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02/21/2023 08:06 AMPress release from Branford High School Performing Arts
Branford High School (BHS) Performing Arts invites the entire community to join them for a guitar-shredding, powerhouse production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony nominated musical, School of Rock, which runs from Wednesday, March 15 through Sunday, March 19 in the school’s Cathyann Roding Auditorium, 185 East Main St.
Based on the hit movie starring Jack Black, this inspirational musical tells the story of Dewey Finn, whose main goal in life is to be a rock and roll star. But when he gets kicked out of his own band and finds himself with no money to pay the rent, Dewey must find a job. When Horace Green Preparatory Academy, an elite, expensive private school, calls with an offer of a job for Finn’s roommate Ned Schneebly, Finn pretends to be Ned and accepts the position of substitute teacher.
In no time, Finn transforms his class of high-achieving, hyper-obedient students into rock stars, surprising everyone – including the students themselves. Together, the students find their joy and passion in the freedom of the music. And when Finn presents the class with the opportunity to compete in the Battle of the Bands, the students are all in. The only problem is that they must compete without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out…
School of Rock features a cast of multitalented students who not only sing and dance, but also play their instruments live on stage.
“We chose this musical because its message is one that we share as educators at BHS: the arts allow students to develop their creativity, self-expression, and confidence. Theater develops their capacity to empathize, and it gives them permission to tap into their emotions. And this show is teaching them to truly let loose and share their joy with an audience and with each other,” said Mike Martone, the production’s director and music director at BHS.
“This year, we knew we had a rare group of students who, in addition to their singing experience, had also studied piano, drums, guitar, and more. It was the perfect opportunity to choose a musical in which these talents could shine.”
Tickets for School of Rock are on sale now and can be purchased online. To purchase tickets visit www.bhsperformingarts.org Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 15 through Saturday, March 18 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 19. Cost is $18 for adults and $15 for children and seniors, plus fees. Donations will be collected in the lobby for the Cathyann Roding Scholarship Fund.
Questions about tickets can be emailed to BHSPerformingArts@BranfordSchools.org.
ABOUT BHS Performing Arts: BHS Performing Arts is the production arm of Branford High School, presenting a fall play, a spring musical, and several concerts throughout the year.
About School of Rock: First produced in 2015, this Broadway hit musical features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, book by Julian Fellowes, and lyrics by Glenn Slater. The Branford production is produced by Scott Towers and features direction by Colin Sheehan, musical direction and set design by Mike Martone, Jr., choreography by Paola Rarick; Lauren Farrell serves as Assistant Producer. Costumes are designed by Allison Nerone; lighting design Adam Jackson; sound design Brendan Krom; hair/makeup design Kathie Towers and Kellie Brown.