SAN DIEGO — A few months back, San Diego Musical Theatre launched an emergency fundraising drive to underwrite its long-planned production of the ’80s jukebox musical “Rock of Ages.”

That donor campaign was a big success in two ways: First, it raised more than enough to present the tongue-in-cheek rock ‘n’ roll romantic comedy that opened last weekend. And second, that money was wisely spent to create a lavish, big-cast and highly entertaining production that truly rocks.

Directed by Jonathan Sangster, the show has a live onstage rock band led by Richard Deuñez Morrison with super-talented rock guitarist Nikko Nobleza out front. Mathys Herbert’s detailed and expansive scenic design, with lighting by Sammy Z. Webster and sound by Evan Eason, is one of the best sets SDMT has built in its Kearny Mesa theater space.

The show’s 16-member cast are all talented singers and actors, who dance with energy and precision to Jenna Ingrassia-Knox’s choreography. And Faith A.J. Steenbergen’s playful costumes faithfully re-create the fashions of the 1980s.

“Rock of Ages” tells the twisty love story of aspiring rock singer Drew and aspiring actress Sherrie. They meet while working at The Bourbon Room, a legendary music club on L.A.’s Sunset Strip run by the grizzled owner Dennis and his faithful sound man, Lonny.

But when rock star Stacee Jaxx plays the Bourbon Room, he romances and discards Sherrie and she ends up working at a nearby strip club. Drew gets signed to a record label, but becomes disillusioned with the music industry. Meanwhile, a German real estate developer and his reluctant son are working with the city to bulldoze and redevelop Sunset Boulevard, including the Bourbon Room.

The show’s minimal plot functions as connective tissue for nearly three dozen memorable ’80s songs by Foreigner, Journey, Starship, Twisted Sister, Poison, Pat Benatar and many more.

Sound guy Lonny, charmingly played by Zane Camacho with a twinkle in his eye, serves as the show’s narrator, frequently breaking the fourth wall to chat and flirt with audience members and encouraging them to buy beer at the onstage bar during intermission.

Aaron Gibbs and Lizzy Sheck co-star as Drew and Sherrie. Both have strong singing voices, good chemistry and they look just right in their ’80 roles. The very funny Michael Pinning gives off Bret Michaels (Poison frontman) vibes as Stacee Jaxx. Tim Roberts has a warm, grounding presence as Bourbon Room owner Dennis. Jasmine January is kooky and fun as anti-development protester Regina. Amber St. James brings some comedy and surprises to the role of strip club owner Justice. And Steve Gouveia and Jake Bradford are perfectly ridiculous as the German dad-and-son duo.

The musical really shines in its full-cast song-and-dance scenes, particularly the first-act closer “Her I Go Again” and the epic “Don’t Stop Believin’” finale.

Sangster’s direction is funny, fast-paced and refreshingly gender, sexuality and body positive. My only complaint is that some elements of the show are unnecessarily raunchy, including implied oral sex, a lap-dance video and R-rated sex jokes. Yes, the ’80s was an era that celebrated sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, but for this show, leave the kids at home.

‘Rock of Ages’

When: 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Sept. 14

Where: San Diego Musical Theatre, 4650 Mercury St., Kearny Mesa

Tickets: $44-$69

Phone: 858-560-5740

Online: sdmt.org

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