As a popular rock masterpiece by musical master Andrew Lloyd Webber, the original English musical "School of Rock" returns to the Shanghai stage after five years and will take this opportunity to continue its tour. On the evening of July 19th at Bank of Communications Qiantan 31 Performing Arts Center, the rock scene on the stage and the enthusiastic audience below the stage blended and echoed, witnessing a high-energy summer night.
In 2019, the play was introduced to China for the first time, touring 7 cities and performing 99 performances. After five years, the original hit, co-produced by Shanghai Media Group and gwb Entertainment, jointly presented by the British Real Good Group, and operated nationwide by the Shanghai Musical Art Center, returns to unleash the power of dream chasing.
A blockbuster masterpiece that spans ages
Broadway's hit rock musical "School of Rock" is adapted from the well-known comedy film of the same name, with music composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the "godfather of musicals" who created "Phantom of the Opera" and "Cats". It is jointly created by Julian Ferris, the screenwriter of "Downton Abbey", and Lawrence Connor, the director of the 2014 Broadway revival of the musical "Les Misérables".
"School of Rock" tells the story of Dewey, a down-and-out rock star who has to enter a well-known elementary school to pretend to be a teacher in order to make extra money. However, Dewey did not intend to just teach students math like an ordinary teacher, but wanted to turn these children into the coolest rock band in history. Can Dewey's new band win the Battle of the Bands secretly and right under the noses of their parents and principal? Or could Dewey just give up his dream and face reality?
Many viewers who watched "School of Rock" five years ago described it as "spiritual food that can give you pure happiness." A large part of the reason was the amazing energy burst out by the 12 young actors with different personalities on the stage. . They sang and danced, and played guitars, basses, drums, keyboards and other instruments. They played live for nearly three hours and rocked out to their heart's content. In the passages of notes and rhythms flowing freely, the actors and characters become one. What they show is not only the plot, but also their own musical dreams.
As an "alumni" wrote on the live message board: "The passion in their bones is real, their enthusiasm for music is real, and the light in the children's eyes after overcoming all odds and getting on stage is also real." The children The process of finding oneself in music illuminates the way forward for people living in chaos - exploring the courage given by music and releasing the power of dreams and beliefs.
There was no shortage of young audience members dressed in rock or school style at the premiere. After the show, the foyer of the theater was also bustling with people, and the energy of the original Broadway stage had a lingering aftertaste. Young audiences said: "This is a spiritual release and spiritual salvation after a busy day", "The rock-like children's chorus seems to make me see the enthusiastic self when I was a child", "It is powerful, laughter and touching". Immersed in the excitement, they rushed to the on-site check-in device, raised rock and roll gestures, and left behind a series of souvenir photos that were not quite adult-like but genuine.
Reshaping the Soul of Rock and Roll through Musical Narration
The fame of the musical "School of Rock" is inseparable from Weber's masterful adaptation. Whether it is the first time to enter "campus" or a loyal fan of the show, it will be profound. Feel the role of music in the soul of this work. The drama of music is precisely where Weber is most skilled and masterful.On the basis of retaining the theme song of the same name from the movie version, Weber created 12 new works for the musical. These music closely follow the changes of the plot, allowing the audience to understand the characters' hearts through the infectious melody and hearty performance. Emotional and awakening growth.
When it premiered, many viewers discovered that "School of Rock" was actually a "high" work with tears in it. The atmosphere was high and it also conveyed delicate emotions. If "When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock" sings the "rock and roll dream" that the hero Dewey insists on, then "If only you would listen" It is the children's emotional exposure. Under the cloak of "rebellion" and "rock and roll" is their sincerity that they carefully hide. They want to be understood, want to be listened to, and want to live the way I want to live. The representative hit song "Stick It to the Man" in the play is the most colorful and memorable work in the play, demonstrating Dewey and the children's understanding and advocacy of the rock and roll spirit. Facing the serious and rigid headmistress Rosalie who abides by the rules in the play, Weber sang "Where's the Rhythm of Rock and Roll?" (Where did the rock go?)" allows her to take off her disguise, rekindle her passion for rock and life, and find her true self that has been suppressed by reality...
Good music can always make the listener empathize and resonate - - On stage, rock and roll inspires children's long-hidden musical talent; off stage, rock and roll inspires adults' thinking. What exactly is rock and roll? "School of Rock" tells you to dare to reject worldly definitions and listen to yourself to regain power.
With the Shanghai premiere of "School of Rock" coming to an end, this musical has given people a deeper understanding and feeling of the rock spirit. The children's guitar playing and singing, Dewey Finn's persistence and dreams, Rosalie Molins' transformation and growth, every element is impressive. "School of Rock" is not only an audio-visual feast, but also a spiritual touch. It tells us that no matter how old we are, it is never too late to dream and have passion.
Author: Guo Menghan Jiang Fang
Text: Guo Menghan (intern) Jiang Fangtu: Performer Editor: Li Ting Editor: Xing Xiaofang
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