Summer time means New West Theatre is “Born To Rock,” especially this summer.

 They are already getting great audiences for their current production, which runs until Aug. 27 at the Yates theatre. It could be renamed the Hunt and Haubs show as the multi-talented Erica Hunt and Jocelyn Haubs seem to be in everything from innumerable comedy sketches to stunning solo performances of Queen’s “Somebody to Love” and Guns N’ Roses‘ “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” respectively.

 That isn’t to say the other cast members don’t have their inspirational moments.
 I really enjoyed comedian Andrew Legg’s medley of CCR hits, as well as one of several political moments in this show when Devon Brayne sang a song called “If I were Prime Minister,” backed by Grahame Renyk mugging in the background as he provided back-up vocals.

The always affable host Renyk didn’t get to take centre stage as much as he usually does in New West productions, but he earned his pay with a variety of excellent character comedy throughout.

 The comedy really appealed to one loudly hooting member of the audience who really got into Hunt and Haubs riffing on a a couple sets  of “bad” husband jokes.

 Some of the bits were strange and disturbing like the group’s version of Wham’s “Wake Me Up before You Go-Go, which was near the beginning of the show. Let’s just say it involves a couple of the guys dressed in tight spandex. But I was distracted from that by watching the beautiful talented back-up dancers Sydney Peters, Christi Harris, Jenn Beaver and Tessa Tamura, who shone throughout the production with a variety of simultaneously athletic and beautiful dance steps.
 A couple highlights who I wanted to hear more of were the stunningly soulful voice of Mwansa Mwansa and the big operatic voice of vocal director Allison Lynch, who sang so beautifully on a stunning version of “Uninvited,” violin in hand, showing her classical side.

 The wicked band took a break as the girls donned instruments for a rousing rendition of “Girlfriend,” sung by  Allison Lynch. They were good, but made me appreciate how the talents of the band— musical director/ drummer Paul Walker, pianist Bente Hansen, guitarist/ bassist Scott Mezei and bassist / guitarist Greg Paskuski.

I was also expecting them to explore the ‘Born to Rock’ theme a little more as ’80s  and modern pop music is an area with a rich comedic vein.

 Though I did enjoy Legg and Keiffer Davies’ (and of course Jocelyn Haubs) country names and food bit.

 For that matter, Davies could have been used a little more as well. There are some audience participation related surprises as well. So be warned.
 But ‘Born to Rock is a good, carefree escape worth checking out.