School of Rock: The Musical Review
Venue: New Victoria Theatre
Dates: 27 Sept - 02 Oct
OUR VERDICT:
If you haven’t heard of the 2003 film School of Rock, you’ve clearly missed a trick.
Dewey Finn, a musically inclined slacker, has been booted from his rock band. On the cusp of eviction, he poses as a substitute teacher at Horace Green, a tightly run prep school. When Dewey realises the musical talent of his class, he begins secretly preparing them in the hopes of competing at the Battle of the Bands.
With Jack Black as the original Dewey Finn, his are big boots to fill - but Jake Sharp steps up to the plate. Sharp is nothing if not energetic, matching the animation of his younger co-stars at every opportunity.
The child and adult cast throw themselves into each dance and musical number, of which there are an impressive amount, with 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber. I cannot fail to mention Tomika, played by Angel Lucero, whose voice left me with goosebumps, and Rebecca Lock, whose clipped operatic performance fits the character of Headmistress Mullins to the letter.
I was a little heartbroken at the clear vitriol felt towards Patty di Marco, who was not asking much by wanting Dewey to pay rent, but I would argue Nadia Violent Johnson’s performance of ‘Mount Rock (Reprise)’ is one of the best new numbers in the show.
Not only do these children sing and act, but I was gobsmacked to learn that they were also playing their instruments live. Eva McGrath, who takes on the role of Freddy Jones, plays the drums with the same anger and drive as the late Kevin Clark, whilst Angus McDougall (Lawrence) is nothing if not cool on the keys.
The backdrop to each new location is distinct, allowing us to move from the halls of Horace Green to a dive bar, or Dewey’s room. The actors themselves, particularly the children, must play a hands-on role when it comes to set changes, but the set details are so absorbing as to make it worth it.
In a couple of places, the plot demanded a little imagination from the audience. By changing the chronology of the film, it becomes hard to believe that after listening to music for homework, the students still wouldn’t know who Led Zeppelin or Black Sabbath were. I also can’t say I was particularly convinced by the love story between Dewey Finn and Rosalie Mullins, but I suppose it did offer a certain closure to the show.
This is a universally crowd-pleasing performance, equal parts amusing and heartwarming. Get comfortable, though, as this is a musical of some length, with a running time of at least two and a half hours. Nevertheless, you’ll be shocked upon leaving the theatre at how quickly the time flies.
School of Rock: The Musical contains occasional bad language. Smoke effects and strobe lights are used during the performance.
