Adam Shankman to direct 'Rock of Ages'
Monday, October 19, 2009 at 11:01PM
Franck Tabouring in Adam Shankman, Chris D'Arienzo, New Line Cinema, News, Rock of Ages, Studios

Last year, New Line Cinema acquired the rights to adapt Off Broadway's musical show "Rock of Ages," and now, Adam Shankman has signed on to direct and choreograph the project, set for release in 2011.

Chris D'Arienzo, who created the musical, wrote the adaptation and was originally set to direct. The show boasts '80s rock classics from Twisted Sister, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Foreigner, Bon Jovi and others.

The story of "Rock of Ages" follows a man and a woman who fall in love at a rock club but later break apart because of the extravagance of the rock lifestyle.

Shankman is obviously no stranger to musicals, having helmed New Line's "Hairspray." He will be back to direct the sequel, and his upcoming projects also include "Playing for Pizza" and a "Sinbad" musical.

"What an extraordinary opportunity to open the genre to an audience that otherwise wouldn't go see a musical," he told Variety.

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