Constantine Maroulis ready to rock into Chicago

Constantine Maroulis was just a kid during the 1980s, the era in which "Rock of Ages" is gloriously set. But the former "American Idol" finalist turned Broadway star is quick to say what comes to mind when he thinks of that decadent decade.

"I think sex," he says. "I think sense of humor. I think the hair, the makeup, the swagger."

Maroulis pulls together the total package as Drew, a shy rock wannabe dreaming of stardom (and falling for his leading lady) in "Rock of Ages," kicking off its first national tour Sept. 21 in Chicago.

In a recent phone interview, Maroulis says he is looking forward to the Chicago run.

"I'm totally stoked," he said. "It's about time to show America what we do here in New York with 'Rock of Ages.'"

What they do is rock back through the decades in a comic love story featuring the songs of Foreigner, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister, Pat Benatar and others linked to the era. And they wind it all up with Journey's - what else? - "Don't Stop Believin.'"

"Rock of Ages" opened off-Broadway in 2008 - with the Brooklyn-born, classically trained Maroulis as the lead. It made the move to Broadway the following year.

Its lure, according to Maroulis: "Sexy girls, blazing guitars, great songs."

"The show is a lot of fun," he says. "People are really searching for a great night out."

Maroulis compares the musical's journey to the rise of the Oscar-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire." While that might seem a stretch, remember that "Rock of Ages" was nominated for a Tony for best musical and Maroulis himself snagged a mention for best actor in a musical.

He lost to the trio of young actors sharing the lead in the critically acclaimed (and also in "Chicago") "Billy Elliot," but Maroulis still gets emotional when he talks about his nomination.

"It's been my dream ever since I was a little kid," he says. "I get choked up just talking about it. I felt validated."

The need for validation, no doubt, grows from being forever linked to "American Idol." Maroulis - a finalist alongside winner Carrie Underwood in season four - admits that there's a "stigma" attached to the reality show.

"People have their sort of negative view of the whole thing. I grew up as a performer and needed an opportunity like anybody else," he says.

The show gave him that opportunity as well as great training and exposure, he says. He followed up with gigs on both Broadway and the CBS soap opera "The Bold and the Beautiful."

Maroulis calls the decision to cast him in "Rock of Ages" a "stroke of ironic genius." After all, anyone linking him with "Idol" would expect him to play an obnoxious rocker - not vulnerable, earnest Drew.

Still, playing the same guy for two years must take a toll, right?

Maroulis says the script, the set and the rockin' preshow help him get in the mood each time he takes the stage.

"The crowd goes crazy," he says. "It's hard not to feed off that energy."

What does take a beating night after night is Maroulis' teased and tousled hair, a key part of his look and his character.

"I've just been growing it very long. It's been getting crazy," he says. "I just let it rock out."

• "Rock of Ages" runs Sept. 21 to Oct. 3 at Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com. Go to broadwayinchicago.com for information.