Aaron Solomon rocks the stage in Bluewater Playhouse production

The story might be about Alan Freed, but the spotlight belongs to Aaron Solomon (above right, with Chris Murphy on saxophone), who rocks the stage in the Bluewater Summer Playhouse production of "Memories of Rock 'n' Roll - The Alan Freed Story."

The show opened Tuesday night to an enthusiastic crowd as director Chris McHarge (R) plays Freed, the famous disc jockey who first coined the phrase, "rock 'n' roll' 60 years ago.

Solomon and the band then take the audience on a tribute to the heyday of rock and roll, as viewed through the eyes of Freed who recounts his meteoric rise to fame and power in radio, and reveals insights into the music and the people that shaped popular American culture in the 1950s.

In fact, one of Freed's first comments is: "Did you realize that at one point rock 'n' roll didn't exist?"

McHarge is as stalwart in the role of Freed, as Solomon is flamboyant in the roles of the various musical artists, including Buddy Holly, Bo Didley, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash.

Incredibly talented with an amazing vocal range, Solomon not only sings and plays guitar, he also takes on the gestures and mannerisms of each artist.

He is backed up by the stellar band, featuring Colin Stewart (also musical director and co-creator of the show) on bass, Chris Dahmer on keyboard, Chris Murphy on saxophone, Ted Peacock on drums, and Mike Ray on guitar.

It's a tremendous performance that will have you clapping and singing along.

"Memories of Rock 'n' Roll - The Alan Freed Story" runs now to July 8 at the Kincardine Arts Centre. For ticket information, call 519-396-5722, E-mail: boxoffice@bluewatersummerplayhouse.com; or visit www.bluewatersummerplayhouse.com