School of Rock the Musical

Adelaide’s own award-winning company Pelican Productions is back with another powerhouse musical that will have you grooving in your seat and singing beneath your face mask. Founded by Jen Firth and Kylie Green in 2004, this company is renowned for high-quality entertainment and showcasing young musical theatre stars of the future.

School of Rock is based on the 2003 movie of the same name, starring Jack Black. Adapted for the stage by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Glenn Slater, this high-energy musical has won a new legion of fans with its pulsing rock score.

Wannabe Rock-God Dewey Finn tries to make an extra buck by sliding into a prestigious prep-school as a substitute teacher. After overhearing a music class, he becomes re-energised and determined to take this talented bunch of fifth graders to the Battle of the Bands competition.

Directors Firth and Bec Shembri have done a fabulous job highlighting individual talents of their sizeable casts. On the night I attended I saw cast one perform. Oliver John was tasked with the lead role of Dewey Finn. John’s strong vocals were showcased in his opening solo ‘When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock’, energetically delivered and exposing wonderful vocal control in the big notes. Seasoned cabaret and musical theatre performer Millicent Sarre was sublime in her role as head mistress Rosalie Mullins. The battle of wills between her and the protagonist Finn was delightful to watch.

What was evident from the beginning was that I was enjoying a tight ensemble performance. Vocals were strong across the board, and everyone exuded an infectious energy. The audience were vocal in their appreciation of the tight musical numbers and immense talent.

Choosing the Thebarton Theatre for this season worked in their favour, with plenty of performing space to house the enormous set (sponsored by Theatre Safe Australia) and the large cast. Choreographer Bec Shembri did a fine job filling the large space with simple yet effective movement that pandered to everyone’s talents. Kudos to musical director Kylie Green for a soundtrack that filled the theatre.

In what can only be described as unsettled times, especially in the world of live performance, Pelican Productions consistently bring high quality theatre to the Adelaide stages. Bravo!

Kerry Cooper