Review: ‘School of Rock’ Teaches the ABCs of Power Chords

This story is about a class of kids the love to make music. In this musical their director is Andrew Lloyd Webber. Mr. Lloyd Webber. In this story they talk about how it all started and how they made it. The kids love to be in the play and they love to help with the music and they feel good when they play it.

I never thought I would hear Matilda the Musical described as "more sophisticated" than anything. Donald Trump's hair is more sophisticated than Matilda the Musical!

I've never seen the movie but I have the opportunity to see the play. Should I spend the money on the play or would I be better off looking for the movie?

Really great. Sure, I enjoy loftier shows when I go to theater but there's also something to be said for good fun and great performances. The kids are amazing and you can't say enough about Brightman. The character is on stage for just about the entire show and he spends most of it singing, yelling or jumping off of things. Still, he knows the moments to pull back and join the rest of the audience in marveling at the performances of some of the kids. Also, nice to see the sense of humor from Andrew Lloyd Webber, not just in the songs and lyrics but with a dig at Cats and a Playbill write-up that includes his "Broadway flops."

Oh my, if you didn't enjoy this show with your kids then you don't enjoy much in life. The show is meant for families and it delivers. And the cast is full of amazingly talented kids who carry the show. It's silly fun (c'mon, it was a Jack Black movie!) and totally worth it.

A cheeky musical that lives up to the spirit of the film. The lead, Brightman, was out the day we saw the show, but his understudy, Jonathan Wagner, absolutely nailed it (and made it look easy). Can't imagine anyone doing better. Clever script, rocking tunes, and a wonderful cast. Loved seeing all those young prodigies rocking out live. (Anyone who complains that it's too loud hasn't been to a real rock concert.) My kids (and their grandparents) loved it. I wish more Broadway shows generated this kind of energy.

I am going with my school this wenedsay. i have listened to the whole album many times! i am very excited to see this! it sounds excelient. I love how they took the movie and turnd into something so much better! Being a huge Phantom of The Opera, so as i heard that Sierra Boggess was in this, i cried... She was amazing in the 25th anniversery of Phantom! i cant wait to see this musical!

My 9-year-old daughter asked if we could leave at intermission. The first time she has ever asked that out of 5 Broadways shows. (We did stay for the whole show.) So much of the music sounded the same and the childrens' vocals couldn't be heard over the band. Perhaps youngsters who are growing up on rap and pop music don't enjoy this hair band type of music? Her favorite part was when Dewey performed for his students without any music.

You used the word "friskiest” in your review.
And you were sincere.

Done.

This show is fantastic. it's a show the entire family can enjoy. It's not too loud. If you think this is loud, imagine what wearing iPhone earplugs does to your ears everyday!

It's too bad (or perhaps it's just telling) that Brantley didn't say much about the score. It's loud, repetitive, uninteresting, and highly derivative of other ALW shows. No one will wear out this cast recording the way they did Evita or Jesus Christ Superstar. (Note to parents: bring earplugs for your kids -- we left the theater with ringing in our ears.)

The most important thing is that the kids are great.
I saw the show in previews without benefit of prepubescent companion.
This is a show for 9-13 year-olds. Not sure if any other age groups would be as interested.
It's good "theater" but the 2nd act is perfunctory and the ending is one big cliche.

But, and you knew there was a but, the music so LOUD that you can't hear the lyrics. Everyone seems to be singing as loudly as possible even with the mikes. My friend, who studied voice, turned to me and asked how the young performers won't lose their voices. The sound needs to be turned down for all the young ears who are both performing and in the audience, even if the sound on the stage isn't as loud as in the auditorium.

Paragraph 13 - "The other principal female role..." should be: The other principle female role. Remember from grammar school, the principal is your pal, principle is what's important.

We saw this show recently and have to admit that this experience was the most fun we've had on Broadway in a VERY long time and we see nearly every play/musical. Brantley's review is spot on. Run to see this with its cast of creative and talented children.

Saw the show in previews, thought it was just okay. Lots of tired comic shtick, and every song was reprised endlessly. ALW takes credit for the deafening orchestrations, really? Alex Brightman is full of energy, but by Act 2 it becomes wearisome. And his character is hardly someone to emulate, except that the cardboard characters he's fighting against are primed to fall (nonconformism in 2015? Bring back ANYONE CAN WHISTLE). Kids will love it, adults somewhat less so, but will certainly pick up the MATILDA trade (not a very high bar to meet).

Thanks for the warning – will avoid.

Anyone else notice that the chorus in the song "If Only You Would Listen" is the same as "Someone Else's Story" in Chess?

stu . . . According to 'Broadway.com' they are not related, but I thought the very first thing. 'Sarah Brightman' . . . 'Alex Brightman' . . . hmmmmm

Maybe Mr. Webber just likes the name'Brightman' . . .

http://www.broadway.com/buzz/180970/alex-brightman-will-headline-andrew-...

So could Alex Brightman possibly be related to...? If not, that's some coincidence!