Adam Shankman ROCKing the AGES

Adam Shankman, the director behind the latest, film version of HAIRSPRAY, is going back to the musical.  Via Variety, he has signed on to helm the feature film adaptation of ROCK OF AGES, the five-time Tony nominated musical featuring songs from 80s bands like Twisted Sister, Journey, and Bon Jovi.  Shankman will direct and choreograph the film for New Line with production set to begin next Summer.

Says Shankman about stepping back into the musical world:

I had the best time of my life making ‘Hairspray’ and badly wanted another musical, and when I watched ‘Rock of Ages,’ I was struck by the fact that not only had much of the audience seen it more than once, every guy in the audience knew the words to the songs.  What an extraordinary opportunity to open the genre to an audience that otherwise wouldn’t go see a musical.

Chris D’Arienzo, the musical’s creator, has scripted the movie version.  Warner Brothers plans to release the film in 2011.