Andrew Lloyd Webber's "School of Rock" Receives Acclaim in Korea
Kang In sig
insig6622@naver.com | 2024-01-20 03:21:06
Iconic composer showcases rock prowess in vibrant production, featuring a young cast and live performances
▲ Courtesy of S&COThe musical, currently running at the Opera Theater of the Seoul Arts Center until March 24, marks its return to Korea five years after its 2019 premiere. The production follows the transformative journey of Dewey Finn, a failed rock star, and the students of Horace Green Preparatory School as they unite through the power of rock music.
Conner Gillooly, reprising his role as Dewey, expressed his astonishment at the warmth and engagement of Korean audiences during a recent press conference. The musical features a new generation of actors portraying the young band members, bringing fresh energy to the stage.
The standout element of the production is the live performances by the young musicians, with the ensemble averaging 11.5 years in age, handling instruments often larger than themselves. Lloyd Webber himself highlighted this aspect, praising the talent and energy they bring to the show.
The young cast includes guitar prodigy Hanley Webb, bassist Samia Rose Afify, drum genius Samuel Bickmore, and keyboardist Thomas Thornycroft, all showcasing exceptional musical abilities. The supporting young cast, with experience in acclaimed shows like "Les Miserables" and "Matilda" in the U.K., adds layers of talent to the production.
"School of Rock" transcends its perceived target audience, offering universal appeal. The narrative, centered around rediscovering forgotten dreams through the power of music, resonates with audiences of all ages. The musical's music supervisor, John Rigby, emphasized the universal language of music and the inspiration drawn from young individuals on a journey of enlightenment.
The production, performed in English with Korean subtitles, is set to travel to Busan's Dream Theatre in April after concluding its run at the Seoul Arts Center.
Courtesy of S&CO
"School of Rock," a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the 2003 film, has become an unexpected success, showcasing the composer's versatility beyond classical works like "The Phantom of the Opera."
Conner Gillooly, reprising his role as Dewey, expressed his astonishment at the warmth and engagement of Korean audiences during a recent press conference. The musical features a new generation of actors portraying the young band members, bringing fresh energy to the stage.
The standout element of the production is the live performances by the young musicians, with the ensemble averaging 11.5 years in age, handling instruments often larger than themselves. Lloyd Webber himself highlighted this aspect, praising the talent and energy they bring to the show.
The young cast includes guitar prodigy Hanley Webb, bassist Samia Rose Afify, drum genius Samuel Bickmore, and keyboardist Thomas Thornycroft, all showcasing exceptional musical abilities. The supporting young cast, with experience in acclaimed shows like "Les Miserables" and "Matilda" in the U.K., adds layers of talent to the production.
"School of Rock" transcends its perceived target audience, offering universal appeal. The narrative, centered around rediscovering forgotten dreams through the power of music, resonates with audiences of all ages. The musical's music supervisor, John Rigby, emphasized the universal language of music and the inspiration drawn from young individuals on a journey of enlightenment.
The production, performed in English with Korean subtitles, is set to travel to Busan's Dream Theatre in April after concluding its run at the Seoul Arts Center.
Sayart
Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com
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