School of Rock -The Musical

This was my first experience of Exmouth Youth Theatre as a company and I was greatly impressed. 

The stage was set with a lone full drum kit and muted lighting as the audience took their seats. The show then exploded with the sound of “No Vacancy” the group which Dewey Finn started. The music was produced by tracks rather than an orchestra but this did not detract from the quality of the production.

The part of Dewey Finn is enormous in this musical, very rarely offstage and with huge numbers to sing such as ‘When I climb to the top’, ‘Children of Rock’ and ‘Stick it to the man’ to name only a few. The actor portraying this iconic role did a good job with the challenging range required for this part. He punched out the numbers with enthusiasm and power. At times we lost the words due to the fast pace script however the scenes with the students of Horace Green were spellbinding. The relationship between Dewey and the children builds beautifully through the show and I especially liked the scene where Dewey teaches the students how to play their instruments. 

All of these ‘children’ produced brilliant performances even with the difficulties of maneuvering their desks and chairs and other scenery.  Summer with her pomposity and ‘in your face character’. Freddie playing drums like a natural. Lawrence’s lack of confidence developing into a rock star dude. Katie with that moody bass player look. Tomika’s shyness that then produces an incredible vocal. Zach, a lead guitarist and a super actor and Billy who enjoys the freedom to use his fashion talents with flair, very funny. All nailed their parts. 

The other members of class were super too, at all times acting their socks off and all of them producing an amazing sound. I cannot praise the MD, Naomi Blundell, enough for the work she must have put in with all of the cast but especially the students. The harmonies were spot on and the sound produced was just right with the balance of the backing track. 

This was a large company so it is difficult to name everyone but I was impressed with the professionalism of all of those on stage even when there appeared to be a problem with a clunky set, they continued unperturbed. Not every company can afford an expensive set and the scenery did have small issues but the backstage crew worked tirelessly to sort any problem quickly.   I was impressed with the classroom set and blackboard and Dewey’s bedroom. Clever directing with the use of sparse stage props such as a sofa or chair worked well throughout, thus allowing the show to flow.

Ned Schneebly played his part well alongside his overbearing, verging on gaslighting, girlfriend, Patty Di Marco, especially when he stood up to her, finally, which was greeted with roars of applause from the audience!

I must make special mention of the actor playing the Principal, Rosalie Mullins who produced a stand out performance. This actor has stage ability and presence beyond her years. With clear diction and poise, she controlled her scenes brilliantly and with an incredible singing voice this actor is one to watch. 

The costuming was excellent. The school children looked smart in their school uniforms and then the change up to the Battle of The Bands adding striped socks and other accessories all individual to each character was clever. I loved the change up for Ned in the final scenes and Dewey’s rock outfit was perfect. 

The lighting and sound were spot on, excuse the pun and the sound especially allowed the audience to hear even those without a personal mic.

Throughout the performance every actor gave their all and it was obvious they were enjoying every minute of being part of such an exhilarating show, full of enjoyment and yet portraying an important message.  It was a lovely piece of work from a very talented company and I look forward to seeing their next production. 

Congratulation to all, You Rocked the Pavilion!

 

Lyn Burgoyne

Noda Rep (Mid and East Devon)

 

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