REGIS GOES METAL!

Regis Philbin let his inner metalhead out this morning on Live! with Regis and Kelly. Check out his headbanging performance of Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" with Constantine Maroulis and the rest of the cast of Broadway's Rock of Ages:

How could you not love Reege!?!

BROADWAY NEEDS AMERICAN IDOLS...LIKE CONSTANTINE MAROULIS!

It’s no secret that Broadway is in trouble. Nine shows have already closed this year—and we’re only less than three weeks into 2009! More shows will surely be shut down in upcoming weeks.

On last night’s Saturday Night Live, they even aired a fresh, funny and relevant sketch on the problems plaguing Broadway:

And, in today’s New York Post, they pose the question: “Can an American Idol belter save Broadway?” Specifically, MusikBLITZ fave Constantine Maroulis.

The Post article is about how many former American Idol contestants have made big impacts on Broadway.

Personally, I’ve seen Tamyra Gray do a fantastic job in Rent as Mimi, the super-hot Ace Young play a dashing Kenickie in Grease and the fabulous Maroulis in both The Wedding Singer and one of my favorite productions ever, the off-Broadway show Rock Of Ages. Other contestants who have graced the Broadway stage include Fantasia Barrino (The Color Purple), Taylor Hicks (Grease) and Clay Aiken (Spamalot). It seems like the New York stage is the perfect place for Idol graduates to go.

Rock Of Ages is set to move to the big Broadway stage in March and, although Maroulis has yet to be confirmed for the Great White Way production, the Post (and MusikBLITZ!) believe if he does, he can help save Broadway.

“When we met Constantine, we instantly liked him and knew he would be perfect for Rock Of Ages,” says the show’s producers Matt Weaver and Carl Levin. “He has a real rock sensibility.” So where is the news that he will make the leap to Broadway? (Or star in the musical's film version, which MusikBLITZ previously reported on.)

Maroulis is Rock Of Age’s Drew…the charming busboy with dreams of becoming a big rock star in this super show about a Hollywood club in the '80s and all the characters who walk through its doors (all set to '80s hard rock classics).  He is vital because he appeals to both young and old fans, women and men (the women want him; the men want to be him). He can be cute (in that boy-next-door way) and sexy (in that bad boy way) at the same time. And, most importantly, he's got the big, melodic vocals to proudly sing all of the production's songs.

Wonder which American Idol will be the first to win a Tony?

NewsBLITZ: ROCK OF AGES TO HIT THE SILVER SCREEN

A favorite of the MusikBLITZ editors, the off-Broadway hit musical Rock Of Ages will soon make its way on to the big screen!

New Line Cinema has just inked a deal with Chris D’Arienzo, who authored the book for the original show, to write the screenplay and direct the movie.

Rock Of Ages takes place in Hollywood in the decadent 1980s where a Sunset Strip rock club is in danger of being torn down. Working at the club are many interesting characters whose stories unfold to some of the best hard rock tunes of all time. Songs from Bon Jovi, Poison, Whitesnake, Twisted Sister, Warrant, Journey, Extreme, Mr. Big, Pat Benatar, REO Speedwagon and other favorite acts are featured.

No word yet on who will be cast in the Rock Of Ages film. The star of the off-Broadway production—currently in performances at New York City’s New World Stages—is gorgeous American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis.

Here’s a clip of the cast performing the big number “Here I Go Again” on Late Night With Conan O’Brien in November:

For more information, visit the official Rock Of Ages website.