‘School of Rock’ on stage starting May 15 at Northbrook Community Theatre
Get ready for a rollicking, high-octane good time next month with Northbrook Community Theatre’s production of “School of Rock.”
The musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber is based on the 2003 movie starring Jack Black, which broke the record for music-themed comedies at the time by grossing nearly $20 million at opening.
The main character is Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who gets kicked out of his rock band and poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There, he makes jaws drop by turning a class of academically-focused pupils into an amazing, head-banging, guitar-shredding rock band.
Five performances featuring a cast of 31 actors as young as 9 through 60-plus will take place between May 15 and 18 at the Northbrook Theatre, a program of the Northbrook Park District.
The park district is thrilled that its community theater musical programming — which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary — continues to elicit enthusiasm among the community, said Performing Arts Supervisor Melody DeRogatis.
“Music belongs everywhere and to everybody — everyone deserves the chance to rock!,” De Rogatis said. “At its heart, ‘School of Rock’ is about self-acceptance and celebrating the people around you for exactly who they are. I hope everyone comes to our show to celebrate their authentic selves and rock out with us!”
Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, May 15 and 16; Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 17; and Sunday, 2 p.m. May 18. Tickets are $27.
Northbrook Theatre is inside the Northbrook Park District’s Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nbparks.org/programs/theatre.
Northbrook Community Theatre is one of three companies under the umbrella of Northbrook Theatre, along with Northbrook Theatre Youth Company and Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences.
Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship