School Of Rock

This is a Rock Musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Julian Fellows – quite an unlikely trio! Based on the film of the same name it follows Dewey Finn, an out of work rock guitarist who finds himself inspiring some prep school pupils to love rock! It made its World premier and Broadway debut in December 2015 and opened in the West End in November 2016.

Newry M.S’s main set was a school classroom with school shield centre back. Because the stage show has been adapted from a film it is made up of many short scenes. These involved double sided trucks and multiple props such as desks and chairs – I longed for a revolve to ease the changes, but the large stage crew did their absolute best to make them as speedy as they could. Lighting was appropriate and on cue with good scene change blackouts. Sound was big (sure what else would you expect from a rock musical?!) Many of the costumes were, I assume, cast supplied but school uniforms by “Sew Me Costumes” were excellent.  With 2 groups of 16/17 children as well as older Principal schoolchildren to costume in uniform with girls in plaid skirts, there must have been a lot of sewing!

The show starts with a rock band called ‘No Vacancy’ gig being highjacked by an anarchic guitar player – Dewey – no wonder he is fired! As former bandmate of Ned, he is freeloading in the basement of Ned’s girlfriend. Dewey then steals the substitute teaching job offered to his friend and thereby hangs the story of the show!

Four young people showed their expertise on musical instruments as well as acting. As Zack, Conrad O’Connor (only 12) played Guitar and as Katie, Isabella Quigley (13) played Bass Guitar – particular congratulations to the latter as, already learning piano and drums, she took up the bass guitar especially for the show just 5 weeks before! Conrad also took centre stage when he demonstrated the new number he had written for the band competition. As Lauren, Molly O’Neill (12) was on Keyboards and as Freddie, Agnes Brannigan (16) played the drums. All were excellent musicians  who were essential to the plot. Shonelle and Marcy (Robyn Cunningham & Stella Magill) were cast as backing singers and Sophie and Madison (Eadaoin Walsh & Ellie Lavery) were ’Roadies’. All became immersed in their roles and appeared to enjoy the process. John McCaffrey was Billy, the flamboyant boy who loved style and fashion, showing great excitement to be put in charge of costumes. Conor Downey convincingly took the role of the tech-savvy Mason who was given the job of designing all the lighting and sound on his lap-top. Little Emilie Quinn surprised us all when, as Tomika the shy new girl at “Horace Green” school, she auditioned singing ‘Amazing Grace’ and revealed very strong vocals! No wonder she was cast as Second Principal Singer! Clare Keely played Summer -‘the girl with the most achievement stars’- who did not approve of the new teacher who wanted to ignore the school timetable and rules. Clare was totally convincing as the class tyrant until she was made Manager and became willing to do anything to help the band win the “Battle of the Bands”.

As this was mainly a cast of young people, most adults were in smaller parts such as parents and teachers. As staff, Ben Keenan, Oliver Larkin, Ciara Lavery, Sean Maguire, Sean Gormley, Sophie Sloan, Olivia Pentony, Judith Quinn, and Niamh O’Reilly-Dean were quite low key - just stuffy academics complaining in the staff room. As Vice Principal Mrs Sheinkof, Veronica Barr made frequent but brief appearances in comedy mode. A short glimpse into some parent/child relationships illustrated difficulties in understanding their children. Zack’s father (Damien Lavery) is too busy with his business to listen to his son; Summer’s mother (Helena Hughes) is only concerned with her daughter gaining a good College application; Tomika’s parents (Daryll Galloghy & Brian Reavey) dismiss her problem making friends at a new school; Billy is pressurised by his father (Paddy Heaney) to take up football; and other parents roles (by Amanda McGuigan, Gladys McCague, Gemma Malone, Karen Chambers, Danielle Campbell and Louise Cully all seemed at odds with their children’s needs because they don’t take the time to listen to them.

Other adults in the principal line-up  were Anna-Maria Boyle as Patty, the girlfriend of Ned Scheebly. She played the unlikeable flat owner, trying to garner overdue rent from Ned’s long-time friend – a difficult role played well. Ned (Eoin Sands) used to be in a rock band and was perfect in his portrayal of the reminiscing old rocker! Maille Connolly was school principal Rosalie Mullins, who showed efficient and organised leadership. On reminiscing about her youthful love of Stevie Nicks, Maille took her character into more relaxed mode and demonstrated an excellent singing voice too.

Jordan Walsh was indefatigable in his role as Dewey – starting as a lazy slob who, needing money, posed as his friend Ned, a substitute teacher. He did not want to connect with the children until he discovered that they had musical talent and began to teach them rock music. Jordan put his own anarchic stamp on the role and began to gain the audience’s approval with endless comic energy – all the while inspiring self-confidence in his pupils. He was generous in his rapport with each one and led the production with incredible physicality.

Regular director David Cunningham produced a pacey production, bringing its comedy to the fore. He is a versatile director, turning his hand to extremes  such as Jesus Christ Superstar to Elf, from Fiddler on the Roof to School of Rock. Choreography by Lisa Irvine was well designed for the type of music and the numbers in the cast, and even the props management by those on stage was well rehearsed! Everyone was totally confident in all their moves! MD Fiona Flynn led her 9-piece band confidently and they enjoyed having the jazzy music to play for a change! In spite of the volume, they did not overpower the excellent onstage musicians and singers. We sang “Stick it to the Man” all the way home!!!

After the bad weather prevented us from travelling the night before, I was so glad to be able to attend the final performance – it was well worth the journey from Bangor, and I thank Newry MS for their invitation and hospitality. 

 

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