26-27 Proposal: School of Rock

School of Rock

Book by Julian Fellowes 

Lyrics by Glen Slater

New Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Directed by Cherie Gullerud

Music Direction by Rob Birdwell

Show Synopsis

From MTI:

“Rock got no reason, rock got no rhyme… You better get me to school on time! Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock – The Musical is a two-hour, two-act show (plus intermission), based on the hit movie. The tuner follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight–A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out?

Lloyd Webber produced the stage musical on Broadway and in the West End, penning 14 new numbers for the show, which additionally features all of the original songs from the movie. The composer’s tracks “You’re in the Band” and “Stick it to the Man” are well on their way to becoming rock solid standards, while the finale with “Teacher’s Pet” brings audiences to their feet, eight shows a week.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock – The Musical, with its sensational live kids’ rock band, is a loving testimony to the transforming power of music. May the spirit of rock be with all who pledge allegiance to Lloyd Webber’s newest hit!”

Vision Statement

School of Rock: The Musical, has the same appeal as our previously successful Majestic Theatre production of Elf: The Musical (which sold out before it ever opened). 

It is based on a beloved film. It has a large and diverse cast, featuring meaty roles for many young people. The music is pumping. It has a great storyline with both comedy and pathos, and situations that every age can relate to. 

The show is family-friendly, but with an edge, teaching the values of acceptance and being your genuine self, along with the power of being heard. There is a possibility of involving many local groups and individuals in this production. With an early announcement, we can give motivated youth time to hone their vocal and instrumental skills prior to auditions. 

If we are unable to find accomplished players, they can mime their instruments while the show band does the licks required. My philosophy is that there are enough skilled young people in our area that we may not need to do that. My thoughts are to keep the band onstage - perhaps on an elevated platform - as they can double as Dewey's band, and because Rock is the point of the show! Every role in this piece shines and the general mood of the show is uplifting and fun. 

We’d take advantage of simple staging practices by keeping the band onstage on a platform and using suggestions of sets versus building whole backdrops and wagons.

This play lends itself to casting parents and children together. Those who love the movie or who love classic rock would come.