A top class high energy performance from Project Theatre's School of Rock

Two casts from Project Theatre – the juniors and seniors – impressed audiences and truly ‘stuck it to the man’ with their incredible performances of the hit musical from Thursday to Saturday.

With each cast performing two of the four shows there was a treat for the crowd, whichever show they attended.

School of Rock – The Musical follows down on his luck wannabe rock star Dewey Finn who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious US prep school. When he discovers the musical talents of the class, he enlists the pupils to form a rock group with the aim of winning the Battle of the Bands contest. He hopes the prize money will end his financial crisis.

The senior cast’s first performance on Friday night was on fire, from start to finish.

Massive credit to Layla Rutkiewicz who played Dewey. She put in a terrific performance, full of energy and comedy with incredible vocals. Layla was a perfect casting choice for the role made famous by Jack Black in the 2003 film. There was a great rapport between her and the rest of the cast on stage.

Freya McIntosh as new girl to the school Tomika shone with her stunning version of Amazing Grace, while Evie Grace Grey’s portrayal of principal Ms Mullins was suitably strict although a highlight was seeing her softer side when she sang ‘Where Did the Rock Go?’.

Imogen McKay as Summer Hathaway, the girl who becomes the band manager despite being determined not to break the rules, was a delight.

Special mention must go to the band members – Zack (Evan Steel), Freddie (Mollie Hume), Lawrence (Angus Graham) and Katie (Lucy Meikle) – for their fantastic performances throughout.

Other highlights included ‘You’re in the Band’ and the pupils’ ‘If Only You Would Listen’ and ‘Stick It to the Man’.

The group musical numbers were brilliant – strong, rocky, energetic and fun. It was clear to see how much fun these young performers were having on stage with their friends. Full credit to choreographer Samya Gurung for the high-energy routines, and a huge well done to director Kirsty Mather and musical director Calum Campbell for their work on this incredible production.

Although we may not have had the chance to see the junior Project Theatre cast in action on this occasion, we’ve only heard great things about their opening night on Thursday which received a standing ovation.

School of Rock was an enjoyable evening of fun, fast paced musical entertainment which showed off the wonderfully talented young people from across the district. Another top class production from Project Theatre.

Senior cast: Dewey Finn – Layla Rutkiewicz; Ned Schneebly – Gregor Holden; Patty Di Marco – Niamh Cunningham; Summer Hathaway – Imogen McKay; Tomika Williams – Freya McIntosh; Zack Mooneyham – Evan Steel; Billy Sandford – Meely Clem; Freddie Hamilton – Mollie Hume; Lawrence Turner – Angus Graham; Katie Travis – Lucy Meikle; Mason Ward – Ryan Tattersall; Marcy – Hope Galloway; Shonelle – Emmy Smith; Madison – Kayla Stark; James – Caitlin Jenkins; Rosalie Mullins – Evie Grace Grey; Ms Sheinkopf – Faye Campbell; Gabe Brown – Val Wyzgowski. Featured ensemble – Amelia Michie, Shannon Stewart, Iona Scott, Amy Webster, Mya Pricope, Ellie Gow, Roslyn Oliver, Noah Le Roux, Sarah Smyth, Caylagh McDiarmid, Willow Murtagh, Mason Niven, Kiera Whitlock, Rebecca Rushford, Ava Beuzelin, Lucy Pairman, Finlay Smith, Jesca Hardy Smith, Jessica Martin and Lydia Fraser.

Junior cast: Dewey Finn – Kai Morris; Ned Schneebly – Ramsay Shankland; Patty Di Marco – Alice Clark; Summer Hathaway – Emma Drent; Tomika Williams – Fern Waddell; Zack Mooneyham – Sonny Benny; Billy Sandford – Adam McCreath; Freddie Hamilton – Jessica Crow; Lawrence Turner – Daniel Fish; Katie Travis – Hannah Waddell; Mason Ward – Jessica Fleming; Marcy – Zoe Spence; Shonelle – Flora Graham; Madison – Myra McAlpine; James – Piper Robb; Rosalie Mullins – Eyvie Rae; Ms Sheinkopf – Kara Richardson; Gabe Brown – Poppy Marshall.

Featured ensemble – Emma Fish, Sofia Callaghan, Lloyd Blount, Billie-Rose Lawson, Grace McAlister, Elodie Finn, Ella Campbell, Emilie Cameron, Eliezer Mckinlay, Arianna Moore, Alice Spence, Holly Brown, Matthew Meikle, Rose Hall, Jessica Quirk, Kaycey-Anne Cameron and Areej Hamad.