'School of Rock' returns with high-energy rock spirit

A scene from the musical "School of Rock" / Courtesy of S&CO

"School of Rock” has emerged as an unexpected treasure from Andrew Lloyd Webber, the iconic composer celebrated globally for his classical work "The Phantom of the Opera." The "angel of music” skillfully demonstrates his prowess in the genre of rock in this vibrant production.

Based on the 2003 film of the same name, "School of Rock" follows a transformative journey of failed, wannabe rock star Dewey Finn and students of the prestigious Horace Green Preparatory School as they come together under the power of rock music.

The musical returned to Korea five years after its premiere in 2019. Actor Conner Gillooly reprises his energetic portrayal of Dewey, while the young band members, portrayed by a new generation of actors, bring fresh energy to the stage.

Conner Gillooly plays Dewey in the musical "School of Rock." Courtesy of S&CO

“It was an absolutely unbelievable experience back in 2019," he said during a press conference at the Seoul Arts Center, Jan. 10.

"I truly did not know what to expect. I had only heard slight things from other performers who had worked in Korea. And they said that you just have to see it for yourself. And it was an absolute explosion of enthusiasm and enjoyment and just I've never felt so connected with an audience.”

He recalled the extraordinary warmth and engagement of Korean audiences.

“Just the care that I felt from the audience throughout the show was very special. And then at the finale, the final climax of the show, every single show felt like opening night and every single curtain call was just an absolute eruption of joy.”

Young actors sing "Stick it to the Man" in the musical "School of Rock." Courtesy of S&CO

One of the production's highlights is the live performance by the young musicians, as emphasized by Lloyd Webber himself. This production’s talented ensemble, averaging 11.5 years in age, skillfully handles instruments often larger than themselves.’

“This show rules. It is pure joy. It is the power of music. It is these young performers. They bring so much life into this show. It is something you just have to see to believe and I'm dropping the mic at that,” Gillooly said, sharing his thoughts on performing alongside them each night.

Hanley Webb, who plays Zack, is a guitar prodigy who started playing the guitar at age 5 and achieved his grade 8 distinction in electric guitar at 10. Samia Rose Afify, who learned guitar at 10, plays Katie, the bassist of the School of Rock band.

Samuel Bickmore is a drum genius, who earned his grade 8 in drumming at London's Trinity College when he was 10. Thomas Thornycroft, who plays Lawrence the keyboardist, starts off as quirky, but becomes the hottest boy after joining the band.

The supporting young cast, veterans of acclaimed shows like "Les Miserables," "Matilda" and "Frozen" in the U.K., fill roles from chorus and manager to tech and stylist, adding layers of talent to the production.

Creators of the musical "School of Rock" in Korea, from left associate director Christopher Key, associate choreographer Michaela Powell and music supervisor John Rigby, pose ahead of a press conference in Seoul, Jan. 10. Courtesy of S&CO

Associate choreographer Michaela Powell said the young cast and their relationships with the instruments influence the choreography as they are up on desks, sliding across the stage with giant instruments.

"It absolutely does influence the choreography but the thing about this show is the heartbeat is the music so everything revolves around what's happening to these kids and their journey discovering rock music and discovering themselves as well," she said.

"The problem we have with these kids is these instruments are like a second, third, fourth limb to them. They just come alive when they have these instruments. But the journey that these kids go on in the show, they don't start as rock stars. So the issue that we have in the beginning is trying to make these kids uncool because they are really, really cool."

"School of Rock" transcends its perceived target audience of children and rock enthusiasts, offering universal appeal. While children would go wild when their peers find passion in rock and rebel against the adults, their parents could relate to the parents in the show, who discover true bonds with their children.

The narrative of rediscovering forgotten dreams is shown particularly through Horace Green's fastidious principal Rosalie Mullins' song "Where Did the Rock Go," which reflects on lost passions in music at a bar.

Dewey Finn (Conner Gillooly), left, and Rosalie Mullins (Ceili O'Connor) sing "Where Did the Rock Go" in the musical "School of Rock." Courtesy of S&CO

The show's music supervisor John Rigby said he believes that audiences are inspired by the portrayal of young individuals going on a journey of enlightenment and discovery through the power of music.

"I think the thing that people relate to with this show is the love and joy of music... I think music is a universal language. And it doesn't matter where in the world we are, the message is the same," Rigby said.

Actor Gillooly said the universal appeal of music resonated with him.

"I'm a fan of rock, of course, (and) I love to rock but I'm a fan of music in general. The sensation of K-pop has swept America. So you'll hear it everywhere. And honestly, I just think we all can connect with hearing live music. (Even) with technology and all the advancements that we've made, there's still nothing like being in a shared space and hearing some music together," the actor said.

"School of Rock" runs through March 24 at the Opera Theater of the Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul and will travel to Busan's Dream Theatre in April. The show is performed in English with Korean subtitles.