Kings Island gives Rock Band game players chance at stardom

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By Justin McClelland, Staff Writer Updated 8:49 AM Friday, June 4, 2010

MASON — Kim Howdon looked out at the sea of fans, Thursday, June 3, and then down at the color coded drum pads in front of her. No time for nerves, she began thrashing out to Pearl Jam’s ’90s hit “Alive.”

The time for stardom had come.

Howdon, rechristened as punk rocker “Sharky,” was chosen to play in the interactive Rock Band Live show at Kings Island.

The half-hour musical production, running through Sunday, June 13 at Kings Island, gives visitors the chance to live out a rock-and-roll fantasy, jamming to such hits as Journey’s “Don’t Stop” and Queen’s “Somebody to Love” like true rock stars live on the big stage. Chosen members of the audience perform with actors in a campy show of backstage intrigue, shattered dreams and ultimate rock glory.

“Our goal was to make theme park shows cool again,” said executive producer Ryan Stana. “This show is like the video game come to life.”

Rock Band has been a popular video game sensation for the past several years. Players “jam” on mock guitars and drums, attempting to match up color patterns in time with classic and modern rock songs. The faux Swaggers and Claptons were chosen based on a tryout conducted prior to each show. Four-to-five shows will be performed daily, except for Tuesday.

“We’re looking for the people with the most talent, but also who have a certain amount of ‘oomph,’” Stana said.

Among those with the “oomph” needed for the big show was Shawn Strausbaugh. The 13-year-old was plucked from obscurity to become an iconic legend of the stage – at least for one afternoon.

“It was just crazy,” Strausbaugh said after the show. “I had never did anything like it before.”

Strausbaugh said he is an avid player of Rock Band and just tried to concentrate on the game when he hit the stage.

“I thought he looked sort of goofy,” said friend Corey Graley. “He was just hilarious.”

“We play Rock Band every weekend,” Howdon said after her turn. “I never thought it would be a skill that would put me on stage.”

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