Bow Valley High School performing arts wants to rock your world with their presentation of the musical "Rock of Ages."

Known for their big musical productions, the BVHS cast and crew are adding the finishing touches to the production set to open on Dec. 11 at the Cochrane High theatre.

Written by Chris D'Arienzo, Rock of Ages is set in the days of big hair, overblown egos, and stretched spandex that was the epitome of the late 80s rock scene. It was the heyday of likes Twisted Sisters, Poison, Bon Jovi, and Quiet Riot.

"We are so excited, and this musical is really like no other," says Adrienne Fossheim, BVHS performing arts instructor.

"Honestly, the audience will be singing along to every single song. It is so much fun. We're having an absolute blast, and it's wonderful to working here at Cochrane High."

Riley Paffrath will bring to stage the fictitious legendary rocker Stacee Jaxx, the frontman of the band Arsenal.

Paffrath says Jaxx is a man living on the edge.

"He doesn't care if he's alive or dead," says Paffrath. "He's been living this rock star lifestyle for so long that he doesn't know who he is anymore."

"Even though he's the antagonist of the production, he has a deeper story that shows that he does have a heart in his own way. I think he's an intriguing character."

The role is a departure from the more loveable characters he's portrayed in the past, like a penguin in last year's Madagascar, or Danny Zuko in Grease.

"It's a shift from those loveable characters, to kind of the more love-to-hate-him sort of character" he admits, "I still enjoyed it, and I get to perform some great songs."

Bailey McLaughlan has a dual role in the production. She appears on stage as Justice Charlier, the owner of the nearby Venus Club, and is the head stage manager.

In a sense, the role and the stage job are similar.

As Justice, she is the mother and guardian of all the lost or confused women in the musical. She provides support for Sherrie, who has just arrived from Kansas in hopes of making it in the bigs.

"She brings her into her world and shows Sherrie she needs to toughen up, love herself, and still be able to have fun. She also needs to figure out who she is, which is the most important part," says McLaughlan.

That nurturing role parallels her stage responsibilities and relationship with production members.

She enjoys having a hand in both sides of the production.

"It's an incredible experience working alongside tech as well as being on stage because I get to be involved and help everything run smoothly so we can have the best show that we can."

Toby Carter did sound last year for Bow Valley productions and will be doing lights this time around. Lighting plays a huge role in any rock show and he enjoys having a hand in bringing it to life on stage.

"We have a large tech team which is great, and we have a lot of talented people on it," says Carter.

He says they have some cool lighting equipment to work with at the Cochrane High.

The Bow Valley and Cochrane High performing arts departments have strengthened their relationship in the last few years. They did a joint production last year, and share the common bond of performing that stretches far beyond any brick and mortar boundary.

"The students just love seeing each other, and they are so welcoming here, as are we," says Fossheim. "It's been fun."

Rock of Ages runs from Dec. 11 to 14 in the Cochrane High Theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

You can purchase your tickets here.