“School of Rock” ( Milwaukee) reviewed by Amy Menzel

***** How’s it go? Don we now our…best rock band shirt? That’s how it should go if you’re planning on heading to Skylight Music Theatre this season because School of Rock is playing now through December 30. So put on those ACDC, Def Leppard, and Pink Floyd t-shirts and make your way down to the Third Ward. You don’t wanna miss this!

I’ve been looking forward to this show since the 2023-2024 Skylight season was announced. The hit film starring Jack Black came out in 2003, right around the time I was finishing up my teaching degree. My college roommates bought me the DVD for my birthday and it’s been a gift that keeps on giving. I routinely watch it before the start of the school year because there’s just something about seeing a classroom of kids come together and rock that makes me excited to kick off another year of studies. It might Jack Black (Dewey Finn) urging students to, “Go! Study! Listen! Learn!”

I’m not sure I could’ve been more excited about this show. It seems I wasn’t the only one.

The Cabot Theatre was sold out opening night and the place was buzzing even before it was rocking. When the cast takes the stage, they take. the. stage. In his Skylight debut, Joey Sanzaro channels his best Jack Black and adds a dash of Josh Gad to bring the character of Dewey Finn to life in this production. His physical comedy and impeccable timing are fantastic, but what really makes his performance shine is that he leads with heart. He even uses his bio to “congratulate the real stars of the show: the kids!”

And the kids are awesome. Annalise Nordstrom (Katie) ROCKS on bass, Azure Schroeder (Freddy) proves he’s got some real chops on drums, Elias Totleben (Zach) shreds the guitar, Kyla Anderson (Tomika) belts some serious , and Emilia Kosek (Summer) brings a whole lotta sass to the stage. The entire ensemble hits all the right notes.

There are also some familiar faces in this show. It wouldn’t be a Skylight performance without Shawn Holmes, which is a great thing. Jake Horstmeier, previously seen in Skylight’s Noises Off and Mamma Mia! plays a comedic and quirky Ned Schneebly. And Stephanie Staszak returns to the Skylight stage for the fourteenth time, this time as the awkward and equally lovable Principal Rosalie Mullins.

Everything I love about the movie comes alive on this stage, plus there’s new music by Andrew Lloyd Webber to enjoy, which allows this production to ebb and flow with more emotion than the movie (which, again, I love). “If Only You Would Listen” stands out in the first act (as does the reprise in the second), and “Time to Play” allows the young dynamos to smash the start of the second act.

Part rock concert, part comedy, this show is all kinds of fun. You’ll rock…and roll with laughter all evening.

So, your assignment is to go see this show.
★★★★★

School of Rock plays now through December 30 at Skylight Music Theatre located at 158 N. Broadway in Milwaukee’s Third Ward.

here is schedule:

An ASL-interpreted performance will be held on Thursday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. Call the Box Office or email tickets@skylightmusictheatre.org and mention the ASL performance for seating in the appropriate section.

Get your tickets now!  Just click on above date you want. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased online at www.skylightmusictheatre.org or you can call the Box Office at 414-291-7800.

Tickets to this show are the perfect holiday gift for: teachers, kids, parents, friends, family, strangers, and everyone and anyone who likes to laugh and/or rock.