart by the rock lifestyle.
The show is propelled by signature 1980s rock anthems popularized by Journey, Twisted Sister, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Foreigner, Bon Jovi and REO Speedwagon.
The global success of “Mamma Mia!” is having a major impact on the production of new musicals.
Pic will be produced by the musical's creative producers, Matthew Weaver, and Scott Prisand of Corner Store Entertainment, and Carl Levin. Joining them in the feature effort is Tobey Maguire and his Maguire Entertainment. Janet Billig, Hillary Weaver and Maguire Entertainment's Dan Shafer will be exec producers.
D'Arienzo recently made his feature directing debut on “Barry Munday,” a Corner Store-financed film that is in post-production, starring Patrick Wilson and Judy Greer.
The “Rock of Ages” deal comes after Universal acquired the Tony-winning Broadway musical “In the Heights,” with creator and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda starring and book writer Quiara Alegria Hudes penning the script.
