Brockville Operatic Society’s Production of ‘School of Rock’ Opens Tonight at the Brockville Arts Centre

Brockville – The Brockville Operatic Society’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, School of Rock opens tonight and runs until Saturday.

The show is directed by Cameron Wales with music direction by Heather Jones, and is produced by Peter Yerdon and Jordan Ross. Shows are being held at the Brockville Arts Centre from October 11th to 14th.

“Heather and I were looking to do a fun show with lots of energy, and we were specifically looking at newer productions that BOS audiences may not have seen yet. I loved the original film and knew School of Rock was our show as soon as I heard the music,” says director Cameron Wales.

“The energy in this production is amazing, and there is a great lesson about being who you are and staying true to your creative side. There’s also a very direct message about the value of the arts in education, which bears repeating,” Wales adds. “The live music from youth performers is also pretty special – it’s added a new dynamic that we don’t always get to play with in a musical. All in, this show rocks! I am so proud of the entire team and can’t wait for people to see it.”

Based on the 2003 film of the same name, School of Rock follows the journey of Dewey Finn, a passionate, but unemployed, wannabe rock star. Desperate for cash, Dewey impersonates his best friend and roommate Ned Schneebly and lands a job as a substitute teacher at Horace Green, a very prestigious and expensive prep school. After discovering that the students in his class are musically talented, he assigns them an unusual class project — forming a rock band to participate in the upcoming Battle of the Bands competition, while keeping the project a secret from Horace Green faculty and their parents.

One unique aspect of this musical is that audiences will see the actors rocking their hearts out on stage. Seven of the children, as well as the actors James Close and Brennan Michener, who alternate playing Dewey Finn, will be playing their instruments live throughout the performances.

What are the actors most excited about? “It’s working with the kids,” says James Close, who plays Dewey Finn. “When I was their age and starting to perform, I had older mentors who helped me to be a better player. Getting the chance to give that back to today’s kids is the best part of the show.”

School of Rock is going to be big! For the first time ever, The Brockville Operatic Society will have six performances in a row, including a matinee on Wednesday, October 11 which is reserved for local schools. Such a major performance relies on a lot of great local talent and the production team has succeeded in finding an outstanding cast. The role of Dewey as well as 13 of the child roles will be played by two actors who alternate between shows. This show is guaranteed to blow some minds!

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. every evening from October 11th through the 14th with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, October 14th.

Tickets are $39.50 + HST for Adults, $28.50 + HST for Children and students Under 18, $34.50 + HST for Adult groups of 10 or more and $26.50 + HST for Children and students Under 18 Groups. A Family of 5 or more discount (Adults $34.50 + HST & Children/Students Under 18 $26.50 + HST)

For more information or to purchase tickets for School of Rock visit www.bactickets.ca