School of Rock

Based on the hit comedy from 2003 starring Jack Black one can soon work out that EMTC, having chosen to have two teams, appropriately naming them Team Jack and Team Black. The vision from the whole production team must be credited with the wonderful results achieved. A production involving two teams creates many additional challenges, double rehearsals, costumes to cater for everyone, each scene being worked on over and over giving equal time to both groups to aspire to the level of performance attained.  The main principles have clearly worked so hard to build such a visible chemistry with both teams. The visual results from the brilliance of TD lighting along with Ellesmere’s first use of a fully projected backdrop worked brilliantly. The colour and vibrance only serving to add to the performance.

In so many respects this musical is about the youngsters, along with their rock star unofficial teacher Dewey Finn played by Jacob Boulton performing one the largest most intensive roles I have seen and most brilliantly delivered. The principal of Horace Green, Rosalie Mullins by Jessica Brandao, an excellent portrayal of the Principal of Horace Green including the totally moving ‘Where Did the Rock Go’,Dewey’s best friend Ned by Danny Hawley and his girlfriend Patty Di Marco by Danni Hibbert both character parts performed with depth conviction and emotion.

The difference to so many other musicals is School of Rock requires young actors that actually play live music, rock music on stage along with singing and acting, EMTC have been truly blessed by the hard work put in by the chosen four. Zack Mooneyham performed by Seth Cairns, Freddie Hamilton performed by Ethan Rich, Katie Travis performed by Tilly Collis along with Lawrence Dooley performed by Sammy Duroe. They should all be thrilled and appropriately congratulated on the results they have clearly achieved through hard work, listening and learning and hours of practicing. Well done. These four performers are involved in all the shows, whereas the remaining members of Team Jack and Black perform alternatively. Whilst I know both groups have excelled this mini review is for Team Black. The part of Summer Hathaway for team Black performed by Raeya Sharpe. This part requires a strength of character, an ability to be in charge and make that clear to the others, along with great stage presence. Raeya you fulfilled all those requirements along with the quite brilliant delivery of the opening of Act 2 number’ Time to Play’.

Tomika performed for Team Black by Rachel Durbin, the silent one. or maybe not. What a controlled performance and then bursting into the real Tomika with your delivery initially of ‘Amazing Grace’ and then the poignant words of ‘If Only You Would Listen’. Well done. The rest of Team Black performed to the highest order throughout. Lovely characterization, great singing, disciplined choreography clearly rehearsed. My congratulations to Ivy, Dillon, Bethany, Jemima, Jasper, Henry, Hatty, Faith, Sophie and Cecily you should all be thrilled with your excellent performances.

Lovely cameos by various members of the adult cast all made for this Rock Musical to achieve and receive the deserved standing ovation.

Sound by Paul Minott, wow what a nightmare prospect with 34 mics along with on stage and orchestra musicians, well done and I certainly didn’t  envy you with that challenge.

The costumes were excellent throughout and thanks to all the backstage helpers, the parents for dropping and collecting their children over the whole rehearsal process and the chaperones without whom this production could not have taken place.

Please remember this review is mainly referencing Team Black but having had the absolute privilege of getting to know both teams and seeing the results you have all achieved and my compliments go to every one of you.  

When you all return to normal life and school, I am sure your time in the mad surroundings of Horace Green will live long in your memories and you can all look back on performing to sell out audiences, rock  music and friendships made.

School of Rock forever…..

Philip Smith

Noda North East District 6 Regional Rep

 

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