Overview
Synopsis
Based on the hit 2003 film, School of Rock follows Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who is down on his luck. After Dewey is kicked out of his band, and threatened with eviction, his fortunes take a turn for the better when he intercepts a phone call meant for his flatmate, Ned Schneebly. He quickly decides to make a bit of cash and pose as Ned to take up a supply teaching post at Horace Green, a prestigious prep school. He is horrified to discover that his straight-laced and straight-A students haven’t a clue about rock and roll, and he makes it his mission to educate them. Dewey realizes they are a talented bunch and he decides to mold them into a rock band and enter the upcoming Battle of the Bands competition. However, he needs to do all of this away from the prying eyes of the school’s principal, Rosalie Mullins. Along the way, Dewey finds romance, self-worth, a proper job, and, most importantly, he teaches the children and their parents the beauty of rock!
Show Information
- Book
- Julian Fellowes
- Music
- Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Lyrics
- Glenn Slater
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- School of Rock (2003 film)
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2015
- Genres
- Comedy
- Settings
- Contemporary, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Horace Green School, America, Present Day
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- Rock Combo
- Dancing
- Musical Staging
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- High School, Professional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Female Cast, Includes Adult, Child, Early Teen Characters, Large Cast
Context
School of Rock is based on the hit 2003 film of the same name. Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Julian Fellowes and Glenn Slater, it premiered on Broadway in December 2015 at the Winter Garden Theatre, with previews beginning on November 9. The show starred Alex Brightman as Dewey Finn and Sierra Boggess as Rosalie Mullins. It was also the first time, since Jesus Christ Superstar, that an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical premiered on Broadway, rather than London’s West End. The Broadway
to read the context for School of Rock and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
The musical opens with a performance by the upcoming band 'No Vacancy'. Their guitarist, Dewey Finn, attempts to upstage the lead singer by introducing a wild guitar solo into their song ("I'm Too Hot for You”). The rest of the band has had enough, as Dewey storms off the stage. The following morning, Dewey’s flatmate, Ned Schneebly, bickers with his domineering girlfriend, Patty Di Marco, about Dewey’s disgusting habits around the flat. Despite Ned’s warnings, she decides to
to read the plot for School of Rock and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Female |
|
|
|
Featured |
Female |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Female |
|
|
|
Featured |
Female |
|
|
|
Featured |
Female |
|
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Bass-Baritone |
Songs
Act One
“I’m Too Hot for You” – No Vacancy and Dewey
“When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock” – Dewey
“Horace Green Alma Mater” – Rosalie, students and teachers
“Here at Horace Green” – Rosalie
“Variation 7” – Dewey and Ned
“Children of Rock” – Dewey and Ned
“Mount Rock (Reprise)” – Patty
“Queen of the Night” – Rosalie, Dewey
“You’re in the Band” – Dewey and students
“You’re in the Band (Reprise)” – Dewey and students
“If Only You Would Listen” – Students
“In the End of Time (A Cappella Version)” – Dewey
“Faculty Quadrille” – Teachers
“In the End of Time (Band Practice)” – Dewey and students
“Stick It to the Man” – Dewey and students
“In the End of Time (The Audition)” – Dewey and students
“Stick It to the Man (Reprise)” – Dewey and students
Act Two
“Time to Play” – Summer and students
“Amazing Grace” – Tomika
“Math Is a Wonderful Thing” – Dewey and students
“Where Did the Rock Go?” – Rosalie
“School of Rock (Band Practice)” – Dewey and students
“Dewey’s Confession” – Dewey, Rosalie, Patty, Ned and Parents
“If Only You Would Listen (Reprise)” – Tomika and Other Students
“I’m Too Hot for You (Reprise)” – No Vacancy
“School of Rock” – Dewey and students
“Stick It to the Man (Encore)” – Dewey and students
“Finale” – Full Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher