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REVIW: School of Rock the Musical - Communication in Action

School of Rock Hits All the Right Notes


It was one of those classic Brisbane days where the weather couldn't make up its mind—rain, sun, maybe a bit of both, who knows? But inside the Talbot Theatre at the Thomas Dixon Centre, there was no such confusion—School of Rock by Communication in Action was a rocking hit!


From Screen to Stage in Record Time

This turbo-charged junior show was the culmination of months worth of preparation and a six-day holiday workshop for the majority of the cast. It brought together students from Year 2 to Year 12, all united by their shared love for music, theatre, and rocking out. Inspired by the beloved 2003 film and featuring new tunes by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, the story follows Dewey Finn, a rock guitarist whose career hit the skids, only to stumble into a gig as a substitute teacher at a stuffy private school. Instead of sticking to the curriculum, Dewey uncovers the students' musical talents and whips them into a band to compete in the epic Battle of the Bands. It's a tale of rebellion, self-discovery, and transformative power of rock music.


 

The Adults: Bringing the Magic Together

Leading the charge as Dewey Finn, Tim Carroll delivered a powerhouse performance, easily channeling Jack Black’s chaotic energy while making the role entirely his own. With electrifying energy fuelled by the young cast and killer vocals that could shatter glass (in a good way), he had the audience laughing, cheering, and (if you’re me) frantically Googling, “how high is the belt in the School of Rock opening number?” Belting an A4 over and over again is no small feat! In his performances of 'When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock' and 'You’re in the Band', Carroll balanced the raw rock grit with the polish of musical theatre and the unbelievable stamina of a true professional, channeling the essence of the original Dewey, Alex Brightman.

 

Opposite him, Jordan Twigg exuded elegance and authority as Rosalie Mullins, the school’s principal. Her role demanded soaring high notes for 'Horace Green', while her heartfelt solo, 'Where Did the Rock Go?' stood out as an emotional highlight with remarkable belting. During the 20 glorious seconds of the bridge, her performance left me completely breathless (you had to be there). It was a beautifully tender moment amidst the chaos, and as a fellow music teacher, it deeply resonated with me.



The Cast: Kids with Killer Talent

Saana Chang as Tomika had everyone falling head over heels as her timid wallflower character morphed into a rock star with enough swagger to rival Mick Jagger. Her a cappella rendition of 'Amazing Grace' for the band singer audition was so mesmerising that you could hear a pin drop in the theatre, leaving the audience completely spellbound. She followed it up with a heartfelt reprise of 'If Only You Would Listen' and a passionate solo feature in 'Teacher's Pet'.


Mahin Singh (Zach) rocked out as the band's lead guitarist, while Henry Woodward (Freddy) kept the beats tight on drums. Xavier Loxton (Lawrence) killed it on the keys and Ariella Meehan (Katie) was effortlessly cool as the bassist. Darci Allen (Shonelle) and Emily Carrick (Marcy) rounded out the band with their beautiful backup vocals. Together, they brought the band's dynamic to life, each playing their part to perfection. The song 'If Only You Would Listen' offered a window into the personal lives of their characters. Their performance poignantly explored their struggle to satisfy their parents while feeling perpetually overworked and overlooked. The song's depth underscored the intellectual and emotional intelligence of their young characters, offering a glimpse into the pressures they faced each day.


Holly Kenyon as Summer, the overachieving student turned band manager, was a whirlwind of energy. Leading the number 'Time to Play,' she brought a level of intensity and stamina that perfectly matched her character’s bulldozer-like determination. Kenyon’s performance infused Summer with a driven, no-nonsense attitude that made her impossible to ignore.


A big shoutout to Ted Hagley as Billy, the band stylist, who stole every scene he popped into! With his dramatic flair and adorably confident stage presence, he had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. The short cameos featuring Tomika’s dads, Hamish Treweeke and Noah Byrne, were hysterical and kept the audience captivated by their antics.

 

Special mentions also go to Harry Morgan as Ned and Lucie La Saveant as Patty. Morgan brought a down-to-earth charm to Ned, skillfully balancing his passivity with intense bursts of rage when the moment called for it. Meanwhile, La Saveant dazzled in her solo, 'Give Up Your Dreams,' belting out notes with the power and stamina of a professional.


Among a highly talented cast, certain performers undeniably stood out, giving 110% in every scene. Their unwavering commitment to their roles shone through, with expressive faces and energy that reached the very back row. While I could name names, I’ll leave it to the audience to decide their favourites—after all, this cast was brimming with talent!

 

'Teacher’s Pet,' was everything you’d want from a finale: loud, high-energy, lengthy, and pure fun. By the time the encore rolled around—AC/DC’s 'It’s a Long Way to the Top'—the entire theatre felt like it had transformed into a rock concert. It was the perfect send-off to a high-octane show. It is worth noting that the "band" was elevated but positioned far-upstage. While practical, it did create a large distance between them and the action/audience, though their impact on the final performance was still undeniable!

 

Design and Space

The creative team truly outdid themselves. Directed by the legendary Tim Hill, with music direction by Stephanie Taylor and choreography by Natalia Hines, this production of School of Rock proved to be far more than just a fun summer project—it was a polished showcase of young talent, high energy, and a lot of heart. Hill’s direction ensured a fast-paced show while keeping the massive ensemble fully engaged and involved. The older teens donned their best "adulting" personas as the parents and teachers, while the younger cast played the Horace Green students.


Even the smaller moments—like the Guitar Hero session or the Stevie Nicks jukebox scene—had the ensemble cast somehow involved in the action. This attention to detail brought the world of School of Rock alive and gave every performer multiple chances to appear. The themes of the show—self-expression, breaking free from societal expectations, and finding your voice—resonated beautifully, thanks to Hill’s ability to balance heartfelt moments with humour.

 

Stephanie Taylor's music direction kept the energy high, guiding the cast through challenging and dynamic numbers with finesse. Taylor’s work brought out the best in the cast, from the belted anthems of 'You’re in the Band' to the soulful harmonies of 'If Only You Would Listen' to the lung-busting 'Stick It to the Man'. The music playback flowed smoothly and the tight scene transitions underscored the polished nature of the production, ensuring that every song landed with impact.

Natalia Hines’s choreography was a perfect blend of youthful energy and rock-and-roll spirit, making good use of the expansive stage typically reserved for grand ballet performances. 'Stick It to the Man' stood out as a showstopper, featuring impressive acro by Saana Chang and Holly Kenyon. The playful use of hair-ography (those flying pigtails and plaits!) added extra flair to the routines. Hines crafted choreography that was both edgy and suited for the large cast, aiming to make every moment visually engaging, particularly when they were positioned downstage.


Let’s take a moment to appreciate the technical side of this production. The costumes—plaid uniforms for a small army of kids—were not just impressive in quantity but in their detail. The projections were like high-tech, immersive portals, zipping the audience from one setting to another. The polished sound design guaranteed that every lyric and joke landed, with the cast delivering (unsurprisingly) excellent enunciation. The lighting maintained the large space's visual dynamism, ensuring the show's energy was felt from every corner of the venue.


Having never set foot in the Talbot Theatre before, I was blown away by its stage—by its spacious stage and incredible acoustics—perfect for a production of this scale. This junior version of School of Rock crammed as much heart and talent into 90 minutes as the full-length show. The audience cheered with admiration, laughed hard (I’m sure my cackling from the third row echoed like a hyena), and left with full hearts and sore hands from clapping.


As a music teacher, I was profoundly touched by the central theme of School of Rock: guiding students to discover their voice and gain the confidence to express it. Observing these young performers experience that journey on stage felt like a beautiful extension of my own work, and it was a privilege to witness their transformation into rock stars.

 

To the 80+ children involved, you were all absolutely fantastic! From the big soloists to the tiniest ensemble member, each and every one of you contributed to making this production of joyful triumph. Bravo to Communication in Action for giving these kids such a fantastic opportunity to shine. If you’re ever considering a holiday workshop, don’t walk—rock your way over to Communication in Action!

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