School of Rock

School of Rock - The Musical

Presented by

Five Towns Theatre

Based on the hit film of the same name written by Mike White, with Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, book by Julian Fellowes, lyrics by Glenn Slater.

The story centres around wannabe Rock God Dewey Finn, utterly embodied by Jordan Harrison, his complete demeanour and performance, brought the memorable film role originally created by Jack Black straight into focus. Very animated, larger than life persona, completely steeped in all things Rock!

Dewey permanently crashing out at former band mate, now schoolteacher best Bud Ned Schneebly’s apartment, Ned played by Zak Marmont, who is the very definition of caught between a rock and a hard place, the rock being his long term friendship with Dewey, the hard place being his very demanding and controlling girlfriend Patty, played to a tee by Kira Matthews.

The perfect counterfoil to the errant ways of Dewey, comes in the strict and formidable shape of Headmistress Rosalie Mullins, portrayed by  Leah Dowell, uncannily reminiscent of Joan Cusack from the film. What an astonishing voice, her almost absentminded singing along to the school orchestra’s rendition of Queen of The Night aria from Mozart’s The Magic Flute, was truly sublime. 

The children in Dewey’s class were excellently prepared to give their best throughout the show, although occasionally the individual speaking voices were sometimes lost, not sure if they weren’t collectively loud enough, or the backing band were too loud. They were all discerningly effervescing with the sheer high paced excitement of being in this show, so palpable, it oozed from the stage. Well done one and all. 

I must pick out Tilly Baker as class swot Summer Hathaway, she was a total powerhouse, similarly Keeley Evans captivated as Tomika, beautiful tone and control when she was belting out her vocals.

I absolutely loved Stick it to The Man, especially the great Jon Lordesque organ solo. Also, If Only You Would Listen, a truly great thoughtful song with well thought out setting on this piece, with the initial four voices venting their collective disappointing experience of parental expectations.

Co-Directors Keith Ragdale and Abby Evans absolutely nailed School of Rock, great visuals, costumes, lighting and sounds, my only real criticism is the ‘No Vacancy’ musicians didn’t look convincing playing their instruments, great histrionic vocals from Nathan Adams though.

As usual Keith Ragdale, doubling his roles as Musical Director, has well-polished performances from all involved, be they musicians or singers.

Cool rock based choreography throughout from Choreographer/Producer Ed Costello.

The success of this show in particular, rests very much on the over the top exuberance character of Dewey Finn, that contrasted by the casts reactions to his manic personality, Five Towns got this balance spot on, they absolutely blew the roof off the Rep with this show.

lml   Rock On  lml.   (closest I could get to devil horns)

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.