By Ashlyn Crocker

School of Rock The Musical brings the beloved film to life on stage. The story follows Dewey Finn, a failed rocker posing as a substitute teacher, who discovers his students' musical talents and forms a band to compete in a Battle of the Bands competition. Through the power of music, Dewey and his students navigate friendship, self-discovery, and the pursuit of dreams. With electric performances and catchy tunes, the musical celebrates the transformative impact of rock 'n' roll on both the characters and the audience.

The show, directed by Lenoir Community College's Fine Arts 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). 

Suzanne Gallaher will be playing Ms. Sheinkopf, a teacher at the prestigious prep school where Dewey Finn poses as a substitute teacher. Gallaher has appeared in several musicals at LCC, including Jesus Christ Superstar, Annie, and A Christmas Carol. She has also performed in The Music Man, Broadway and Beyond, and the Veterans Salute shows. Gallaher is excited to be playing Ms. Scheinkopf and hopes you enjoy the show. 

The following individuals are part of the adult ensemble.

Anna Hull recently graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in May of 2024 with a bachelor's degree in biology. She was part of the UNC Psalm 100 acappella ensemble and the North Lenoir High School drama department from fifth grade to senior year of high school. She is excited to be in her first production at LCC! 

Abigail Hull is thrilled to take part in her first show at LCC! She recently graduated from North Lenoir High School and plans to attend UNC Wilmington to major in Business and minor in Musical Theater. She is no stranger to the theater, as she has taken part in the North Lenoir Drama Department from first grade to her senior year. 

Travis Johnson is a current student at LCC. This is his fifth show, and his second performance at LCC. He most recently played Ezekiel Foster in White Christmas this past December. He loves rock 'n' roll and is a huge fan of The Rolling Stones.

Aaron Williams is a La Grange native serving as the GIS coordinator for Lenoir County. After performing with East Carolina University’s co-ed acappella group, Drastic Measures, and debuting in LCC's White Christmas, he is delighted to continue in the performing arts by portraying the roles of Mr. Sanders and Jeff Sanderson in this show.  

Ryan Mobley is ready to rock the stage in his musical theater debut this summer. Mobley is 17 years old and attends Greene Central High School. He is extremely excited to be performing the role of Snake.

Adam Kearney is currently a music major at LCC. He loves to spend his days listening to and playing music, whether it be bass, guitar, piano or trumpet. Kearney is thrilled to be back on the Turner Stage for LCC’s production of School of Rock The Musical.