School of Rock The Musical

School of Rock: The Musical follows the character Dewey Finn, a down-on-his-luck wannabe rock star who, desperate for cash, impersonates his roommate to take a substitute teaching job at an elite school. Initially uninterested in academics, Dewey discovers his students are musically gifted and hatches a plan to turn them into a full-blown rock band. What unfolds is a riotous, heartwarming journey of rebellion, self-expression, and the transformative power of music.

It was yet another very warm summer day now, we can’t complain about a little sunshine, but the heat was something else. However, I must say that each performer who stepped on stage that afternoon did not let the soaring temperatures impact their performance. Yes, there was plenty of sweat on stage… and in the audience… but the characters, vocals, dialogue, and overall energy were of exceptional quality. The cast powered through with professionalism and passion, proving that the show must and will go on.

Dotted around the proscenium arch was an array of School of Rock posters, clearly designed by the young performers themselves. This charming detail added an extra touch of stagecraft and authenticity to the production, reminding us that this was not just a musical it was a celebration of youth creativity and collaboration.

BE Performing Arts delivered a production bursting with talent and enthusiasm. Leading the charge was Liam Bunka as Dewey Finn, who brought boundless energy and comedic timing to the role. His portrayal was both chaotic and endearing, capturing Dewey’s lovable rogue persona with ease. Liam’s vocals were strong, and his rapport with the young cast was natural and engaging, he truly embodied the spirit of rock rebellion.

Lisa MacDonald gave a beautifully nuanced performance as Rosalie Mullins, the uptight headmistress with a hidden love for Stevie Nicks. Her solo “Where Did the Rock Go?” was delivered with emotional depth and vocal control, offering a poignant contrast to the show’s otherwise raucous tone. Daniel Hulme as Ned Scheebly and Lauren Spiers as Patty Di Marco provided excellent support in their roles. Daniel’s portrayal of the timid, rule-abiding roommate was delightfully awkward, while Lauren brought sharp comedic timing and fiery presence to Patty, making her a formidable foil to Dewey’s antics.

The young performers portraying the band members were nothing short of sensational. While the young performers made use of musical instruments on stage as props, it was the live band, positioned offstage, that provided the actual music throughout the show. Although I personally would have preferred to see the musicians visible on stage to enhance the rock concert atmosphere, the cast’s handling of the instruments was impressively believable. Whether miming guitar solos, pounding out rhythms on the drums, or grooving on the bass, the young actors committed fully to their roles as rock stars-in-training. Their physicality and timing matched the music so well that, at times, it was easy to forget they weren’t playing live themselves. This clever staging choice allowed the focus to remain on the performers while still delivering a powerful musical experience.

Frankie Chaffe as Zach shredded on guitar with confidence and flair, while Reuben Cairns as Freddie brought explosive energy to the drums. Alex Isherwood as Katie handled the bass like a pro, and Ossie McMahon as Lawrence was charmingly geeky on the keyboard.

Martha Kirk as Summer was a standout with her commanding stage presence and comedic delivery her bossy, take-charge attitude was pitch-perfect. Chloe Sutton as Tomika stunned the audience with her powerhouse vocals, especially during her solo “Amazing Grace,” which was a genuine showstopper. Billy Beighton as Billy and Grayson Pettigrew as Mason rounded out the band with charisma and style, each bringing their own unique flair to the ensemble.

The tight harmonies from the children were solid and performed with clarity and control. Their vocal discipline was impressive, especially considering the complexity of some of the ensemble numbers. The group’s rendition of “Stick It to the Man” was a high-energy triumph, with every performer fully committed to the rebellious spirit of the song.

The interactions between the characters were spot on. For example, the chemistry between Dewey and the students felt genuine and heartfelt, particularly in scenes where he encouraged them to embrace their individuality. The classroom scenes were filled with playful banter and emotional beats that never felt forced.

The set changes were seamless, with transitions handled swiftly and creatively. The use of rolling set pieces and clever lighting cues allowed the story to move fluidly between the school, Dewey’s apartment, and the Battle of the Bands venue. The backstage crew deserves special mention for their efficiency and attention to detail.

The live band, led by Ian Jones, was wonderful. They provided a solid musical backbone to the production, capturing the raw energy of rock while supporting the young performers with sensitivity and precision. The only minor issue was that the underscore occasionally overpowered the dialogue in a few scenes, something to consider for future productions, especially in a venue with challenging acoustics.

The direction by Sara Tongue and choreography by Liv Clayton was wonderfully creative. Sara’s vision brought out the best in each performer, balancing the show’s anarchic humour with moments of genuine emotion. Liv’s choreography was dynamic and age-appropriate, allowing the young cast to move confidently and expressively across the stage. The ensemble numbers were well-staged, with clever use of levels and formations that kept the visual energy high.

This youth production of School of Rock was a joyous, high-octane celebration of music, teamwork, and youthful spirit. BE Performing Arts should be incredibly proud of what they achieved. The cast and crew delivered a performance that was not only entertaining but also inspiring, reminding us all that when young people are given the chance to shine, they absolutely will.

Despite the heat, the audience left buzzing with energy, humming tunes, and perhaps even dreaming of picking up an instrument themselves. And really, isn’t that the true power of theatre?

Rock on, BE Performing Arts. You nailed it.

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