SCHENECTADY – “School of Rock,” which is at Proctors Theater in Schenectady through Sunday, is a solid show. The musical, which just closed on Broadway, after a three year run, is based on an extremely popular film, has a decent score and a feel-good story.
However, beyond those three positives, there are a dozen other good reasons to see the show. They are the 12 kids who play the featured roles. They are the reason you will leave Proctors smiling and in happy mood.
Indeed, despite a strong performance by Merritt David Janes as the slacker and failed rock musician, Dewey Finn, the first 40-minutes of the show drags. Perhaps it’s the idea that a wise guy loser finds himself in a job that he is totally unqualified for, in an environment in which he a total outsider, is so, so familiar. Whatever the reason, the story plods.
However, once Dewey cons his way into a substitute teaching job at a prestigious prep school and discovers the kids he is supposed to teach are intellectually superior to him, the story perks up. When he learns that the students also have a latent craving for the spotlight, things really take off, and the labored attempt at humor becomes a thing of the past.
With the number, “You’re in the Band,” which introduces and delightfully showcases the talents of the young performers, the show takes on an honest energy that carries you to the super finale featuring the songs “School of Rock” and “Stick it to the Man.”
In fact, they are the only two songs from the show that might stick in your head after the curtain falls. That’s not to say there aren’t other terrific moments -almost all featuring the kids. Young Grier Burke singing “Amazing Grace,” literally stops the show.
However, my favorite adult moment is, “Where Did Rock Go,” sung in the second act by the fussy school principle. Not only does Lexie Dorsett Sharp perform the number beautifully, it is also the only time in the show a character shows anything close to a genuine emotion. It’s a welcome relief to have an adult that has some dimension.
Without doubt, “School of Rock” will entertain you, but it will not make you think about anything deeper than how did Andrew Lloyd Webber and his lyricist Glenn Slater, manage to write so many forgettable songs? And, did the book writer Julian Fellowes really create the rich and moving television series, Downton Abby?
Sure, there are morals in the material, but they are shallow, even for a high energy musical. The career-oriented parents finally recognize that their kids having a passion about music is a good thing, and they bond. Dewey does learn from his students how to become a more honorable man.
Fortunately Janes is able to bring enough charm to Dewey so you almost forget he’s the guy who bummed off his best friend and then stole from him a good paying job at a prestigious school.
Indeed, though a solid presence throughout the show in a grueling role, James rarely dominates the musical. Most of the time he seems in support of the amazing cast of youngsters. The kids are excellent musicians, and though the choreography is most jumping up and down, the youngsters make it look original and spontaneous. More the miracle, because there is little that is original in “School of Rock” - and absolutely nothing that is spontaneous.
“School of Rock” is at Proctors through Sunday. It’s not great musical theater, but it is a show that is nearly impossible not to enjoy. For tickets and schedule information call 518-346-6204 or go to proctors.org
Bob Goepfert is theater reviewer for the Troy Record.
The views expressed by commentators are solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of this station or its management.
