The key to success for the musical Rock of Ages has been, according to star Constantine Maroulis, its appeal to a male audience. “Musical theater is not something that most dudes just flock to. Well, we created a dude musical, basically. And that’s been a big part of our core audience,” says Maroulis, a Tony Award nominee and former American Idol finalist.

The irrepressible Maroulis, who termed ROA “a big old hit record for me,” told us that his character is somewhat of an underdog. “Most people think I play some kind of rock star. I don’t. I play this wannabe barback who’s just trying to write a song and make it in the business, and he meets this tremendous girl and she changes his life.”

The show is densely packed with songs from the ’80s. Maroulis said he grew up with the music of Bon Jovi, Poison and Twisted Sister. He wasn’t as well acquainted with the Journey, Styx and Foreigner songs — he’d heard them but didn’t have them memorized before starting with Rock of Ages.

Asked for his favorite songs, he said it doesn’t get much better than when he gets to sing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” He also says it’s a great moment when he gets to wail a high note on “Here I Go Again.” 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, Through June 12. Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. For information, call 713‑558-8887 or visit www.tuts.com. $24 to $104.
Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: May 31. Continues through June 12, 2011