NODA Review - Martin Craig
School of Rock the Musical is based on the film of the same name released in 2003. The story itself is centred around aspiring (or failed, depending on your viewpoint) musician Dewey Finn, lead guitarist in local rock band No Vacancy. Sick of Dewey's over the top antics, the band decide to cut him loose. On top of this, his ex-rocker friend Ned Schneebly (a respected teacher), urged on by his slightly domineering partner Patty DiMarco, are pushing free-loader Dewey to pay his rent. Dewey then poses as Ned and takes on the role of substitute teacher at the prestigious prep school, Horace Green. Whilst there, he discovers that many of the students have an array of musical talents, forms a band and enters them into the Battle of the Bands Competition in the hope of winning, thus enabling him to pay his rent and possibly keep a roof over his head - though not if Patty has her say.
The film itself was a box office success, this mainly due to Jack Black's boundless enthusiasm in the role of Dewey, with the ability to be ridiculous one moment, thoughtful and caring the next. Productions where roles are synonymous with certain actors (ie Buddy the Elf, Deloris Van Cartier, Elle Woods, John Rambo) are always going to be difficult acts to follow, as audiences already have their preconceptions about the character and how it's going to be played. Many of the lines are specifically written for these Actors, to suit their delivery, and how to get the best out of the line/scene. As Jack Black has always been a favourite actor, I was intrigued to see how School of Rock, the Musical, would stand up to the source material.
We opened with No Vacancy playing a local club/ Dive with the number "I'm too hot for you", with Dewey trying to overshadow the lead singer (played well by wig-adorned Andrew McMinn). Whilst sung well, you didn't really get a sense of them being the local next big thing, nor why they disliked Dewey's interactions - granted, you couldn't really get him to stage dive into the audience, though some crowd/chorus participation may have added to their supposed kudos.
The show revolves around the leading role of Dewey Finn, played by Tony McGee - the rock mad, self-indulgent wastrel who wants nothing more than rock, food and beer. To be honest, I half expected Tony to model his Dewey characteristics on Jack Black's performance. Tony's performance was a more measured Dewey, vocally adept, but geeky with hints of zaniness rather than the other way round.
Dewey's friend and roomie Ned Schneebly was more than capably played by Andrew White. Ned is constantly taken advantage of by Dewey, and pushed around by his girlfriend Patty DiMarco. Andrew managed to play the "nice guy" really well, though it was hard to believe that Ned and Dewey were at school together.
Patty Di Marco's (Holly Harkness) exasperation with Ned and Dewey came across really well, and really made you wonder why Ned put up with either of them. Holly proved that her voice was not just for shouting at Ned and Dewey, she had a fine singing voice too.
One of the roles that could get lost in amongst the kids and Dewey is Rosalie Mullins, the Principal of the school. As my favourite adult role of the night, Kim Brough excelled - dignified and passionate in front of the pupils and parents, yet growing softer and more vulnerable as we realised she still yearned for the rock chick to break out once in a while. Kim showed off her vocal skills throughout – operatically and dramatically it was a wellbalanced, uplifting performance, culminating in an amazing transformation at the end.
Of course, there's not much point in being a teacher or forming a band, if there's nobody to form a band or be taught.
These came in the form of the pupils - Zach, who yearns for his father's admiration is also an accomplished guitarist and lyricist. Jake Ivison took this role in his stride, growing in confidence throughout the show. The rest of the musicians in the band itself - Henry Voce, Eve Millington and Neve Finn were perfectly cast in their roles of Freddy (drums), Katie (bass) and Lawrie (keyboards), giving great performances whether playing, acting or singing.
Class sceptic Summer, is the hardest of the pupils to win over. Summer is obviously the class favourite who is always top of the class, and once this hierarchy is removed, desperately wants to be relevant but can't sing, though her management skills are exceptional. Izzy Rigler's characterization of Summer was captivating.
Other band members Shonelle and Marcy (Poppy Thomson and Alis Winker) added well to the mix, and once Tomika (Tilly Kipling), the girl who'd moved to the school, and lost her friends got over her shyness and finally spoke out, then their voices soared. Other youth performers adding their talents to the group included Cole Walker, Liam Howarth, Grace Millington and Isabelle Pears (Mason, James, Sophie and Madison).
Last, but by no means least, Tom Hawley's excellent timing and delivery as Billy had us in stitches.
All chorus numbers were executed well, in both movement and vocally.
Staging was simple, with "bricked" wing flats, sliding and a couple of rotating flats for interiors with larger props brought on by crew/cast. Occasionally the scene changes/blackouts did slightly detract, as there were quite a few due to the number of differing locations within the piece - of course, these can be done quite easily in film, onstage is another matter. Maybe the use of periaktos would make a difference in this situation, and in this venue. Nevertheless, the crew were as fast and effective as they could be, given the number of changes.
Choreographer Robyn Miller should be pleased with what she achieved with this production, chorus and cast were in unison - no mean feat in a production that exudes organised chaos.
Musical Director Liz Condron did well, and must have had fun with this one- especially getting the balance between the types of vocals required, and musicians who like to be heard.
Directors Tony McGee and Jennifer Hawley McGee obviously had a blast with this one, the cast and proud audience parents so obviously enjoying what they had produced.
Thank you, Workington Amateurs for your hospitality and invite.
Martin Craig (District 11)
The film itself was a box office success, this mainly due to Jack Black's boundless enthusiasm in the role of Dewey, with the ability to be ridiculous one moment, thoughtful and caring the next. Productions where roles are synonymous with certain actors (ie Buddy the Elf, Deloris Van Cartier, Elle Woods, John Rambo) are always going to be difficult acts to follow, as audiences already have their preconceptions about the character and how it's going to be played. Many of the lines are specifically written for these Actors, to suit their delivery, and how to get the best out of the line/scene. As Jack Black has always been a favourite actor, I was intrigued to see how School of Rock, the Musical, would stand up to the source material.
We opened with No Vacancy playing a local club/ Dive with the number "I'm too hot for you", with Dewey trying to overshadow the lead singer (played well by wig-adorned Andrew McMinn). Whilst sung well, you didn't really get a sense of them being the local next big thing, nor why they disliked Dewey's interactions - granted, you couldn't really get him to stage dive into the audience, though some crowd/chorus participation may have added to their supposed kudos.
The show revolves around the leading role of Dewey Finn, played by Tony McGee - the rock mad, self-indulgent wastrel who wants nothing more than rock, food and beer. To be honest, I half expected Tony to model his Dewey characteristics on Jack Black's performance. Tony's performance was a more measured Dewey, vocally adept, but geeky with hints of zaniness rather than the other way round.
Dewey's friend and roomie Ned Schneebly was more than capably played by Andrew White. Ned is constantly taken advantage of by Dewey, and pushed around by his girlfriend Patty DiMarco. Andrew managed to play the "nice guy" really well, though it was hard to believe that Ned and Dewey were at school together.
Patty Di Marco's (Holly Harkness) exasperation with Ned and Dewey came across really well, and really made you wonder why Ned put up with either of them. Holly proved that her voice was not just for shouting at Ned and Dewey, she had a fine singing voice too.
One of the roles that could get lost in amongst the kids and Dewey is Rosalie Mullins, the Principal of the school. As my favourite adult role of the night, Kim Brough excelled - dignified and passionate in front of the pupils and parents, yet growing softer and more vulnerable as we realised she still yearned for the rock chick to break out once in a while. Kim showed off her vocal skills throughout – operatically and dramatically it was a wellbalanced, uplifting performance, culminating in an amazing transformation at the end.
Of course, there's not much point in being a teacher or forming a band, if there's nobody to form a band or be taught.
These came in the form of the pupils - Zach, who yearns for his father's admiration is also an accomplished guitarist and lyricist. Jake Ivison took this role in his stride, growing in confidence throughout the show. The rest of the musicians in the band itself - Henry Voce, Eve Millington and Neve Finn were perfectly cast in their roles of Freddy (drums), Katie (bass) and Lawrie (keyboards), giving great performances whether playing, acting or singing.
Class sceptic Summer, is the hardest of the pupils to win over. Summer is obviously the class favourite who is always top of the class, and once this hierarchy is removed, desperately wants to be relevant but can't sing, though her management skills are exceptional. Izzy Rigler's characterization of Summer was captivating.
Other band members Shonelle and Marcy (Poppy Thomson and Alis Winker) added well to the mix, and once Tomika (Tilly Kipling), the girl who'd moved to the school, and lost her friends got over her shyness and finally spoke out, then their voices soared. Other youth performers adding their talents to the group included Cole Walker, Liam Howarth, Grace Millington and Isabelle Pears (Mason, James, Sophie and Madison).
Last, but by no means least, Tom Hawley's excellent timing and delivery as Billy had us in stitches.
All chorus numbers were executed well, in both movement and vocally.
Staging was simple, with "bricked" wing flats, sliding and a couple of rotating flats for interiors with larger props brought on by crew/cast. Occasionally the scene changes/blackouts did slightly detract, as there were quite a few due to the number of differing locations within the piece - of course, these can be done quite easily in film, onstage is another matter. Maybe the use of periaktos would make a difference in this situation, and in this venue. Nevertheless, the crew were as fast and effective as they could be, given the number of changes.
Choreographer Robyn Miller should be pleased with what she achieved with this production, chorus and cast were in unison - no mean feat in a production that exudes organised chaos.
Musical Director Liz Condron did well, and must have had fun with this one- especially getting the balance between the types of vocals required, and musicians who like to be heard.
Directors Tony McGee and Jennifer Hawley McGee obviously had a blast with this one, the cast and proud audience parents so obviously enjoying what they had produced.
Thank you, Workington Amateurs for your hospitality and invite.
Martin Craig (District 11)