The touring production of the hit Broadway musical, "Rock of Ages," roars into the Lehigh Valley, at 7 p.m. March 23, State Theatre for the Arts, 453 Northampton St., Easton.

Set in 1987 amidst the big hair and the even bigger hard rock music of the 1980's, "Rock of Ages" tells the tale of a small-town girl who falls for a rock 'n' roll boy.

Sam Dowling, a New York City actor and Kansas City native, plays the supporting role of Joey Primo in the production.

"Joey actually is several different 'characters' in 'Rock of Ages,'" explains Dowling during a recent phone interview.

"He starts off as a gothic rocker dude, then he becomes a stylist, then a sleazy producer, and finally, the lead singer of Arsenal after Stace Jaxx, a famous rock star, leaves."

Dowling, a relative newcomer to the production, has quickly found his place in the show. He continues to appreciate the music and the story with each staging.

"The story is a very important aspect of the show," he explains. "It's inspirational. The quote that sticks with me the most is: 'The things you begin with may not be the things you end with, but you can still rock.'"

Dowling was a fan of "Rock of Ages" long before he was on board for the touring production.

"I've been a fan since it came out on Broadway," he says. "I fell in love with the show. And my friends all said to me, 'You would be perfect for "Rock of Ages."' When I got the chance to audition, I didn't hesitate."

Born in 1989, Dowling was too young to live through the music of the 1980s. "I love the rock of the '80s. It's timeless, classic music. And who can't relate to the themes of sex, drugs and rock and roll? It's a guilty pleasure."

With music from '80's hitmakers like Whitesnake, Journey, Def Leppard and more, the guilty pleasures abound.

Tickets: statetheatre.org, 1-800-999-STATE, 610-252-3132