School of Rock

Inspired by the 2003 film starring Jack Black, School of Rock revolves around Dewey Finn, a wannabe rockstar posing as a substitute teacher at the upscale Horace Green prep school. He eventually discovers the hidden musical talents of his students and forms a rock band, aiming to win the local Battle of the Bands. The stage adaptation adds an extra layer of theatricality and heart to the original story, making it a delightful treat for all age groups.

Taking on a role as iconic as Dewey Finn is no easy task, but Chris Barker managed to captivate the audience with his mix of enthusiasm and genuine warmth. While there were unmistakable shades of Jack Black's portrayal, Chris's “Dewey” was distinct, adding a fresh layer to the character.

Supporting him was Karen Barker in the role of Rosalie Mullins, the strict yet secretly passionate principal of Horace Green. Her rendition of "Where Did the Rock Go?" was both touching and powerful, revealing a depth to her character often overlooked in other performances.

The other main two adults in the production are Ned Schneebly, (Dewey’s life long friend) and Patty DiMarco (his fiancée), were capably played by Russ Brown and Hayley Dent.

However, the real stars of the show were undoubtedly the children. Their impeccable talents, both musically and theatrically, were astounding. From the fiercely independent Summer, portrayed by Cecllia Reay, to the shy yet vocally gifted Tomika, played by Lacet Carding, every child actor left an indelible mark on the audience. The classroom scenes were brimming with life and authenticity, making it evident that these young stars were thoroughly enjoying their roles.  

Of course, this show revolves around teaching children how to form a band, so it was delightful that the children of this production showcased some excellent musical talent.  There wasn’t a weak link among them all. I was particularly impressed with Poppy Brown (Freddy - Drums), Damon Schofield (Zach - Lead Guitar), Ruby Francis-Dudley (Katie - Bass Guitar) and Daniel Richardson (Lawrence - Keyboard). Well done.

The set was vibrant, effectively transitioning between the messy apartment and the polished halls of Horace Green. While a few scene changes seemed slightly prolonged.  The use of cloths for some scenes seemed to stifle some of the movement. I particularly liked the blackboard that went from classroom to classroom while the contents of the board remained the same - the devil is in the detail.

Choreography, done by Caroline Barker, was simple and effective, albeit slightly stifled on stage by stage depth, due to scene transitions.

The musical direction by Graham Barker deserves special mention. Balancing the raw energy of rock with the refined voices of young performers is no mean feat.  The band worked well because we initially assumed this was pre-recorded, and this turned out not to be the case.

Under the direction of Graham Barker, this production of "School of Rock: The Musical" managed to capture the essence of rock, rebellion, and heartfelt relationships. The  audience reaction to the show was hugely positive and appreciative. 

Thank you to Cast Theatre Company, you well and truly rock!

 

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