If you ever needed a concrete example of how talented the region’s young people are, a trip to see Hunter Drama’s production of School of Rock The Musical this weekend will sort you out.
The production has taken over the Civic Theatre in Newcastle for a run of shows until Saturday 20 July. And everyone in the cast should buy some shades because their futures are looking pretty bright
Fans of the Hollywood blockbuster, starring the man of the hour Jack Black, will feel a real sense of nostalgia here. The story is lovingly played out with all the catchphrases, jokes and rock n’ roll easter eggs that made the movie so popular. And, to top it all off, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score is absolutely stacked with horns in the air rock moments.
James Chapman’s Dewey Finn is sharp and hilariously funny, Tayla Choice shines as principal Rosalie Mullins (a chance to listen to her voice is worth the price of admission alone) and you’ll never look at Marty Worrall the same way again after watching him perform as the frontman of Dewy’s band No Vacancy.
And while the adult cast kicks some ass, the real stars of this production are the kids.
It’s worth mentioning that while there is an amazing band, led by music director Dan Wilson, in the pit below the stage for this show, all the kids in the cast who play instruments on stage are actually playing them. Which is kind of the ultimate quadruple threat. They act, sing, dance and play an instrument.
Everyone in the onstage School Of Rock rock band should take a bow. Will Vowels‘ keyboard nerd Lawrence is great, Lachlan Hickey kills it behind the drum kit as the energetic Freddie and Lilly Matthews lays down a solid baseline as Katie. But someone needs to call Greenpeace because Jensen Hornsby absolutely wails as Zack on guitar and is an obvious standout.
Vocally, Lucy Henderson is outstanding as Tomika, Ruby Wooster nails both comic timing and vocals as the show’s overachiever Summer and Conway Oakhill Saarenpaa has made the role of the fashion-forward Billy his own.
I’ve said it before, and I’m more than happy to say it again, Hunter Drama know how to put on a show like no other in town. School Of Rock is yet another example – And the students are the best thing about it. If you miss it, you’re crazy.
School of Rock The Musical is playing at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle Saturday 20 July. For more information and tickets visit schoolofrocknewcastle.com.au.
