Andrew Lloyd-Webber is no stranger to plagiarism and reinvention, and so it seemed like a gift horse for him when he bought the rights to turn a film - already with lots of music - into a Musical! The 2003 American comedy film would be the perfect vehicle he needed to turn his dwindling superstar status around; his last couple of ventures had been box office flops.
In the end however, precious little in terms of music has been "kept" from the film. The 'buff' will recognise a couple of the film's melodies, somewhat changed and obfuscated, but they are there. What Lloyd-Webber does do however, is plagiarise from himself in this musical, and does so shamelessly throughout! And when the tunes he does use are such good ones, who can blame him? Cole Porter was the Grand Master in this regard, but that was in the days of the Book-Musical, when songs could be used in their entirety, unchanged, in any musical they wanted. These days, when the songs progress the narrative then it isn't quite as easy. The one song however in this musical which really should be the showstopper / stand-out piece, the competition entry, 'School Of Rock' song, is actually, in my humble opinion, the weakest song in the whole show. Although again, in my humble opinion, this particular production performed it the best I have ever heard it done (and that includes the pro tour!).
The show tells the story of a rock guitarist Dewey Finn, lead guitar in a group of not-so-talented Rock Band members, who continues to outshine the lead singer with his clever riffs and technical expertise. The band realise they are being continually upstaged and so decide they should sack him, despite the band being his idea in the first place. He currently "boards" at an ex-band member's house, who has 'moved on' from his heady days of drugs and rock'n'roll and become 'respectable' with an irritating girlfriend. Of course there are comedic tensions in this situation, but it also means that Dewey has no job, no money and cannot pay his rent. The girlfriend is at the end of her tether, when, a Deus-ex-Machina arrives in the form of a telephone call from an elite prep school asking if Ned Schneebly (Dewey's ex-band member buddy) would be available to be a substitute teacher at the school for a few weeks. Dewey pretends to be Ned, accepts the job, and totally unfit to teach, never mind at an elite public school, turns up late and hungover on the first day! But this is a fable and a comedy, and so of course, everything works out right in the end, and the young children in his charge turn out to be exceptional musicians, and after forming a band - the School Of Rock - with them, takes them to the 'Battle Of The Bands' competition.
The musical is full of subliminal messages about parenting, mental health, and the power of music, but all is wrapped up in a hugely feel-good show with earworm music and American humour.
Taking the lead role of Dewey Finn in this production by Wakefield Youth Music Theatre was Jacob Birch. A hugely charismatic performer, Birch proved to be a superb choice for this role. Having seen the latest professional tour when it came to Manchester's Palace Theatre last June, I can say, hand on heart, that Birch outshone their Dewey easily. Here Birch presented a fully-rounded and believable character, and his journey was measured and sympathetically played; unlike the professional actor who hammed the role up for all it was worth, becoming mono-dimensional and abrasively OTT. Not only that but Birch was a super singer too, hitting all the high notes (of which there are many) with Rock-style perfection.
Birch was aided and abetted by a sturdy group of older youths playing the adults, most of whom make small or cameo appearances throughout. The only other adult who really stands out in this show is the Principal of the school, Rosalie Mullins. Here this role was taken by a statuesque Olivia Reid. Again, a nicely measured performance saw her change almost imperceptibly at first from stiff and aloof to a more relaxed and happy ex-rock chick as she warms to the childish charms of Dewey. Her solo in the cafe 'Where Did The Rock Go' was one of the show's highlights.
A smaller group of the older youths (all female I think) provided us with some upbeat and funky choreography during a couple of the songs too. A nice touch. The singing from the entire cast - both younger and older - was superb the whole evening and I loved all the lush harmonies coming through.
This show however, belongs to the children. A class of young prep school students who have to change from upperclass nerds through understanding, acceptance and warming to Dewey (each in their own way) to "rockers" in the space of the evening, and all need to be excellent all-rounders: acting, singing, dancing, and playing at least one musical instrument, is a prerequisite for them all. Where could such a cast be found? Well, I don't know the answer to that, other than to say, found it was, and these youngsters were absolutely brilliant! Easily holding their own with the professional cast I saw last June, these youngsters, simply, and quite rightly stealing the show.
Eva Thornton was a superb choice for the bossy 'manager', Summer; Isabella Chidlaw's 'Amazing Grace' as Tomika was simply, well, amazing, and her shy and reserved characterisation was spot-on; Milo Neale (Zack) and Molly Jasper (Katie) both impressed and their guitar-playing knew no bounds; the diminutive Charlie Burgess-Dawson was just fabulous, and played the keyboards as if he was born to do so; and young Millie Sheppard as Freddie absolutely knew her way around a drum kit! Fun was had with the four brilliant 'backing singers, bopping and singing with glee working well together; whilst Olli Blakeley's camping-up of his role as Billy was superb. Together with several others playing ensemble and smaller cameos within the class, the entire team are deserving simply of the highest praise.
This show though didn't just simply succeed with the actors alone; the set, the costumes, the lighting design etc all worked well and gave the show its time, place, and feel with ease. The scene changes were sometimes a little 'obvious', but were always swift and unobtrusive. The music was at times a little to loud (but then again, it is a Rock concert...!), but was performed with style from the pit by Jim Lunt and his musicians when the music was not being played live onstage by the talented cast.
Directed by Louise Denison, this show was given a little more gravitas than other versions of the show I have thus far seen, and this worked very much in the show's favour. Denison also added some lovely little directorial touches which were a joy to watch as these things makes each production unique and showcases the director's own ideas and skill (so long as the ideas work... and here they did superbly!). This was a truly upbeat and professionally produced show, which oozes talent and energy from the opening and is full credit to a society I had hitherto never heard of.
School Of Rock, rocks!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 24.8.23
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