School of Rock Musical Review
By Jake Freeman
As always, Melbourne is blessed to have so many great rock events. Just this week alone, we have been treated to HAIR The Musical, the Oasis concert, followed by the Metallica concert and now School of Rock.
Based on the 2003 film starring Jack Black, School of Rock follows Dewey Finn, a ‘wannabe’, struggling rock star who gets kicked out of his band. While on the verge of bankruptcy, he scams his way into a job as a substitute teacher at an elite private school, Horace Green. While there, he forms a rock band of unlikely students to compete at the Battle of the Bands, rather than following the route of conventual and formal lessons.
The film became a hit when released, becoming the highest grossing music-themed comedy for over a decade and cementing Jack Black as a leading man. In 2013, renowned theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber bought the rights to the film to create a stage version.
This production had a lot to live up to, standing up to such an iconic and beloved film and the good news is; it didn’t disappoint. Although no one was ever going to top Jack Black as Finn, John Yanko comes close. From beginning to end John Yanko shines as Dewey Finn, channelling Jack Black in the process. He clearly has great on-stage chemistry with the rest of the cast.
Anna Dinyes plays Rosalie Mullins, the principal and Finn’s love interest. It is during the Second Act, that she really commands the stage, especially with strong vocals performing “Where Did the Rock Go?”
Dylan Crawley plays Ned, Finn’s awkward friend, brilliantly, despite his lack of stage time.
Finally, all of the child actors performed amazingly well, whether it was the singing, dancing or acting. There was plenty of opportunity for each child actor to have their moment to shine. Main standouts on opening night included Ethan Nigli as Freddie the drummer and Dusty Wheeler playing Tomika the shy,new girl struggling to fit in. Her vocal performance of “You’re in the Band” received one of the biggest applauses of the night. Elliott Hayes as Billy, provided the comic relief throughout the show.
School of Rock is the perfect addition to the list of rock shows that Melbourne has to offer. Even though you have probably seen the movie version multiple times, the talented cast and this production make revisiting the show very worthwhile.
School of Rock is directed by Cody Riker and is produced by independent theatre company Theatrical.
School of Rock is now playing for a limited season until and including Saturday 15 November at The National Theatre, located on the corner of Barkly and Carlisle Streets, St Kilda. The running time is approximately 2 Hours including a 20-minute intermission. It is suitable for all ages. To get tickets for the show, go to https://nationaltheatre.org.au/school-of-rock/
