"School of Rock" Brings the House Down at Firehouse Center

Let’s do this through the power of rock.

"School of Rock” takes the stage at the Firehouse Center of the Arts. Based on the 2003 film, Dewey Finn, a washed-up musician, impersonates a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. He rallies his students as his rock band to compete in the Battle of the Bands competition. 

Get ready to rock! “School of Rock” at Firehouse Center is a smash hit! It felt like being at a concert. Fueled by passion, talent, and the power of rock, “School of Rock” is about more than just music. It’s about listening, learning who you are, and leadership. 

Chris Moody fills the energetic shoes of Jack Black’s iconic character, Dewey Finn. Moody is a talented actor, from his strong vocals to his impressive guitar-playing, and of course, his signature humor. Dewey is a lovable man-child who loafs around, but he is passionate. 

Dewey’s actions are in no way to be followed, but he has a genuine heart. He shows the kids they are so much more. Moody brings out the characters’ human qualities.

A tremendous group of 13 talented kid actors plays Dewey’s students. Their musical expertise is incredible to watch onstage, from guitar and drums to keyboard and singing voices. 

Their character interpretations are excellent. You have Summer, the overachieving, ambitious student played with precision by Stella Centore. Oliver Mardirosian plays Lawrence, a shy keyboard player who becomes more confident. Vivian Corrado’s vocal work is astounding as Tomika. 

Each young actor has moments to shine, with Annie Ziev (Katie) on bass, Thatcher Ahern’s funny one-liners as the flamboyant stylist, Billy, and Zack (Holden King Farbstein) learning to take a stand. Corbin Parker loves going metal as Freddie the drummer. 

Piper Lane and Grace Love Kenyon add strong vocal support as Marcy and Shonelle. Rori Rounds brings both Mason’s technical expertise and comical wit. Luca Centore (James), Sofia DeGrenier (Sophie), and Madison (Lucy Hecht) round out the ensemble, helping create the band.

The kids’ stories are the show’s heart. The song “If Only You Would Listen” has commendable heart from all the kids. 

Kristen Sehn conducts a memorable performance as the tightly-wound principal, Rosalie Mullins. Sehn’s soprano vocals are a highlight. Rosalie is fighting to escape a persona she never wanted, which Sehn beautifully laments in the song, “Where Did the Rock Go?”

Jeff Mitchell and Esme King Farbstein are hilarious as Ned and Patty. No small part exists in the theater. The supporting cast plays teachers, band members, and the children’s parents. My favorite scenes were the parents running frantically to find their kids.

A hardworking technical team transforms the Firehouse Center stage into a rock-concert classroom. From set designer Justin Lahue to Brett Reiss’s dynamic lighting design and Victoria Carot’s rock ‘n’ roll-spirited costumes. Scene transitions were also smooth, efficiently clearing the stage of several musical props. Everyone worked together. 

A live orchestra plays Andrew Lloyd Webber’s songs, including ‘You’re in the Band,’ ’Here at Horace Green,’ and ‘School of Rock.’ ‘Stick it to the Man’ is my favorite song ever since I first listened to it, and I always look forward to it. It does not disappoint.

Director James Turner is a passionate theater thespian. He made everyone’s talents shine. Beyond “School of Rock’s” music-based plot is a heartfelt story about finding one's voice. This heartfelt message came through in each scene. 

“Forget the cacophony of the outside world for just a little while, and listen to a new sound. A sound of hope, and a sound of rebellion. More noise,” Turner said. 

Audiences had the best time laughing, rocking along, and even joined in on the encore at the climax. “School of Rock” makes an excellent family outing at Firehouse Center in Newburyport, MA. Get your tickets to this epic concert before they sell out by Sunday, Sept. 6.