School of Rock – The Musical
School of Rock – The Musical
Winter Garden Theatre, NYC, January 14, 2016
Reviewed by Elizabeth Ahlfors for Cabaret Scenes
Alex Brightman and the kid band.
Photo: Matthew Murphy
Get used to blinding lights, ear-piercing, screaming metal, pounding drums, and all the sense-numbing accoutrements of a rock musical, because School of Rock is here for a long semester. Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyricist Glenn Slater and Julian Fellowes have a rock-solid hit with their adaptation of the 2003 film with School of Rock – The Musical, currently playing in the Winter Garden Theatre, coincidentally, the former home of Lloyd Webber’s wildly popular Cats.
Much credit goes to those “demon rascals of Horace Green Prep,” the young students of Dewey Finn, a pudgy, manic wannabe rocker/substitute teacher teaching them that “rock don’t rhyme, rock don’t reason” but “rock can set us free.” The story by Fellowes (Downton Abbey) allows director Laurence Connor (Les Misérables) to bring out the humanity and effervescence of these kids, thirteen distinct individuals with standout acting/singing/musicianship/energy. Says (a pre-recorded) Lloyd Webber at the top of the show, they play their own instruments although the pit band gives them plenty of support. If this is not his best score, the Lloyd Webber orchestrations and melodies give it an uplifting spirit and ebullience. The lyrics by Slater are catchy, although most are overwhelmed by the ear-busting amplification.
Alex Brightman (Matilda) is sensational as Dewey Finn, ousted from his band, Maggot Death. He is sponging off his friend, Ned (Spencer Moses), an ex-rocker and substitute teacher, and Ned’s fiancée, Patty (Mamie Parris), who wants this freeloader out of their home. Dewey’s dream of rock stardom (“When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock”) is set aside and, despairing, he impersonates Ned, interviewing for a substitute teaching job at the posh Horace Green Preparatory School. He gets the job, but here is where you have to suspend disbelief.
This kinetic non-achiever is hired to teach rich children who have been trained to “march in lock-step, ever upward, destined to achieve.” Facing his class, Dewey tells the kids they are “spoiled douchebags” and promises them “no gold stars… and recess all the friggin’ time.” However, when he finds they have musical talent, he realizes he’s got an incipient rock band before him to train for the upcoming Battle of the Bands, which will save his rock career and bring him some cash.
There are inevitable problems to clear away, like the buttoned-up principal, Miss Mullins, played by Sierra Boggess (The Little Mermaid, Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies). She has an inner Stevie Nicks waiting to come out and proves it with a moving ballad “Where Did the Rock Go?” Dewey must also deal with the students’ parents who, unsurprisingly, are not pleased with this raucous teacher. He uses his manipulating skills to finesse around these barriers and the parents actually come around to believe that rock can be their friend.
Rousing numbers include “You’re in the Band,” evaluating the children’s musical talents. He is wowed by Zach (Brandon Niederauer), who becomes lead guitarist. Freddie (Dante Melucci) is fearsome on drums, Katie (Evie Dolan) kills on bass, and reticent Lawrence (Jared Parker) scores on keyboard. Vocalists are led by shy Tomika (Bobbi MacKenzie), who brings down the house with a rousing “Amazing Grace.” Shonelle (Taylor Caldwell) and Marcy (Carly Gendell) become backup singers. Sophie (Corinne Wilson) and Madison (Shahadi Wright Joseph) are roadies.
Brightman’s Dewey shows a sensitive side, finding places for non-musicians. Billy (Luca Padovan) becomes the band’s grunge-punk-glam costume stylist, Mason (Ethan Khusidman) is put on tech, James (Jersey Sullivan) on sound. Even the high-handed Summer (Isabella Russo) gets to use her considerable skills as band manager. They name the band School of Rock and their anthem, “Stick It to the Man,” is a tune that actually sticks in your head for a while.
Connor’s direction controls the flash-by plot and choreographer JoAnn M. Hunter keeps the kids jumping and shaking. Anna Louizos designed colorful clever sets and witty costumes.
Although School of Rock is not quite A+ in originality or credibility, and you may have temporary hearing loss after you leave the theater, with the devilish Alex Brightman and these talented kids, the high-spirited production certainly rates a respectable report card.
Category: Broadway Reviews, Musical Theatre Reviews, New York City, New York City Musical Theatre Reviews
