The Kids Rock – Having Fun at School
Reviewed by Sandi Laird
School of Rock was a hugely successful movie starring Jack Black released in 2003 and later became a successful theatre musical. This year an energetic, enthusiastic, and talented group of London and area high school students have jumped into the fray. The Grand Theatre’s 28th High School Project will have you rocking and clapping. And not only is the onstage cast from London and area high schools but a student production team lends their talent as well.
I would be remiss not to quote directly from Grand Theatre Artistic Director Rachel Peake. “Every year the Grand Theatre High School Project is the show that brings us back from summer, leads us into the season, and sets the tone,” shares Peake. “School of Rock is a fun, high-energy show, and a chance for high school students to be playing instruments right on the stage. It’s a show about the strength of young people and about how your individuality – your weirdness – is your strength.”
Isaac De Melo leads the cast in the role of Dewey Finn. DeMelo sings, plays guitar and is the driver behind the on-stage antics. Dewey is a wannabe rock star who seems unmotivated to get off the couch and make the rent money. His best friend and roommate Ned Schneebly humorously played by Junior Van Geffen, along with Ned’s girlfriend Patty, played by Lara Manocchi, pressure him to get off the couch and earn money or to get out! Loath to focus on anything but his music, Dewey hatches a diabolical plan to steal Ned’s teaching offer and paycheque at Horace Green High School. With no teaching skills and zero interest in math, history, or science, Dewey focuses on music. The kids are bewildered by their new substitute teacher but soon get on board with forming a real rock band and winning the Battle of the Bands. Over the course of the play, the students find new confidence under Dewey’s leadership.
London and area talents rule this show under the deft hand of Director Lezlie Wade. The cast and creative team is huge. I will mention a few of the standouts. Isaac De Melo as Dewey brings the dream to life with energy and charisma. Lily Barned as Miss Wagner captures the no nonsense quality of a principal with a surprising twist. Her soprano voice is exceptional. I think we will be seeing more of De Melo and Barned in the future! Junior Van Geffen as the real Ned portrays him as confused and torn between friend and girlfriend. Van Geffen has excellent comedic timing. And Lara Manocchi as Patty played her role to perfection – bossy, demanding, unlikeable – what a performance!
The set was complex – lots of moving pieces to represent the school, the apartment, the stage for Battle of the Bands – but the cast and crew seemed comfortable with the assignment and make the transitions smoothly. I was delighted to see the pictures under of the banner of Horace Green High School – all serious, old scholars – change in the second half to female rock legends – Annie Lennox, Dolly Parton, Tina Turner and more. A nice nod to talented rockers.
The audience for School of Rock loved every minute of the show. I do not think anyone could ignore their enthusiasm. Kudos to the Grand Theatre and its partners, the creative team and the impressive, talented London and area highschoolers. You’re in the band!
School of Rock continues at the Grand Theatre, Spriet Stage, London until Oct. 3, 2026. Tickets are available at the Grand box office at 519-672-8800 or 1-800-265-1593 or visit www.grandtheatre.com
Photo: School of Rock cast. Photo by Dalhia Katz
School of Rock
Based on the Paramount movie by Mike White
Book by Julian Fellowes
Lyrics by Glenn Slater
New Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Director – Lezlie Wade
Music Director – Matthew Atkins
Choreographer – Julius Sermonia
Set Designer – Julia Callon
Costume Designer – Meghan Choma
Lighting Designer – Jareth Li
Sound Designer – Brian Kenny
Intimacy Director – Kerry Hisho
Vocal Coach – Tora Klassen
Stage Manager – Kelly Luft
Assistant Stage Manager – Melissa Cameron.
Actor-musician roles performed by Isaac De Melo, Raya Campbell, Rilla De Souza, Emmett Franck, Sam Harson, Malaya MacDonald, Paxton Nair, Duncan Patrick, Daxton Scurr, and Junior Van Geffen.
Additional performers – Lily Barned, Charlie Burnett, Leland Chafee, Patrick Coombs, Gwendolyn Cornies, Peyton Crosby, Isla Fitzsimons, Cordelia Hawley, Isabelle Hiltz, Jake Hoare, Aya Holzberg, Sarah Jenkinson, Solange Kirkwood, Marian Viancy Mamigo, Lara Manocchi, Amaya Musvosvi, Isabelle Parent, Owen Petersen, Tessa Pritchett-White, Taylor Reaume-Cunning, Sal Rogers, Solarah Rose, Olivia Rossignoli, and Alexandra Stockford
Behind the scenes – Stanislava Chulkova, Chloe Laporte, Ollie Neeb, Elodie Wilson, Margaret Frisa, Madelaine Prémont, Rian Renaud, Tiffani Seed, Maria Van Geffen, Abby Cullaton, Koda Greene-Cavanagh, Kade Campbell, Juliana Dinnin, Quentin Vieira, Samuel Craig, Nina Madelska-Hallows, Emma Hope, and Amar Moussa.
Grand Theatre, Spriet Stage, 471 Richmond Street, London
September 22 to October 3, 2026
Reviewed by Sandi Laird