School Of Rock

School of Rock is a rock musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and the book by Julian Fellows and is based on the 2003 film of the same name. The story tells of Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who is down on his luck. After Dewey is kicked out of the band “No Vacancy”, his fortunes turn for the better when he intercepts a phone call meant for his flatmate, Ned Schneebly. He quickly decides to make a bit of cash and pose as Ned to take up a supply teaching post at Horace Green, a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A pupils, who haven’t a clue about rock and roll, into a rock band and they enter the upcoming Battle of Bands competition. But can he get them to the competition without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out?

James Windle is outstanding as Dewey Finn. It is a huge role as he is rarely off stage, and it demands such a great deal from an actor/singer and James is absolutely perfect in this role. He has dynamic stage presence and incredible energy. His chemistry with the pupils in school, and all the other actors is brilliant – infectious.  He has great comic timing, and I literally could not take my eyes off his every move!

Jenni Peat gives a perfect portrayal as Rosalie Mullins, the Headmistress of the school. She portrays the hard-pressed disciplinarian; respectable and uptight persona of the character perfectly but also quite exquisitely shows the softer vulnerable side of the character so emotionally particularly in the bar scene when she sings ‘Where Did the Rock Go’.  She has stunning vocals which show such great emotion throughout.

Daniel Hunt and Ceri Owen play Ned Schneebly and Patty Di Marco. Their chemistry is unmissable and especially the scene when Patty catches Ned and Dewey playing guitar hero. Both roles are played superbly.

All the ‘School of Rock’ band members are fabulous. Reuben Ray, on Keyboard, as Lawrence Turner, Will O’Brien, on guitar, as Zack Mooneyham, Katie Travis, on bass, as Jessica Dean and Chloe Sturman, on drums as Freddie - what a band!  What a sound!  Each of these band members have great characterisations from start to finish of the piece. 

On the night I saw the show I was watching Team AC – with Amber Midgley as Tomika Spencer-Williams.  What an outstanding voice this young lady has, which is kept under wraps until she plucks up the courage to indicate that she actually wants to be in the band – and then becomes THE eventual singer of the band. She portrays the shyness, as a new girl in the school with no friends incredibly beautifully, but she truly blossoms when she comes forward to say that she isn’t a “backing singer, I am a singer” and then goes on to prove it by wonderfully singing ‘Amazing Grace’ which received rapturous applause!

Every single member of Team AC gives 110% in their performance (and I’m reliably informed that the same amount of energy and enthusiasm comes from Team DC!).  I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed so much energy on stage - their rock performance truly did “rock” in every sense of the word.  It is clear to see how much everyone is enjoying performing – the whole cast are certainly giving their all.

The supporting cast of ‘Teachers and Parents’ are all excellent characters throughout, each one playing an integral part in the show and they are all excellent.

With a show title of “School of Rock” there are clearly heaps of musical numbers (28 listed in the programme!) – all of which are superbly sung, played and choreographed.  Massive congratulations to Ian Sapiro (MD) and Kimberley Grillo (Choreographer).  Every single number is so enthusiastically delivered.  The audience was totally immersed and we enjoyed every single minute on Thursday night.

There are so many different locations in this musical - including a Music Room, an Assembly Hall, a Classroom, a Faculty Lounge, Dewey’s Bedroom, Hallways, a Roadhouse, not to mention The Palace Theatre but all are so creatively achieved. The Stage Crew, under the management of Andy Grace (who also appeared on stage as “the policeman”) definitely deserve a medal for the number of times they move the pieces on and off so smoothly and incredibly swiftly.  I know how tight space is on and around Yeadon Town Hall Theatre stage – this is certainly no mean feat!  Excellent sound (Chris Eddison) and lighting (Yeadon Town Hall) all add to the brilliant effect that is created on stage.

Excellent costumes provided by the cast themselves, and thanks for PC Sports in Yeadon, the kids look amazing in their school blazers!  Everything has been well thought out and absolutely spot on for each character.

Many congratulations to Director Nigel Passey, to Musical Director Ian Sapiro, and to Choreographer Kimberley Grillo and to the awesome and incredibly talented and super enthusiastic cast. You must be so proud of your Centenary Production!

“The next generation” is certainly in safe hands with GTP – may your next 100 years continue with the same infectious energy and enthusiasm of this brilliant production of “School Of Rock”

 

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