A: The show is an absolute delight. It's based on the film of the same name that starred Jack Black but includes some new songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It tells the story of Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a legit rock band. The kids on stage play all their own instruments, and they are fantastic.
Q: What can audiences expect?
A: Honestly, this is the kind of Broadway show a whole family will love. Kids will love seeing their peers on stage and the empowering journeys of the young characters. Fans of rock music will adore the music, and people that love musicals will enjoy the endearing story. Even people who don't think they like Broadway shows will love this one.
Q: Do you have a favorite scene or moment?
A: There's a song called "You're in the Band" where Dewey is finding roles for the kids in the rock band and they all start owning their new rock personas. It's the kind of song where you end up smiling through the whole thing without realizing it. There's also an awesome number called "If Only You Would Listen," which gives a voice to some of the thoughts and concerns of these kids, and it's really beautiful. As a parent, I think it's a lovely moment.
Q: Can you talk about some of the music? How does it complement the storyline?
A: The music fits in perfectly, serving as the soundtrack and the set list for the rock band. There are songs from the movie, plus several new rock songs by Webber. Warning: they are really catchy, and so fun.
Q: Why would you encourage audiences to come see the show?
A: I think it's an incredibly fun night out, and a way to get out of the house in the bitter last days of winter. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
Q: Why do you think “School of Rock – The Musical” continues to be a popular production?
A: I think people find the story of Dewey Finn charming — this unlikeable guy who doesn't really get anything right until he teams up with the most unlikely of partners: a classroom of kids. And no one can resist a bunch of insanely talented kids playing their own instruments live on stage and having a ball. It's really something.
Q: How can we find out more about the show?
A: Visit www.CincinnatiArts.org for information and tickets.
Q: You just announced the 2018-2019 season. Can you touch on some of the highlights?
A: We are thrilled with the upcoming lineup. It has a fantastic mix of shows including brand new Broadway hits like "Dear Evan Hansen," "The Play That Goes Wrong" and, of course, "Hamilton." There are fun new titles from Broadway like "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "On Your Feet," the Emilio and Gloria Estefan story. Plus, there are several returning favorites like "Rent," "Cats," "Miss Saigon," and "Fiddler on the Roof." All shows will have a public ticket on-sale, and we'll announce those dates later in the year.
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Q: What are you most excited about as far as the upcoming season?
A: I have so many favorites on the season. "Dear Evan Hansen" is a unique show and an absolute must-see. People will never forget it. "The Play That Goes Wrong," a murder mystery gone awry, is two hours of laugh-out-loud funny — I loved it. "Miss Saigon" and "Cats" are shows I have always loved, so I'm excited to see them again. And "Hamilton" is fantastic.
Q: How can the community support the arts through theater?
A: We are so lucky to have a huge amount of support for the arts — and particularly Broadway tours — here in Cincinnati. We have seen an amazing amount of interest in the shows this year and next year, and we hope everyone signs up for our eClub (at BroadwayInCincinnati.com) to get notified of pre-sales and on-sales for all these shows so you can make sure to come see your favorites in the lineup.
OTHER NOT-TO-MISS SHOWS:
Middletown Lyric Theatre will present "Blues in the Night" on March 16, 17 and 23, 24. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. with an added matinee on March 24 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18. Reserved seating. Tickets are available through Middletown Lyric Theatre by calling (513) 425-7140 or at www.middletownlyric.org.
The Performing Arts Academy will present "Willy Wonka Jr." on March 2-4 and March 9-11. Show times are 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $14 for adults; $10 for senior adults and children. For tickets and more info., visit www.ThePerformingArtsAcademy.com or call (513) 594-7242.
Franklin High School will present Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd" on March 16, 17 and 18. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults, and $8 for seniors. Franklin High School is at 750 E. 4th St., Franklin. For more details, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/538864869833144/
The Lebanon Theatre Company will bring "Almost Maine" to the stage for two consecutive weekends on March 16-18 and March 23-25. Show times are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $19. Find out more information at www.LTCplays.com.
The Victoria Theatre Association will present "Something Rotten!" on March 20-25 at the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center in downtown Dayton. Tickets start at $26 (plus applicable fees.) Tickets are available online at www.TicketCenterStage.com, at the box office, or by phone at (937) 228-3630 or toll-free at (888) 228-3630.
"The Color Purple" will be at La Comedia Dinner Theatre in Springboro from February 22-April 15. Tickets start at $30 for children 11 and under and $61 for adults. Call (937) 746-4554 or toll-free at (800) 677-9505 or visit www.lacomedia.com.
"The Lion King Jr." presented by Kids in the Spotlight will be at the Fairfield Community Arts Center March 23-25. Show times are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Purchase tickets in person at the Fairfield Community Arts Center box office, by phone at (513) 867-5348 or online at www.Fairfield-City.org/Tickets.
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