Review: SCHOOL OF ROCK at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio

SCHOOL OF ROCK had its first success as a movie starring Jack Black and everyone routed for the underdog, Dewey Finn, as he fumbled his way through life. Fast forward to 2015 and SCHOOL OF ROCK becomes a rock musical on Broadway with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Julian Fellowes. It's still based on the life of underdog, Dewey Finn as he fumbles his way through life. Now, the audience becomes involved as they cheer Dewey and the multi-talented children finding what gives them the most happiness. San Antonio got its first glimpse of SCHOOL OF ROCK as it opened at the Majestic Theatre on November 6, 2018. From the first note to the final curtain call, the audience was enthralled. Who wouldn't be? With a cast this great, it would be hard to find fault in any aspect of this touring cast.

Merritt David Janes owned the stage as Dewey. Janes recently moved into the role of Dewey full-time and it was evident he was perfect for the role. As Janes sang, "When I climb to the Top of Mount Rock" at the beginning of the show, he wasn't afraid to give it his all and melt faces as he belted it out. Then there was the connection that Janes had with the kids on the stage. You could tell he was enjoying the company of the amazingly talents kids as Janes sang, "You're in the Band" with all of the students.

Another actor in SCHOOL OF ROCK knocked everyone's socks off as she took the stage to sing, "Where Did the Rock Go?" Lexie Dorsett Sharp very splendidly played the part of Principal Rosalie Mullins. Her connection with the students and Janes was evident as well. She seemed to be having a much fun as the students.

And the students, what talent each and every one of them had. You could see that each one of them was giving it their all and singing, dancing and playing from their hearts and souls. Leanne Parks plays the part of Katie. What she did on the cello as well as the bass guitar showed how talented she was and that playing the part of Katie was what she was born to do. The facial expressions, the drive and determination she shared, let the audience know that Parks has talent to be reckoned with. Also, Mystic Inscho who plays Zack shredded it up on the electric guitar as well as hammed it up, showing the audience his natural talent and drive for the playing the part. One of the children in particular stood out most and totally blew the audience away. Young Grier Burke who played the part of Tomika had the audience gasping with delight as she surprised everyone with her rendition of "Amazing Grace." It's clear that Burke is talented beyond her years and her enthusiasm for the part of Tomika was evident throughout the performance of SCHOOL OF ROCK.

Don't miss this entertaining show that will only be in San Antonio, Texas until November 11, 2018. Get your tickets now at the Majestic Theatre Website before you miss out on a show that is entertaining for everyone from the first note to the final bow.

PHOTO CREDIT: Evan Zimmerman