The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department presents a high-octane stage experience when they bring “School of Rock: The Musical” to the LMC Mendel Center Hanson Theatre on the College’s Benton Harbor Campus.
Performances are at 7 p.m. March 28-29 and April 4-5, along with a matinee presentation at 3 p.m. April 6. Tickets are on sale through the Mendel Center box office.
According to show producer, production manager, and LMC Instructor of Theatre Shalico Sain, “School of Rock” is part of a thematic season, showcasing the power of arts and music on people’s lives.
“It’s a perfect contrast to the heavier, emotional content of our fall show, “I Never Saw Another Butterfly,” stated Sain. “We loved the script, story, and music and thought it would be a great way to draw in more community members since there is a diverse age range for the show. Our hope is that it will increase involvement in and visibility of our program.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning smash hit musical premiered on Broadway in 2015. Since then, it has been performed on stages around the world. Based on the hit film, this hilarious musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, helping her rediscover the wild child within.
“I am so thrilled to contribute to the season by directing “School of Rock.” As an LMC alumni myself, it is an honor to come back and share what I learned during my time with the performing arts department,” said show director and LMC Class of 2000 Alumnus Susan Matheny.
“School of Rock” is directed by Susan Matheny with assistance from Rebecca Derbas-Selvidge as music director.
Tickets are $15 general admission and $5 for students under 18. LMC students, faculty, and staff are admitted free. Tickets are available at www.TheMendelCenter.com/events
SCHOOL OF ROCK is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group. www.concordtheatricals.com
