School of Rock!

Hunter Drama’s production of School of Rock: The Musical will take over Civic Theatre Newcastle this week from 18 to 20 July. The opening performance at 1pm on Thursday 18 July is sold out with tickets for the remaining four performances selling fast.

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Based on the hilarious hit movie, this rocking musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, face-melting rock band – sensationally performed by a LIVE rock band of talented young musicians! But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without being discovered by their parents or the school headmistress?

With a cast of 22 incredible young and emerging artists from Hunter Drama, many of whom will rock out on their instruments live on stage, supported by a large cast of 19 professional performers including James Chapman, (Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia) in the lead role of Dewey Finn (the #newydewey), Tayla Choice (Superstars, Wicked) playing Roseline Mullins, Nick Langthorne (Billy Elliot, Jersey Boys) as Ned Schneebly and Lizzy Lindus (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Shrek The Musical) as Patty Di Marco, the adult ensemble also includes audience favourites Marty Worrell (Superstars, Chess), Alana Wilson (Chess, Rock of Ages) and Nerida Walker (Billy Elliot, Oliver).

The creative team includes direction by Lauren Harvey, Billy Elliot the Musical and Aspire, musical direction by ARIA nominee Dan Wilson, lighting by award winning Jacob Harwood and an incredible set designed by Chicago based, award winning international set designer Eric Luchen. Brought to us by the same producers and most of the creative team behind last year’s smash hit, Billy Elliot, this is no amateur high school production.

School of Rock: The Musical is based on the classic film School of Rock that starred Jack Black. It is a staggering coincidence that Jack Black is performing in his rock duo Tenacious D in Newcastle just 2 days before the Hunter Drama production of School of Rock the Musical opens at the Civic Theatre. To make this coincidence more noteworthy, it is also the first time that the School of Rock has been performed on stage in Newcastle ever.

The cast, creatives and crew of the Hunter Drama production of School of Rock: The Musical have posted a welcome message to Jack Black and Kyle Gass of Tenacious D to social media that includes an open invitation to attend a dress rehearsal at the Civic Theatre. Whilst this would be an exciting thing to happen, it’s unlikely. In the meantime, School of Rock: The Musical remains as one of the most exciting things to see in the July school holidays – a wonderful way to make family memories - a laugh out loud, pumping, dance-in-the-aisles spectacle of an iconic production.

Tickets available from Civic Theatre Box Office - https://civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/school-of-rock

For more information or interviews contact Liane Morris, Media & Marketing Hunter Drama at media@hunterdrama.com.au or 0404 881 455