SCHOOL OF ROCK is one of those lovely shows that you can recommend to everyone, confident that they’ll have a great night out.
OK, maybe not a terribly sophisticated night out - it’s formulaic and predictable, but that’s not such a bad thing when the expected denouement, kids shaping up and smashing it as a band, delivers so satisfyingly. It’s all based on the 2003 film of the same title.
Before the show starts, there’s a pre-recorded announcement telling you that all the young cast play live and don’t mime to a backing track and to achieve this the casting directors have to work hard to identify youngsters who are talented musicians, singers and actors.
Every time I’ve seen the show they’ve succeeded brilliantly and I have every expectation that the latest batch to join the company will be every bit as good.
Do you have a talented friend or family member who might suit appearing in the show? If so the producers have some exciting news. Further kids open auditions will take place later this year in Bristol on the 10 March and in Leeds on 21 April with dates to be announced for London, Manchester and Plymouth. If you are between 8 – 12 years old and play a rock instrument (guitar, bass, piano, and/or drums) or sing, registration and further details can be found by contacting Jessica Ronane Casting or at the School Of Rock website.
A press release announces the new line up of success stories who are about to begin performing at the New London Theatre. We’re reminded that,
“With a rocking new score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, School of Rock – The Musical follows slacker and wannabe rock star Dewey Finn turn a class of straight-A 10 year old students into an ear popping, riff scorching, all conquering rock band! Dewey poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school to make ends meet, and when he discovers his fifth graders’ musical talents, he enlists his class to form a rock group and conquer the Battle of the Bands. As Dewey falls for the beautiful headmistress, can he and his students keep this special assignment secret as they learn to fully embrace the power of rock?”
The French playwright Florian Zeller has become something of a staple in West End theatre.