School of Rock The Musical Set to Join the Lenoir Community College Performing Arts Series
By Cailyn Kennedy
School of Rock The Musical is based on the Paramount movie written by Mike White with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. This electric show follows the journey of Dewey Finn, a down-on-his-luck musician who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. With his unconventional teaching methods, he transforms a class of straight-laced students into a rock band, igniting their passion for music and self-expression.
The show, directed by Lenoir Community College's Fine Arts Program Chair Jessica Cruz, will occur on July 12 -14 and July 19 - 21 at LCC in the Briley Auditorium on the Turner Stage. Neuse News is the title sponsor. This show is one of many that will be a part of the performing arts series at LCC. Tickets are available now at www.lenoircc.edu/schoolofrock. Tickets are $15 for accessible seating; $20 for orchestra seating; $15 for standard seating; and $10 for student standard seating (ages 4-17; 18+ student ID required).
Stepping in to fill the shoes of Dewey Finn is Joshua Litscher. The character Dewey Finn is a passionate yet struggling rock musician that transforms from a self-absorbed slacker to an inspiring mentor as he turns his prep school students into a rock band, discovering the true meaning of success along the way. Litscher himself is no stranger to the stage as he performs regularly with his band, Head On Collision, and was recently in Mamma Mia playing the role of Harry. When not on stage, you can catch him enjoying his local farmers’ markets or enjoying time with his dogs, Hitch and Lexa.
Taking on the role of Rosalie Mullins is Alyssa Bayless. This character is the principal of the prestigious prep school and is a strict, no-nonsense educator who initially clashes with Dewey Finn's unconventional methods but gradually reveals her love for rock music and her desire to break free from her rigid exterior. Bayless is thrilled to be back on the Turner Stage. In her free time, she enjoys listening to audiobooks and traveling with her family. She would like to thank the production team and cast, her husband and family, and everyone for supporting the local theater.
Caleb Devanney will be playing the role of Zack, a student in Dewey's class who becomes his lead guitarist, in this upcoming performance. Devanney has gone from a beggar to a guitar hero and has more stage time than a rock star. Having never played guitar, he began to shred from day one of this show. Come watch him shine in his element as he lives his Broadway dream.
Abbie Mejia is elated to perform in another show with LCC. In this show, she will be taking on the role of Patty Di Marco, a strict and ambitious character who disapproves of Dewey's unconventional methods. She was previously Miss Honey in last year’s production of Matilda The Musical. Mejia has been involved with theater and music for over 20 years. She is thrilled that this year, her husband, Martin, gets to join her on stage for this performance.
Fifth grader Carsyn Tyndall from Moss Hill Elementary School will be playing the role of Summer, a student in Dewey’s class who transforms from a strict, rule-following class representative into the enthusiastic and capable manager of the school's rock band. She enjoys cheering, dancing, and doing acrobatics. Tyndall loves Jesus and serving others at Deep Run First Baptist Church. She would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.
Tanner Wilson will play Ned Schneebly in this show. His character is a mild-mannered and easily influenced substitute teacher, whose kind-hearted nature often leaves him overshadowed by his domineering girlfriend, Patty. Wilson is extremely excited to play the role of Ned. He lives in Kinston and works in New Bern at Kitchen on Trent. This will be his sixth show at LCC with his favorite show being Matilda, The Musical.
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