When it comes to memories, sounds are often as powerful a trigger as smells are. What is the soundtrack of your youth? Your first slow dance — or first kiss — was to which song? Do you know the words to most Journey tunes?

Remember when music videos and MTV were the latest and greatest? Or when a sea of waving lighters meant audience approval during a live concert? (Of course this was when it was legal — and popular — to smoke during live performances.)

If a smile spreads over your face when you think of big hair, skinny leather pants, Journey, Benatar and Speedwagon, “Rock of Ages” will be a great night for you. “Rock of Ages” is a musical built around sounds that are quintessential ’80s. It’s a love story woven through performances of some of the greatest rock music of all times.

Every generation has its soundtrack and even if this is not yours, chances are you will have yourself a fun night with this show. How many younger generations “discover” and subsequently love the music of their parents?

Rock and Roll has many incarnates from the beginning. Whether the original Beatles or classic, acid, ’70s or heavy metal, each era shares important characteristics like wild live performances, the lifestyles that accompanied these artists, their energy and passion on stage. And, each is connected with a powerful sound and visual that cannot be separated from that particular genre.

’80s rock is flamboyant, loud and soft at the same time, and it’s very sexy with men and women often sharing styles of hair and dress. Like all great rock ‘n’ roll stories, the show is peppered with adult themes and content, yet “Rock of Ages” is more lighthearted and funny than many other Broadway shows.

So, after the holidays, treat yourself to something totally different. Travel back to the late ’80s through the metal sounds of Twisted Sister, Whitesnake, Styx and the poster band for that time, Journey. Bang your head, party hard, sing loud and rock on with “Rock of Ages.”

ROCK OF AGES Belk Theater 130 N. Tryon St. Uptown Charlotte Ticket prices start at $20 From Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, 2011 (Adult language and content)