For those about to rock, we salute you

WILLIAM WOODWORTH

Marlborough’s next rockstars are ready to rock the socks off their first joint production after a forced four-year hiatus.

The production of School of Rock takes to the stage from August 1 with a stellar local cast geared up and excited to go.

Based on the 2003 movie starring Jack Black, the story unfolds around the misadventures of failing musician Dewey Finn. The student cast from Marlborough Boys’ College, Marlborough Girls’ College and Richmond View School bring Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning smash hit musical to the stage. Director Jeannie Mark, Production Manager Ngaire Searle and Musical Director Robin Randall hope to see plenty of support from the community.

“…it’s been months and months of dedication to get to this point and we couldn’t be happier with the support we have received”, says Ngaire.

“This cast brings boundless energy, enthusiasm, and team mentality at every rehearsal … and we can’t wait to show everyone our hard work.”

“We were so lucky to have snaffled Jeannie (Mark) so early on –she’s an immensely talented and experienced director and choreographer, and we love her to bits. Despite being semi-retired, Jeannie says she couldn’t pass on the opportunity.

“I saw the School of Rock musical in America and always wanted to put it on, so when Ngaire said that was the plan I couldn’t say no!”

“The script is hilarious with great morals behind it, and watching our cast hone their existing talents while discovering new ones has been so rewarding”.

“A lot of these kids could ei- ther sing, dance, act or play instruments – this show challenges them to work on their skills by doing it all at once and hopefully learning life lessons on the way”.

One of the students who has stepped into a new role is year 11 backstage manager Sam Morris.

“It’s been amazing watching all the moving parts of three different bands, so many rehearsals and personal preparation and growth into roles at home come together – let alone the fantastic team spirit”.

Richmond View School student Luca Handisides plays lead guitarist Zac has been exploring new creative avenues.

“It’s a great community around this show and getting to know other like-minded kids in an artistic environment, and we all learn so much from one another – I never knew how much work goes in backstage to put on something like this”.

Daniel Brunel, as Dewey Finn, echoes Luca’s love of the film –saying “I love everything Jack Black does whether its his music or movies, and the ability to share that love with this cast has been so rewarding”.

School of Rock runs from August 1 to 5 at ASB Theatre Marlborough with adult tickets at $45 and children at $25, with tickets from https://www. asbtheatre.com/events/school-ofrock/