School of Rock

As a huge fan of the original School of Rock film, I had high expectations going into the musical. Jack Black’s portrayal of Dewey Finn is iconic, so filling those shoes is no small feat. While I wasn’t a fan of some of the additional songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the stage adaptation still captured the heart, humour, and rock ‘n’ roll energy of the movie.

The show opens with Sean Hynes as Dewey Finn, and he impressively makes the role his own. Though he channels Jack Black’s larger-than-life persona, Hynes delivers his own blend of comedic timing and rockstar energy. His vocals are powerful, and he brings the same lovable, chaotic spirit to Dewey that fans of the film will appreciate.

Opposite Hynes, Lauren Jones shines as Rosalie Mullins. She echoes Joan Cusack’s strict yet vulnerable principal but adds her own depth and charisma. Her pitch-perfect vocals, paired with her comedic timing, make her performance a true highlight of the night.

Joe Drury as Ned Schneebly also stands out, delivering a masterful comedic performance as the timid, conflicted roommate. His portrayal of Ned’s inner turmoil—caught between loyalty to Dewey and his relationship with Patti Di Marco—is fantastic. Hollie Davy, as Patti, plays the nagging girlfriend role so well that the audience audibly reacted whenever she interfered with Dewey’s plans.

While the adult cast was superb, the children truly stole the show. Their energy was infectious, and their talent lit up the stage. Dara Virlan as Summer Hathaway was a standout, embodying Summer’s take-charge attitude with impressive dedication. Edith Underhill as Tomika also had a heartwarming transformation, blossoming from the shy girl to a confident lead vocalist by the show’s end.

The band members brought their own flair to the show. Tabitha Luckham as Katie Travis (bass) exuded confidence and coolness. Mark James (drums) kept the rhythm alive as Freddie Hamilton with palpable energy. Freddie James (keys) portrayed Lawrence Turner with effortless cool, while Matthew Lynn as Billy Sandford (stylist) added humour and flair. Vincent Sparks, as guitarist Zack Mooneyham, delivered a heartfelt performance, portraying a child struggling to be heard who finally finds his voice through music.

The adult ensemble also deserves praise for their versatility in playing multiple roles, creating a cohesive production. The clever use of projection for scene changes kept the show moving seamlessly, proving that you don’t need an extravagant set for an immersive experience. Luke Coldham’s production featured exciting elements like pyrotechnics and a confetti cannon, enhancing the concert-like atmosphere.

Though there were minor technical glitches, such as the microphones not being turned up in time for some dialogue, they didn’t detract from the overall experience. The sound balance was otherwise solid throughout the show.

The choreography by Liane Alton was simple yet effective, perfectly complementing the high-energy rock ‘n’ roll vibe without overshadowing the story or characters.

Luke Coldham’s direction deserves special mention. His ability to draw out humour and performances from both adults and children is remarkable. His knack for comedy and his ability to guide his cast to their best performances are clear throughout the production.

In conclusion, School of Rock: The Musical is a triumph. It honours the spirit of the beloved film while bringing its own flair to the stage. With unforgettable performances from both the adult cast and the children, as well as top-notch direction and production, this show is a must-see for fans of the movie and newcomers alike. Rock on!

Natalie Hills

District 10

NODA East

 

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