In the middle of the big-hair ’80s spectacle Rock of Ages —with its cadre of strippers and poop jokes and Whitesnake songs—stands Constantine Maroulis, the show’s rock savior. Gone is the moody pout from his days on American Idol. In its place: a shy smile and a big voice as the musical’s star Drew, the wannabe rocker from Detroit who’s all torn up about a small-town girl he met on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. (Did we mention Journey is a major influence here?) It’s a bit of a surprise that Maroulis is taking the role he originated on Broadway—that earned him a Tony nomination—on a national tour, but we’re lucky he did. He lends coolness to high campiness, and turns the musical into an all-out rock concert, complete with air guitar. (See samples from the song list below.)

Before Rock of Ages finishes up its run at the Paramount Theatre on Sunday, Maroulis chatted with me about being on the road—and antiquing. The man loves antiques.

What made you decide to join the national tour?

You know, I set out and did everything I wanted to accomplish with the show in New York. Taking it off-Broadway, opening it on Broadway, the nominations, a very successful run. I actually was sort of ready to walk away from the whole thing. But when they came to me with the tour idea, I was intrigued, definitely. I thought: This is a passion project of mine that I’ve worked so hard for. Why not? I love touring, so that just seemed right.

You just became a dad recently too, right? Is it too early for the family to tour with you?

Yeah, I don’t answer personal questions about my family, but we are very happy. The baby, she was born December 23, and she and her mom [girlfriend Angel Reed] are both happy and healthy.

How are you liking Seattle? Is it your first time out here?

Not my first time, but I love this city. It’s got a great vibe. I have a lot of friends that came here. There’s a great theater scene here, obviously great music. Great restaurants and antiques and cool buildings and stuff. Pretty girls. It’s a lot of fun.

Had any free time to explore?

Not yet, but I’m going to grab a lunch with a friend today, see some friends after the show tonight. Go to some antique shops and things like that… I love traveling; it’s a big part of what I do, my career and my life. The new people, audiences, energies—it keeps it interesting.

Were you a fan of ’80s rock growing up?

I was, I was. I’m 35, I was born in ’75, so 1985 to 1989—those were really crucial, crucial years for me as far as music.

Did you ever get into grunge?

Oh very much. I was way into Poison and Bon Jovi and Motley Crue and Guns N’ Roses, so it got progressively a little harder. But when I heard “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” it just kind of changed everything for me.

What you’ll hear at Rock of Ages: “Don’t Stop Believin,‘" “Any Way You Want It” (Journey), “Cum on Feel the Noize” (covered by Quiet Riot), “Just Like Living in Paradise” (David Lee Roth), “I Wanna Rock” (Twisted Sister), “Wanted Dead or Alive” (Bon Jovi), “Here I Go Again” (Whitesnake), "Can’t Fight This Feeling” (REO Speedwagon), “Every Rose Has its Thorn” (Poison), and more…