Musical: School Of Rock

Billed as the Next Generation School of Rock The Musical, based on the Paramount movie written by Mike White, was a great choice of musical for York Light Youth youngsters to look at and learn from their adult cast members, who will clearly remember the beauty of rock.

This show rocked right from the beginning with Jonny Holbeck commanding the stage in the leading role of Dewey Finn, an out-of-work wannabe rock singer, and we followed his journey from lazy layabout to eventually being a breath of fresh air to the class he was assigned to after he had tricked his way into being their supply teacher. Jonny clearly had great chemistry with the talented team of children he worked alongside, and his character’s transformation was very believable.

Emma Louise Dickinson gave a great performance as the strict principal of Horace Green Prep School, Rosalie Mullins, and was very convincing in her own journey of letting out her inner Rock Chick.

I expect those children had a ball working in rehearsal and then in performances with the adult cast; the night I attended, the stage was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm as well as musical talent.

Bella Smith was super cool as bass player Katie Travis, and it was a delight to see Sam Brophy’s character Lawrence Turner, playing Keys, grow in self-confidence, becoming the cool kid he’d always dreamed of being. Ollie Lee was awesome as Zack Mooneyham on guitar, and he wowed us all with his licks. I have to admit, though, that Finley Walters stood out particularly as Freddie Hamilton with his dynamic drumming and fabulous facial expressions; a future star is being nurtured!

All the children worked brilliantly together as an ensemble, and in the many mesmerising scenes with Dewey, Stick It To The Man was a personal favourite; I could have watched that number over and over again!

An excellent live band, energetic choreography, atmospheric lighting, and a hardworking backstage crew all contributed to make this a rocking night out.