Kids climb to the top in Skylight's vibrant musical 'School of Rock'

The movie “School of Rock” (2003) brought laughs alongside musical inspiration for youth to the top of the box office with Jack Black in the ideal role for an actor who had perfected the dual personas of overachieving slacker and wannabe rock ‘n’ roll star. His character, Dewey Finn, a lifelong moocher kicked out of his garage band, poses as a substitute teacher at an esteemed prep school to pay rent, but soon finds himself empowering a group of kids who feel like the world doesn’t hear them.

Andrew Lloyd Webber mined that film for a Broadway musical that would inspire a whole new generation of young musicians.

At Skylight Music Theatre’s new production of “School of Rock: The Musical” that opened Friday night, inspiration ran strong among sixteen talented young actors and musicians who joined an engaging cast of adult actors in this vibrant musical, directed by Michael Unger with music direction by David Bonofiglio.

Joey Sanzaro’s take on Dewey was an emotive scene – and laugh - stealer, as he deftly borrowed some nuances of guitar-slinging rock-star bravado, slapstick shenanigans and sly sarcasm from Black’s film portrayal, seen best in the hilarious “When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock.” But Sanzaro added his own warmth and charm as the teacher imposter-turned-beloved mentor.

Stephanie Staszak’s Rosalie, the straight-laced, hard-edged principal with a hidden penchant for rock rebellion, proved a worthy foil with a soaring, emotionally revelatory vocal in “Where Did the Rock Go.”

While the adults laid the groundwork for the production’s energetic vibe, they wisely ceded the limelight to the kids, who quickly emerged from their dramatic shells in the role-setting “You’re in the Band.” Their Horace Green Academy classroom turned into a rock rehearsal space with students taking their spots as musicians, roadies, costumers and techs. Azure Schroeder (drums), Elias Totleben (guitar), Annalise Nordstrom (bass) and Malia Brunner (keyboard) played their instruments live onstage, with their confidence on opening night visibly growing toward the joyous finale of a full-on rock concert.

But they didn’t create the only musical highlights from the young performers. Emilia Kosek’s Summer, cast in the show as band manager when her character doesn’t have the chops to be a singer, made a remarkable solo vocal turn on the beautifully choreographed “Time to Play.”

Likewise, Kyla Anderson’s Tomika made a transformation from a shy wallflower to a spotlight-grabbing superstar by the show’s rousing end, with the entire crowd chanting “School of Rock!” in support of gifted kids who will likely inspire a whole new generation of Milwaukee youth through this production's run.

If you go

Skylight Music Theatre performs "School of Rock" through Dec. 30 at Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway. For tickets, visit www.skylightmusictheatre.org or call (414) 291-7800.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: The youth take over in Skylight Music Theatre's 'School of Rock'