It’s lively. It’s cheery. It upends political correctness. In fact, it is the perfect holiday treat. I speak of School of Rock The Musical, featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Glenn Slater and book by Julian Fellowes. Based on the 2003 film, which was a hit for Jack Black, who played the most unlikely of teachers, it debuted on Broadway in December 2015. Now PLOS Musical Productions brings us all the colour and the hijinks at the Frankston Arts Centre, in Melbourne’s southeast.
Dewey Finn can’t take a trick. He is a struggling, out-of-work rock singer and guitarist who has just been kicked out of his band and fired from his job at a record store. He is unable to pay his rent, which he is leant upon to make good on by his friend Ned Schneebly’s domineering girlfriend Patty Di Marco. And that is when opportunity knocks or, to be more accurate, Dewey takes advantage of an opportunity that wasn’t meant for him.
Rosalie Mullins, the principal of a hoity-toity school calls to offer Schneebly a well-paid substitute teacher’s position. Dewey assumes Schneebly’s persona and takes the job at the Horace Green School, where he will be teaching fifth graders. In keeping with his reckless ways though, he arrives for his first day late, totally unprepared and hungover.
The seemingly strait-laced, uptight, by-the-book principal doesn’t know what has hit her and neither do the children. Dewey abandons the set curriculum and gives over his classes to form a band, complete with back-up singers and groupies. He wants them to compete in The Battle of the Bands competition, where his former band, No Vacancy, will feature and $20,000 prize money is on offer.
But that is hardly what the parents paid massive tuition fees for and certainly not what fellow teachers, nor the principal were ready to countenance. It is only a matter of time before the proverbial dam wall bursts.
In a talent-laden show, Clint Wood leads from the front as Dewey Finn. With strong projection and charisma to burn, he quickly wins us over as the anti-hero imbued with the spirit of rock. He is unquestionably the one that ignites the musical. Emily Wilkinson is the complete package as principal Mullins. Her strut sets the tone, but it is her vocalisation that marks her as a star. Whether operatic or pop, she delivers magnificently.
As Ned, Ryan Purdy has subjugation down pat, while Sarah Cossey Glaubert doesn’t hold back as his domineering girlfriend Patty. Matilda Doughty brings attitude to her representation as Miss Goody Two Shoes turned band manager Summer. And then there is the surprise packet, Summer Bush, who readily transitions Tomika from shy to potent, as the latter finds her voice.
A total of 13 young cast members excel as Dewey’s students, turned bandmates, on song when harmonising. They are backed by an enthusiastic adult ensemble who play the parents and teachers. And let me not forget the musical strains of the pit band, some of whom double as No Vacancy.
With fine direction from Brad Fischer, musical direction from Bev Woodford and choreography by Jessica Pratt and Tahlia Sweatman, School of Rock is a winner. Brett Wingfield’s costume design – from downbeat to classroom to rock chic – hits the mark. Set changes are plentiful and smooth. By way of props, I couldn’t take my eyes off the slide in, slide out desk and chair combination or the single bed propped up by green plastic milk crates. I was a big fan of Daniel Jow’s colourful lighting design and Marcello Lo Ricco’s buoyant sound design.
PLOS’s School of Rock The Musical is rousing and rebellious. I dare say that even Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks (she’s a favourite of principal Mullins) would be proud of what is dished up, for it strikes a chord. The musical is on at Frankston Arts Centre until Saturday, 11th January, 2025. For bookings, go to https://artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au/Whats-On/Search-All-Events/PLOS-School-of-Rock
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- School of Rock: The Musical (Her Majesty’s) – theatre review
- School of Rock The Musical (QPAC) – theatre review
- School of Rock: The Musical (Capitol Theatre) – theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.