Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock: The Musical is a Broadway and West End smash hit rock musical, an adaption of the 2003 film brought to live on stage. Currently on at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne, the cast of Dewey Finn and 36 children across the production aims to capture the essence of what it truly means to ‘stick it to the man’.
The music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Glenn Slater brings a unique perspective to a well-known story – leaving us with a greater insight into the life and struggles of both Dewey Finn and each of the students attending Horace Green. From the opening scene with a performance from No Vacancy, through to the final encore performed by the School of Rock, the production encourages audience members to settle into the most important Battle of the Bands concert to date.
The musical goes a lot deeper than a band getting ready for a performance; speaking volumes to providing a voice to children’s most inner hopes, needs and desires. Whether it be dealing with issues such as attending a new school, being pushed towards a certain career or lifestyle, or not being heard by their parents, School of Rock successfully empowers the youth to follow their dreams and to shoot for the stars. Dewey Finn teaches the students of Horace Green that life is happening all around them and that they are capable of anything they put their minds to. In return, he learns what it’s like to find satisfaction and purpose.
The real strength of the Australian production of School of Rock is the exceptional casting, with a well-rounded level of experience from the adults and pure talent from the children. Performing alongside the orchestral pit, the child leads performed their own instruments live throughout the performance, showcasing their musical talent as triple-threats – singing, dancing and acting.
Brent Hill plays the wannabe rock star and loveable loser Dewey Finn; the moochy, messy best friend and housemate of substitute teacher Ned Schneebly. Hill perfectly understands what the audience expect from the main role, and both his singing and mannerisms throughout the show were on par with Jack Black’s famous performance from the original movie. With past credits including Rock of Ages and Little Shop of Horrors, Hill was perfectly cast to teach the kids a thing or two about rock and roll.
Teacher’s pet Summer Hathaway was flawlessly portrayed by Stephanie Kipnis, who encapsulated the essence and neediness of the character with ease. Her presence was commanding in all aspects – often leading to her stealing the scene and the laughter. Guitarist Zach Mooneyham was captured by Zane Blumeris; whose guitar skills were mind-blowing. Blumeris’ character development throughout the show was great to watch, and needless to say, Zach’s struggles with his father struck a chord. Katie, the School of Rock’s bassist, was played by musical theatre newcomer Remy Grunden, who pulled the iconic ‘bass face’ seamlessly. Grunden provided constant comic relief, which was more than welcome in an already hilarious stage show.
At the end of the performance, it becomes clear that the results of the competition that were once deemed so important have become irrelevant to all characters on stage, and each one of them has shown a level of personal growth and acceptance of one another that in itself is the real victory.
School of Rock is still in session. Throw away your textbooks. Your new homework assignment is to follow your passion and grab a ticket here.
Photo credits: Matthew Murphy