10 years since its Broadway debut, School of Rock The Musical is back at the top of the class, thanks to Passion Productions. A musically catchy, infinitely quotable and enormously demanding show, SORTM is delivered with such courageous energy and commendable execution, the audience feel like they’re in the band, on top of mount rock – sticking it to the man!
Based on the 2003 Jack Black film, SORTM follows Dewey Finn (Lachey Gleadhill), a struggling musician crashing with his friend Ned Schneebly (Jackson Kellaway) and Ned’s partner Patti Di Marco (Isabella Farry) – to Patti’s vocal and repetitive disapproval. Under pressure to start contributing financially – and suffering from a hangover, in addition to the indignity of being kicked out of the band he started himself – Dewey pretends to be Ned, taking up a substitute teaching assignment under his assumed identity, at the prestigious but stuffy and structured Horace Green Prep School.
While at Horace Green, Dewey quickly wins over the students with his unorthodox exuberance and enthusiasm, polishing their musical potential, entering them in The Battle of the Bands. However, his legitimacy and longevity at Horace Green hang in the balance; Will the school faculty or parents uncover Dewey’s deceit? Will Horace Green empower the students to succeed, when their chosen path subverts set expectations?
As Dewey Finn, Lachie Gleadhill is well cast, gaining momentum throughout the performance. Gleadhill has a natural rapport with scene partners, especially the youngsters. This is perhaps unsurprising, where Gleadhill is a high school music teacher by trade. It is nice to see the grumpier, hung over Dewey lighten into the more youthful and optimistic incarnation in the second half; Dewey Finn works best when played loose and light.
Jackson Kellaway is an affable Ned Schneebly, providing a centred counterpoint to Dewey’s manchild character; a rocker at heart, like Dewey, but unlike Dewey he has abandoned his dream of musical fame in favour of a respectable day job, reconciling himself to a grounded, grownup reality under the thumb of Patti (Isabella Farry). As Patti, Farry is an entertaining study; While she is perhaps the stories chief antagonist, naggingly judgmental, putting Dewey down at every opportunity, on some level we can sympathize with her predicament, dealing with an inconsiderate, freeloading friend of her partner, outstaying his welcome.
My favourite adult performance comes from Isabel Kruse as Miss Mullins, bringing deft nuance to her character’s story arc, in addition to a remarkable operatic voice, which also lends strongly to the show’s more contemporary fare. Kruse’s number ‘Where Did the Rock Go’ beautifully illustrates the show’s deeper counter theory- that real life requires compromise, where people settle for lower risk realities, in favour of pursuing their wilder dreams.
However, SORTM truly belongs to the talented young cast, who each deserve hearty recognition for their great work. It is wonderful to see such dedication to detail, presenting fully realised characters who are alive and fully fleshed-out, filling the stage with interesting shapes, serving the scene even when they are not at the centre of the dialogue, avoiding any dead moments.
Particular highlights from the younger cohort include Saana Chang as Summer Hathaway, turning in a lively performance with charisma and excellent dance and gymnastics ability, Emily Winwood as Zara Mooneyham with her natural stage presence, emotional gravity and superlative musical abilities, and Alessia Lily Monteverde as Tomeka Spencer-Williams, showing incredible vocal ability, with precise vocal runs and excellent pitch.
Chloe Coleman as Freya Hamilton catches the eye with rhythm and commanding confidence belying her youthful age, while Henry Hedger is a charismatic Billy with terrific comedic timing and the perfect amount of sass.
A talented ensemble cast play multiple adult roles seamlessly, while the onstage band capably guide the tempo and bring atmosphere to the show.
While on preview night there were a couple or minor sounds issues, and an occasional flat note, such criticism is picky, when SORTM is such irresistible fun. Huge credit is due to the Production Team, led by Director Connor Clarke, alongside Musical Director Jacqueline Atherton and choreographer Stephanie O’Shea, to triumphantly present a complex show like SORTM at this scale and quality. Overall, an entertaining, family friendly night out, that is towering, empowering, and crackling with energy.
To book tickets to School of Rock, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/the-school-of-rock.
