Q&A: Constantine Maroulis

Constantine Maroulis isn't the first “American Idol” contestant to reach Broadway, but he may be the most successful. He's played a supporting role in “The Wedding Singer,” toured in “Rent” and delved into the darker “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well…” in an Off-Broadway production. The New Jersey native has helped make “Rock of Ages” an Off-Broadway smash and now leads the cast to its new Broadway home at the Brooks Atkinson in Times Square. We caught up with Constantine via email between rehearsals.

Tell me something about the plot of "Rock of Ages" and your role in it?
“Rock of Ages” is a boy-meets-girl love story set on the Sunset Strip in the mid-1980s. I play Drew, a promising songwriter/rocker. He meets Sherrie on her first day in L.A., fresh off the bus from Kansas, and falls for her right away. Their club is threatened to be shut down, so they and their crew put on one last show. Of course, madness ensues. And the story is told through the amazing songs of that era: Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister, Poison, Pat Benetar. It’s pretty rad!

The show's schedule means you have to rock out eight times a week.
I truly feed off the energy of the crowd. Because of the party vibe of our show, the atmosphere changes with every crowd. I really look forward to coming to work. But I grew up in the theatre and the “Idol” experience and schedule was pretty hectic, so I got used to the grind. Before “Idol," I trained in theatre and music at the Boston Conservatory [and] toured in “Rent.”

How has “Rock of Ages” changed with its move to Broadway?
There are also some real surprises in store for Broadway. Most are secret, but we have managed to maintain the grungy feel. Chris [D'Arienzo], our writer, has tweaked the book and the sound has vastly improved.

What's more important in rock ‘n’ roll: loud guitars or cool clothes?
They are both very important, especially with this genre. So much of it [is] about the spectacle: the make up, the clothes, the attitude. At the end of the day, (there) are great timeless songs.

Who's your favorite ‘80s hair-metal band?
Bon Jovi, all the way.

How about your favorite song in “Rock of Ages”?
My favorite is probably my duet with Amy, Damn Yankees' "High Enough". It’s a big moment in the show for our characters. We have a new arrangement that we're very excited about.

Can you recommend a fun bar near the theater to our readers?
Bourbon Street on 46th Street is the new theater spot. I'm more of a Rose Bar, Goldbar, Corio, Southside, 10ak kind of guy.

Despite rumors, you and Debbie Gibson are only friends. We just want to know, have you gone to karaoke together?
All the time… kidding! Yes, we are great friends and I think the world of her. Our song would be "Almost Paradise," a classic ‘80s duet.

“Rock of Ages” is in previews at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 W. 47th St., between Seventh and Eighth Aves), and opens on April 7.