School Of Rock

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Katie Cutmore, chair of Colchester Operatic Society and spoke with Charlotte Butcher, chair of Second Edition after the production.

This production, by a large cast of 45 very talented young people, all under 20 years of age, was fast moving from the very beginning. Several of the cast also played musical instruments on stage. The opening numbers introduced Will Hackett as Dewey Finn and Will was the lynch pin throughout the production being on stage most of the time. I was most impressed with his vocal range and acting ability and it was a very polished performance by Will.

I enjoyed seeing Grace Bryson in the role of Miss Rosalie Mullins, the school principal. She performed three solos very confidently, especially Queen Of The Night.

Nicholas McKeown played Ned Schneebly, Dewey’s flatmate with Sky Jones as his girlfriend Patty Di Marco. This couple had strong roles with Sky in particular very convincing as Dewey’s landlady.

The school band was very authentic. Ten year old William Porter, as Zack was quite amazing, cheeky and energetic and a very promising guitar player. Connor Beattie, as Freddy was an excellent drummer, really in his element with the drumsticks ! Keyboard was skilfully played by Harvey Yu, aged 11, as Lawrence whilst Lana Cutmore, as Katie, was a promising bass guitarist. Niamh Cullen, as Tomika had a lovely sensitive voice as she sang a solo of Amazing Grace whilst Millie-Lola Mason, as Summer, opened Act Two with Time To Play. Everyone was also involved in the ensemble, some with small speaking roles, others as students and teachers. The two dance captains, Molly Cutting and Scarlett Brothers had worked hard on the movement and dance on stage and were also part of the ensemble. All the dance and movement was well co-ordinated and the cast appeared very well rehearsed with no stray or late movements spotted!

There were some wonderful and appropriate musical numbers, too many to detail but amongst my favourites were You’re In The Band, Stick It To The Man and If Only You Would Listen.

There was so much energy and enthusiasm demonstrated by the cast that the somewhat partial audience were delighted! All 45 cast members performed to a very high standard. Well done to everyone!

There were many scene changes, including from bedroom to school to record shop, mostly involving turning of screens and props and furniture moved on and off stage. I noted good use of stage curtains to distract from the movement of larger items eg drum kit. All this was achieved effortlessly thanks to Stage Manager Terry Lyon and the stage crew.

The hard working band was skilfully directed by Ashton Moore, Musical Director who had encouraged and drawn out the best from the singers and performers on stage. It was a pleasure to listen to the score.

Costumes were all very appropriate to the script especially the school uniforms. There was good use of lighting and sound levels were good.

Many congratulations go to the Co-Directors Laura Hicks and Leah Scott. Their creativity, innovation and combined knowledge and experience contributed to this scintillating production.

Well done to everyone involved. I enjoyed this musical very much.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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