School of Rock to be one for the ages

With only weeks to go Wonthaggi Theatrical Group is at the height of rehearsal to bring “School of Rock: The Musical” to the stage.

School of Rock follows wannabe rock star Dewey Finn, played by the hilarious talents of Jay Nelson, as he transforms the students of Horace Green Prep School from orchestral geniuses to gods of rock and roll!

Since October, these talented young people have been rehearsing and rocking out three times a week to showcase their talents. 

One of the unique features of School of Rock is that the kids play live on the stage throughout the performance; so not only do they have to sing, dance and act, they have to be able to add a fourth element of playing live from memory.

From the basics of old school recorder, the complexity of violin, and the thrashing of lead guitar, these kids show not only what they can do, but how they can pull it altogether and make it look so easy.

Leigh Owens and Jess Stein, both talented musicians in their own right, have been working tirelessly to weave the instruments on stage with the Pit Band off stage, a feat that is by no means easy. 

Throughout this process, the on-stage musicians often rehearse up to 4-5 hours per week - on top of what they have to do with singing and dancing - to achieve the desired level of “next level” performance. 

Director Bron Croatto says that: “the talent of these kids will blow the audience away. Their energy, enthusiasm and level of skill is inspiring. It’s a huge undertaking that they have all taken in their stride, and they have exceeded our expectations.”

School of Rock opens at Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre on March 3, and runs until March 18.
Tickets can be purchased via Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=1002409&