With 1980s glam metal musical Rock of Ages due to open in less than a fortnight, final preparations by Ballarat Lyric Theatre are underway – from the dress rehearsals to the affixing of mullets and perms, and of course – the explosives.

Keith McNamara, who plays principal role Lonny, said the cast and crew were just about ready for the opening night on March 3, with the props and the band all being finally introduced to create the finished product and ensure everyone had nothing but a good time.

McNamara said the show promised to be“naughty as Hell” with cast clad in hairspray, heels, shoulder pads and leather.

He even said by the end of the show, everyone would end up in their undies.

“I haven’t touched a carb,” he joked.

McNamara also said the show was perfect for anyone grieving the end of the 80s, or even for people who weren’t even there.

“This is probably more 80s than the 80s actually were,” he said.

“It’s set in the Sunset Strip, which is the epicentre of where the guys with big blond hair came from.”

He said Ballarat Lyric Theatre gave local actors the opportunity to perform in a big setting.

“You don’t often get to perform a rock show in Ballarat with $100,000 worth of pyrotechnics,” he said.

“This is a wild night out. It’s a rock concert with a storyline and you’re not going to see a rock concert like this again in Ballarat for some time.”

The show’s dancers are getting pre-show jitters, having been selected for one of the biggest dance opportunities in Ballarat in recent years. She said the costume changes were challenging, especially with elaborate 80s wigs.

“There aren’t many opportunities to do this much dancing,” dancer Olivia Conduous said.

“I’m going to be so nervous before this one because it’s so intense, so many quick changes and dances in stilettos. We can do it, but it’s really nerve-wracking.”

Conduous said all the dancers would wear wigs, including her own “big blonde curly” one.

Rock of Ages will run March 3-13. Tickets available from www.hermaj.com