By Ashlyn Crocker

Bringing the rockin' spirit to the Turner Stage this summer, School of Rock The Musical is a dynamic stage adaptation of the popular film. Follow the hilarious journey of Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star turned substitute teacher, as he transforms a class of precocious prep school students into a powerhouse rock band. With infectious energy, catchy tunes, and heartwarming moments, this musical extravaganza celebrates the joy of music, friendship, and following your dreams. Get ready to rock out and join the fun!

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). 

Joely Davis, a member of the children’s ensemble, is an 11-year-old from Greenville. Previously making her debut as a member of the Children's Ensemble in Matilda the Musical, Davis is thrilled to be in her second production at LCC. She enjoys crocheting, acting, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. 

Taylor Egleton will be a member of the adult ensemble. She is a rising sophomore at North Lenoir High School, a member of the JV volleyball team, and a member of the Marching Hawks. She enjoys laughing with friends in her free time. This will be her second production with LCC following her performance last summer in Matilda The Musical.   

As a member of the adult ensemble, Martin Mejia is excited to be in his first show with LCC and to share the stage with his wife, Abbie. Mejia is a Goldsboro native and has previously been in Sylvia, The Odd Couple, Little Women The Musical, and The Outsiders. He thanks director Jessica Cruz for this opportunity. 

Thurman Sanders, part of the adult ensemble, is a current student at LCC. He previously worked backstage for A Christmas Carol in 2022 and was a part of the ensemble for White Christmas this past December. Sanders is a very outgoing person who loves to dance. In his free time, he loves to draw and paint portraits. 

Candi Tyndall is thrilled to be sharing the stage with her daughter, Carsyn, for the first time as a member of the adult ensemble. She is a Kinston native and school counselor at South Lenoir High School. Tyndall enjoys spending time with her husband and their two beautiful children. She would like to thank the cast, family, and friends for their continued support. 

Sadie Horton, a member of the adult ensemble, is very excited to be back on stage participating in an LCC show. She currently works as a cook at 2nd Street Café in Ayden. When she is not working, she is either teaching guitar lessons or at home playing Stardew Valley.