Atlantis Productions’ restaging of “Rock of Ages.”
Punk has had a big resurgence this year, with spikes and studs dominating the fashion runways.
The edgy, grunge-gothic era also headlined a major couture exhibit in New York City, and even the local musical stage, heralding the comeback of smoky, rock-star eyes.
MAC Cosmetics and Atlantis Productions gave Lifestyle an exclusive backstage peek as they created the makeup looks for the restaging of “Rock of Ages.” (It ended its run last month.)
MAC Cosmetics’ pro team executed the looks for ’80s glam-metal rock star Stacee Jaxx (played by Mig Ayesa), actress wannabe Sherrie Christian (Vina Morales), aspiring rocker Drew Boley (Nyoy Volante) and crew.
This was Atlantis’ second staging of the hit musical, and its second time to collaborate with MAC on “Rock of Ages.” The two have worked on other productions, including “Nine,” “Piaf,”
“God of Carnage,” and the upcoming “Carrie” and “The Addams Family.”
“Our expertise lies in our products that cater to a wide range of looks with spot-on shades and formulations, which include a line of PRO products that are apt for stage makeup,” MAC’s Cindy Go said of their relationship with Atlantis.
“Aside from this, we also have a professional roster of artists and affiliates who are well-skilled in any makeup application.”
Kohl makeup
On our visit, Ayesa greeted us from the makeup chair, Kohl makeup being applied around his eyes. A table on the opposite side of the room had a row of rock-star wigs for the show’s characters.
Ayesa’s Stacee Jaxx makeup and wild long locks were based on the looks of ’80s rockers Tommy Lee and Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue, explained Al de Leon, MAC’s lead makeup artist on the production.
When Morales walked into the room, De Leon pointed out that the actress’ makeup was dominated by pinks and mauves, to underscore her innocent, small-town girl persona dreaming of hitting the big time in the big city.
The look was pegged after the “Jem and the Holograms” cartoon from the mid-1980s. The female ensemble was a riotous Aqua Net mix of ’80s pop-star-inspired looks: Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Boy George.
The other male leads, Drew, Lonny (Jett Pangan) and Dennis (Jamie Wilson), wore more subdued rocker makeup, “as men of that era were short of being shy to wear black eyeliner on their lower lash line, with a little smudged effect while performing,” De Leon noted.
Pegs were Prince, Steven Tyler, Keith Richards, Duran Duran. Wilson, who sported long, grungy hair, didn’t wear eye makeup at all. “I wear shades
throughout the play,” he told us.
One of MAC’s key looks for Fall 2013 could have well been inspired by Stacee Jaxx and crew. MAC’s “Reb-Elle” look points to strong, black eye makeup with flawless, natural complexion.
“Compared to Stacee Jaxx’s metal rock-star smoky look, ‘Reb-Elle’ promotes flawless, natural complexion as opposed to an opaque finish,” De Leon said. “MAC’s ‘Reb-Elle’ goes for a more rebellious attitude on the look. Stacee Jaxx’s is sexy, deep and mysterious.”
To achieve the look, the makeup artist recommends MAC Prep & Prime Natural Radiance, Mineralized SkinFinish powder, and Smolder Eyeliner. “Finish the look with nude frost lipstick like MAC’s Sandy B,” she said.