Following their production of Joseph, York Stage return to The Grand Opera House with School of Rock The Musical. We’re big fans of the 2003 film and saw the West End production too, so were excited to see their take on the smash-hit show.
The plot follows down-on-his-luck wannabe rockstar Dewey Finn. Kicked out of his band, he blags the role of substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school, and soon rallies the pupils to compete in Battle of the Bands.
Fade to Black
Comparisons to Jack Black are perhaps inevitable, but Finn East puts his own stamp on the role, and really eases into it as the show goes on. He embodies the role of this washed-up rocker with big dreams, and is suitably out of place at Horace Green School.
Housemate Ned (James Robert Ball) represses his love of rock for a sensible teaching career, and we think he’d play an excellent Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, or Leo Bloom in The Producers. He has that nerdish charm, and his eventual return to his Maggot Death origins is a triumph.
Ned’s partner Patty (Amy Barrett) is the antithesis of rock and tries to keep Ned on the straight and narrow. Her frustrations are believable, and we’re rooting for Ned to clap back and stick it to the man (or woman!)
Megan Waite excels as the strait-laced Principal Mullins, and her solo of Where Did the Rock Go is delivered with a beautiful poignancy. Waite is perfectly cast and has incredible vocals. It’s a treat to see her really let go to Stevie Niks’ Edge of Seventeen.
The Kids Are Alright
That’s a song, these kids are much MORE than alright! Their opening-night energy and excitement is infectious, and it’s clear they are loving every minute.
They nail the choreography and there doesn’t seem to any sign of nerves in front of a packed crowd. The energy of the whole show lifts each time they’re on stage, and – thankfully – their American accents never grate!
Eady Mensah (Tomika) surprises with a powerful vocal solo that has the audience transfixed. Incredible. Molly Thorne as band manager Summer, is the grade-grabbing people pleaser who holds the band together. Thorne is fantastically feisty, and blasts out Time to Play with ease.
Special mention to the core group of actor-musicians Daniel Tomlin (Lawrence), Matilda Park (Katie), Zach Dennison (Freddie) and Charlie Jewison (Zack) They not only have to act, sing and dance but each play their own instruments live too!
Right up to Eleven
As with many non-professional productions, the sound levels often don’t balance and it can be a strain to hear some of the dialogue. A shortage of microphones means that unfortunately some of the funniest lines get lost.
The band is fantastic but sometimes overpowers, although this can hopefully be tweaked as the run goes on. These are minor niggles though, and it’s important to remember that this is not a paid company – everyone involved is volunteering their time.
Family-friendly? There are a few naughty lil’ swear words, and it can be very loud, but overall it’s toe-tapping feelgood family fun. The audience were on their feet for the curtain call, and the end of School of Rock captures the buzz of a kickin’ rock concert. I defy anyone not to clap, stamp and groove along to the reprise of Stick it to The Man!
In short, it ROCKS! Get your groove on and book now. The shows runs until September 21st and tickets can be booked at www.atgtickets.com/shows/york-stage-ltd-presents-school-of-rock/grand-opera-house-york/
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
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