School of Rock

Adapted from the 2003 comedy starring Jack Black, Melbourne’s latest musical sensation straight from Broadway and London’s West End is part stage spectacular, part fist pumping, part stage diving rock concert. With a great mix of child musicians and experienced stage performers, School of Rock is an exhilarating, kinetic and fun ride perfect for all ages.

Brent Hill bravely, and successfully, steps into Jack Black’s sweater vest as Dewey Finn, failed rock musician and one time substitute teacher, leaching off his best friend, Ned, and his domineering girlfriend. Forced to pay rent or get kicked to the street, Dewey poses as Ned and finds a position at the prestigious and pretentious Horace Green Prep School. There, he attempts to turn his overscheduled and overworked class of fourth-graders into guitar-shredding rock gods, instilling in them a love of music and freedom while trying to dodge the attention of the uptight Principal Mullins (Amy Lehpamer).

Those familiar with the original film will find little to surprise them, story wise, in this new adaptation. Yet even if much of the beats are the same as the film, it is easy to get caught up in the power of the music, both the iconic tracks from the film and 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as the budding relationship between Dewey, his students, and the slowly softening Principal Mullins. Hill and Lehpamer have a wonderful chemistry together on stage as their relationship turns from antagonistic to romantic. Lehpamer in particular delivers an amazing solo performance, channeling Stevie Nicks with a moving and soulful rendition of ‘Where Did the Rock Go.’

Culminating in a rousing Battle of the Bands that had the whole theatre on its feet, School of Rock is a triumph of pure joy and entertainment. A celebration of music in all its forms and a wild, fast-paced ride full of heart, humour and nostalgia for the golden days of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

School of Rock
Her Majesty’s Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne CBD
Till Sunday, 3 February 2019
au.schoolofrockthemusical.com