School Of Rock – The Musical

Cody Riker (The Addams Family, Rent, and the winner of NY Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre Education) makes an impressive directing debut with Theatrical. Riker shapes the production with sharp pacing, precise comic timing, and genuine emotional depth. His guidance draws confident, authentic performances from the young cast, seamlessly integrating staging, musical numbers, and ensemble work to maintain energy and momentum throughout. Award-winning choreographer Jaimee White injects the show with high-voltage, inventive movement, transforming classroom scenes into bursts of coordinated chaos and elevating musical numbers into visually thrilling showcases of talent. The dance routines highlight individuality while reinforcing teamwork, perfectly complementing Riker’s vision. The result is a lively, dynamic production that celebrates creativity, confidence, and the joy of performance, capturing the rebellious spirit of rock music while engaging audiences of all ages.

Musical Director Malcolm Fawcett (Mamma Mia!, Strictly Ballroom, Spamalot), also in his Theatrical debut guides a skilled pit rock band and talented on-stage musicians to bring Andrew Lloyd Webber’s challenging score vividly to life. Their precision, energy, and musicality create an electrifying performance, transforming complex compositions into a thrilling, high-voltage musical experience.

Mark McDowell and Andre Branda-Pawlaczyk’s set is clever and highly adaptable, effortlessly transforming between the Horace Green classroom (complete with wooden desks), the school staffroom, Dewey’s apartment, and the Battle of the Bands stage. Ian Scott’s lighting shifts mood and energy seamlessly, highlighting both intimate and high-octane moments while Noah Chrapot’s sound design ensures every word and lyric is clear, balancing quieter scenes with the explosive rock numbers. Together, the set, lighting, and sound create a seamless, immersive theatrical world, enhancing the story and bringing the show’s vibrant, high-voltage musical energy to life.

Costumes designed by Ella Campbell bring the characters vividly to life, perfectly balancing the world of elite private schooling with the show’s rock ‘n’ roll energy. From the crisp, polished uniforms of the students and the smart, tailored looks of the teachers and parents, to the bold, inventive, and eye-catching ensembles worn at the Battle of the Bands finale, every outfit reflects character, personality, and story. The designs are versatile, playful, and full of flair.

A star clearly destined for great things, John Yanko (Shrek, Seussical, We Will Rock You, and a finalist on ABC’s The Piano) shines as Dewey Finn — or rather, the hilariously fraudulent Mr. Schneebly. Yanko is a performer far beyond his years, combining natural charisma with exceptional vocal power and an effortless command of the rock genre’s demanding range. His performance is magnetic; every scene he’s in crackles with energy and mischief. With impeccable comic timing, he transforms Dewey from a chaotic annoyance into an endearing underdog the audience can’t help but root for. Beneath the bluster, Yanko reveals genuine warmth and heart, grounding the character’s journey in sincerity. It’s a masterful balance of comedy, music, and emotion. Yanko delivers a standout performance that anchors the entire production — a tour de force that deserves every accolade coming his way.

Anna Dinyes (The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Urinetown, Pippin) delivers a captivating performance as Principal Rosalie Mullins, effortlessly balancing stern authority with hidden vulnerability. Her crystalline soprano soars breathtakingly in “Queen of the Night”, a dazzling display of technical brilliance, while her Act Two solo “Where Did the Rock Go” pulses with heartfelt warmth and emotional intensity. Dinyes masterfully transforms from a strict, no-nonsense disciplinarian into a richly layered, relatable, and unforgettable character, showcasing extraordinary acting skills that bring depth, nuance, and emotional authenticity to every moment on stage.

It’s hard to believe this is Dylan Crawley’s first return to the stage since his high school days. As the real Ned Schneebly, Crawley balances the role’s uptight sensibility with effortless comedic timing, making him both endearing and hilarious. Imogen Alexander, as his assertive girlfriend Patty Di Marco, bursts onto the stage with fiery confidence and powerhouse vocals that command attention. Together, they share electric chemistry—their playful tension and perfectly timed exchanges create some of the show’s funniest and most charming moments. The remaining adult cast were equally captivating, effortlessly shifting between teachers, parents, rock band members, and other supporting roles. Alyssa Jandayan stood out as the lead singer of the fictional rock band No Vacancy. Her rendition of “I’m Too Hot for You”, flawlessly conquering Webber’s fiendishly demanding, high-octane number—not once, but twice—demonstrated incredible vocal range, stamina, and magnetic stage presence that left the audience cheering.

At tonight’s opening, the Gibson Cast (alternating with the Fender Cast for certain performances) of young performers was nothing short of extraordinary. These remarkable triple—and even quadruple—threats, four of whom play live instruments onstage, commanded the audience’s attention with their confidence, skill, and stage presence. Each of the 17 children, aged between 9 and 15, imbued their characters with individuality, depth, and authenticity, making every interaction feel natural, spontaneous, and genuinely engaging. Many were making their debut in a production of this calibre, yet their acting, singing, dancing, and musicianship were executed with a professionalism and polish that belied their years.

Ayda Melody Hendricks dazzles as Summer Hathaway, the clever, sassy, and determined student who drives Dewey’s band forward. She combines charisma, wit, and emotional nuance, creating a character both relatable and inspiring. Talitha Koontse shines as the shy yet powerful Tomika Spencer-Williams, delivering a beautifully controlled and heartfelt rendition of “Amazing Grace”, while Elliott Hayes delights as the eccentric, larger-than-life costume designer Billy Sandford, whose comic timing and expressive physicality elevate every scene he appears in. “If Only You Would Listen” emerged as one of the evening’s most touching moments, a heartfelt reminder of how vital it is for parents to truly hear their children. Delivered with sincere emotion and subtle nuance, the performance didn’t just resonate—it lingered, leaving the audience quietly moved long after the final note.

Adding to the magic of the show is the live, onstage music performed by four of the young cast along with John Yanko. The School of Rock band—Jing Tao on keyboards as Lawrence, Sophie Arnold on bass as Katie Travis, Caleb Nigli on lead guitar as Zack Mooneyham, and Ethan Nigli on drums as Freddy Hamilton—blew the roof off with tight ensemble work, dazzling solos, and an infectious energy that drew cheers from the audience. The rock infused showstoppers “You’re in the Band”, “Stick It to the Man”, and “School of Rock” held the audience in awe.

With such a large and talented cast, it’s impossible to name every shining star, but each performer—young or seasoned—contributes vitally to this production’s success. Their dedication, energy, and skill elevate the show to thrilling heights, taking the audience “to the top of Mount Rock.”

Congratulations to all—you’ve created a truly unforgettable ‘Theatrical’ experience!

Don’t miss it!

Jonathan Cox

Photos: Natalie Edge