School of Rock

When Andrew Lloyd Webber and Julian Fellowes team up, the results of this ultra-conservative British duo, surprisingly, rock. 

The Next Generation School of Rock: The Musical, based on the 2003 comedy starring Jack Black, was embraced wholeheartedly by the Toowoomba Choral Society and hit all the right notes with its enthusiastic audience.

It tells the story of Dewey Finn, an unsuccessful and hungover guitarist who dreams of a rock’n’roll lifestyle, but must first face the reality of paying his rent. Pressured by his substitute teacher brother Ned, and Ned’s ambitious and unsympathetic partner Patty, Dewey gets a real job. By impersonating Ned, he takes on a short-term substitute teaching position at Horace Green Prep School. Initially he plans to bludge his way through the contract, but after observing the students’ musical talents, he decides to form a band and audition for the Battle of the Bands. Hilarity and chaos ensues as the students learn the meaning of rock and Dewey discovers a new passion (both professionally and romantically).

This production's large and impressive cast blossomed under the gaze of an excited audience. With crowd-pleasing big numbers like ‘Stick it to the Man’, it made for a raucous night at the theatre. 

Director Christopher Thomson cast thoughtfully, costumed cleverly and staged effectively. Challenged with the restrictions of the Queensland Child Employment Laws, he had limited hours to rehearse with his child stars, yet good direction ensured the cast comfortably met the challenge of acting, singing and playing their instruments cohesively. 

Performances were somewhat marred by audio problems, with some microphones not turned on at the right time or loud enough.

The role of Dewey Finn was double cast, with Brendan Thomas-Ryland in the Zeppelin cast and Justin Tamblyn in the Hendrix cast. (This reviewer saw the Zeppelin cast.)

Brendan Thomas-Ryland encapsulated the ferocious energy, laconic rebellion and intensity one would expect from Dewey. He tackled the particularly challenging vocals admirably and there was more than one “Jack Black” moment in his performance. His beetling brows, five o’clock shadow and Hagrid-like hair complemented his characterisation. 

Newcomer to the Toowoomba theatre scene Jennifer Morison did not disappoint with her sparkling performance as Rosalie Mullins. She was in turn strict, fierce, straight-laced, vulnerable, coquettish and forceful; and her vocals were particularly pretty when she lamented her lost chances in ‘Where Did the Rock Go?’

Other noteworthy performances were Dylan Ashton as Ned Schneebly and Kate Hudson-James as Patty Dimarco, whose repartee always lifted the energy on stage, as well as the many teachers of Horace Green with their sartorial uniqueness and fun stereotypes.

The young cast provided impressive musicianship and good chemistry on stage. Hannah Pocknee shone as Summer, with great accent work and sonorous overachieving, while guitarist Lachie Ferguson and drummer Zac Lester brought a “chill” vibe to the stage.  Gabrielle Montefiore, Madi Gersekowski and Madeleine Anderson sang beautifully, while Eddie Pocknee entertained as fashionista Billy Sandford. Keyarna Williams, Archie Humphries, Rachel Yap, Tammy Will, Mary Haase and Ruby Servin were first-rate, and the entire cast of children, despite a couple of timing issues, performed well as the band.

Jackson Poole’s choreography was understated but well executed.

Costume design by Debra Nairn featured cheerful reds and blues, plaids, school tartans and a colourful yet complementary assortment of corporate wear. 

Madeleine Barlow’s stage design was typically minimal and stunning, with eye-catching graffiti/chalkboard art and relatively seamless transitions.

Finally, yet importantly, the pit band, under the musical direction of Wendy Evans, was suitably energetic and fun.

Although School of Rock’s plot is cheesy and the show at times feels like the reflection of a couple of old rockers who are trying to let down what remains of their hair, it has allowed ALW to return to his rock roots and give us a different sort of music of the night.

Madeleine Tiller