It's A Hard Rock Life - SCHOOL OF ROCK

When Breckenridge Backstage Theatre secured the rights last year to produce The Lion King Jr, the publishing house had one important stipulation - cast only Grades 9 and under in the show. This left our older student actors without a performance opportunity for the spring. To fill that need, BBT sought and obtained the rights to produce an all-youth production of School of Rock, The Musical which is currently performing on Broadway. Based on the hit Paramount movie written by Mike White, the stage version has a book by Julian Fellowes, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and new music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Normally, it can take years before a new Broadway musical gets licensed for all of the country to enjoy, but Lloyd Webber (who wrote the first successful rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, when he was just 22 years old) felt a special kinship to this story and its empowering message about music. He and R&H Theatricals have allowed the School of Rock rights to be available to schools and youth theaters during its run in New York City – something rare in the theater world. Breckenridge Backstage Theater is proud to present the second Colorado production of this Broadway sensation. With a cast of 26 actors, all aged 18 and under, playing multiple roles, this is the first mainstage show at BBT to exclusively involve kids. And these actors are doing an amazing job - keeping audiences enthralled and eliciting standing ovations at the end of each performance. Not only that, but our youth actors are bringing live music to the Breckenridge Theater. What you see on stage is real – in order to be cast in certain roles, these talented young actors are required to play their own instruments. We have some stellar talent in our area, and BBT is committed to fulfilling its mission by giving these gifted performers the chance to shine on our stage.

BBT's production of School of Rock is directed by Artistic Director Christopher Willard who is no stranger to working with large casts of children, having recently directed the STEP production of The Little Mermaid Jr, featuring 43 students from Summit County. The show is music directed by Willard and Carter Edward Smith. A live band, led by Trevor Warren and three other accomplished musicians from Boulder, support the student actors during songs and segues.

Students from Denver, Boulder, Park and Summit Counties have come together to create a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. The students are having the times of their lives bringing this wonderfully funny and touching story to the stage. Brandon Warren (Superior, CO) as Dewey Finn. Brandon is 18, and in his gap year with an eye to attending UNC. Brandon brings an anarchic energy

and humor to the role that

made original Dewey, Jack Black, a star. Selah Kreeger (Breckenridge) plays Rosalie Mullins, Principal of Horace Green Prep School where the action of the show takes place. A representation of "The Man," Rosalie's chilly exterior is eventually melted away thanks to Dewey's passionate advocation of his students and their shared love for a certain Fleetwood Mack singer. Christian Seiber (Fairplay) is Ned Schneebly, Dewey's best friend, and the man whose identity Dewey borrows for a time while trying to raise money to help him compete in the Battle of

the Bands. Summer Krueger (Frisco) is the implacable Patty, Ned's determined girlfriend, who sets the story in motion by demanding freeloading Dewey get a job or face eviction. Playing Dewey's students at Horace Green are Lukin Ascher as Marcy, Peyton Goossen as Jane, Riley Goossen as Billy, Nathan Habermas as Mason, Brody Lineaweaver as Freddy, Saskia Martin-Williams as Shonelle, Mimi Mocatta as Summer, Jaye Mueller as Zara, Helen Reichart as Lainey, Ceaira Seiber as Tomika, Joules Whinston as Katie, and Leah Wilson as Sophie. Also featured as various parents, teachers, and townspeople are Emily Bell, Jorie Benson, Cassidy Citron, Mikaela Clark, Maggie Fisk, Ian Hans, Bridgette Hough,

Alances Seiber, Victoria Uglyar, and Isaac Webster.

The production team members include Katie Gruenhagen (Lighting Design), a frequent designer for the Denver Center for the Arts. Robert Krueger is Sound Designer, having recently designer The Toxic Avenger for BBT. The incomparable duo of local artisans Beth Fisk and Crystal Goossen handle Costume Design, after their creative partnering on The Little Mermaid Jr. Newcomer Chris Gavin handles Sound Operation. Brecken Chamness returns to BBT as Master Electrician after having spearheaded countless productions in our booth. Patrick Middlebrook, Calvin Duffy, and Paul Hans are our stage techs, having just finished work on The Toxic Avenger. Samantha Barrett (Red, The Toxic Avenger) is Production Stage Manager.

School of Rock, The Musical (Youth Production) has sold out all of its shows so far. Next performance is March 30 (Sold Out), March 31, April 1, 6-8 at 7 PM, March 26, April 2, 9 at 6 PM, and April 8 at 2 PM. Tickets range between $15 and $25. All shows are at the new Breckenridge Theater, located at 121 S. Ridge Street in Breckenridge. The show is rated PG with a few mild curse words.

School of Rock - The Musical (Youth Production) is sponsored by Eric’s Downstairs, Alpine Bank, and St. Anthony’s Medical Center and presented by special arrangement with R&H Theatricals and The Really Useful Group, Ltd. Group Discounts are available.

For tickets, call 970.485.2164, via website at backstagetheatre.org, or in person at the Riverwalk Center, Welcome Center, or Breckenridge Theater on day of show.

Don't miss this amazing local production, rocking it out every weekend until April 9. May the spirit of rock be with you!