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I Pledge Allegiance to the Band! Meet the Cast of SCHOOL OF ROCK, Opening Tonight on Broadway

By: Dec. 06, 2015
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Based on the smash hit 2003 film of the same title, SCHOOL OF ROCK: THE MUSICAL, with music from the movie, as well as an original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Glenn Slater, a book by Julian Fellowes and direction by Laurence Connor, makes its World Premiere on Broadway tonight, December 6, at the Winter Garden Theatre. Scroll down to learn more about the cast, plus watch highlights of the company in action!

Joining Alex Brightman as "Dewey Finn" and Sierra Boggess as "Rosalie Mullins," will be Spencer Moses as "Ned," Mamie Parris as "Patty,"Evie Dolan as "Katie," Carly Gendell as "Marcy,"Ethan Khusidman as "Mason," Bobbi MacKenzie as "Tomika," Dante Melucci as "Freddy," Brandon Niederauer as "Zack," Luca Padovan as "Billy," Jared Parker as "Lawrence," and Isabella Russo as "Summer."

The adult ensemble includes Natalie Charle Ellis, Emily Cramer, Alan H. Green, Michael Hartney, John Hemphill, Merritt David Janes, Lulu Lloyd, Jaygee Macapugay, Cassie Okenka, Patrick O'Neill, Tally Sessions, Jesse Swimm, Jonathan Wagner, and Jeremy Woodard.

The children's ensemble includes Taylor Caldwell, Ava Della Pietra, Jeffrey Samuel Kishinevskiy, Sofia Roma Rubino, Jersey Sullivan, Hayden Wall, Corinne Wilson, and Shahadi Wright-Joseph.

SCHOOL OF ROCK - THE MUSICAL follows Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Completely disinterested in academic work, Dewey decides to create his own curriculum, turning his class into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.


Alex Brightman
DEWEY

Alex Brightman is an actor and writer literally living his dream. He has been seen on Broadway in Glory Days,Wicked, Big Fish, and Matilda. Additional credits include the regional premiere of The History Boys at the Ahmanson Theatre, The Old Globe's world premiere musical, Nobody Loves You, and Comedy Central's "Important Things with Demetri Martin." As a writer, he has written Make Me Bad (music & lyrics by Drew Gasparini); Everything In Its Place: The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers; and The Whipping Boy (music & co-lyrics by Drew Gasparini), an upcoming musical adaptation of the award-winning novel. This one is for everyone. Let's rock.

Sierra Boggess
ROSALIE

Broadway: It Shoulda Been You, The Phantom of the Opera, Master Class, The Little Mermaid (Drama Desk and Drama League nominations). London: Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera (Royal Albert Hall), Love Never Dies (Olivier Award nomination). Other NY credits: Guys and Dolls (Carnegie Hall); Love, Loss, and What I Wore; and Music in the Air (Encores!). Recordings: 25th anniversary concert of The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, The Little Mermaid and A Little Princess. Concerts: BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall, Lincoln Center's American Songbook, New York Pops (Carnegie Hall), 54 Below. Solo album: Awakening: Live at 54 Below. "Don't die with your music still inside of you" - Wayne Dyer.

Spencer Moses
NED

Broadway: Original casts of Doctor Zhivago, Guys & Dolls, and Aaron Sorkin's The Farnsworth Invention. Regional: A Few Good Men (Pioneer Theatre); Assassins (Playmakers Rep); Hello, Dolly! (Goodspeed Opera House); June Moon (Dorset Theatre Festival);Farnsworth, Zhivago, Palm Beach (La Jolla Playhouse). Television: "Person Of Interest," "Nurse Jackie," "The Electric Company," ukulele player/singer on "Boardwalk Empire." When the kids are performing on-stage, Spencer can be found off-stage Scrooge McDuck-ing through their candy stash.

Mamie Parris
PATTY

Ready to rock! Broadway/First National:On The 20th Century (Agnes), Wicked (Elphaba), 9 To 5 The Musical (Judy),Legally Blonde, Ragtime, The Drowsy Chaperone, 110 In The Shade. Off-Broadway: Pump Boys & Dinettes (Prudie), See Rock City (Dodi/Lily). Regional: Goodspeed's The Most Happy Fella, Pittsburgh CLO, The Muny. TV/ Film: "State of Affairs," A Standup Guy. Thanks to Andrew, Laurence, Tara, Merri, and all involved; everyone at KMR; and my Johnathan. In memory of Mom, Dad, and A.

Taylor Caldwell
SHONELLE

Taylor is honored to make her Broadway debut in SOR, with this cast and creative! Love and thanks to GOD, my family, Rock Church, FBWCIM, Dancers Edge, Lisa Calli, Eddie/Take 3, Merri S, and all my Choir teachers throughout the years.

Evie Dolan
KATIE

Evie is thrilled to make her Broadway debut! Off-Broadway: School of Rock(originated the role of Katie). A 6thgrader in NYC, she plays bass, guitar, ukulele, mandolin and saxophone. Huge thanks to Nancy, Tara, Jody, Trapper, Richard, Mary, Replay Music Studios, Kid City Theater and her family.

Jersey Sullivan
JAMES

Young L.A. rocker plays drums, guitar, bass and piano-and he's thrilled to be rockin' his Broadway debut! Check out his band Detoure at ReverbNation.com/ DetoureBandLA. Thanks to School of Rock, WLA. Love to Tupelo, Walden, Mom & Dad.

Carly Gendell
MARCY

Carly is psyched to be making her Broadway debut! Special thanks to Billy Butler, Patrick Dorow, Mom, Dad and especially big sister Haley for their guidance, encouragement and support. Love to family and friends back home in New England. Rock on!!!

Ethan Khusidman
MASON

Ethan is thrilled to join SOR. Broadway:Chaplin, Soul Doctor. Tour/Regional/ Workshops: Les Miserables, First Wives Club, August Rush, Millions, Queen Mother, Fly. Film: The Cobbler, Dark Was The Night. TV: "The Whitest Kids U'Know," "Royal Pains." Thanks to: Geoffrey Cantor, Luke McEndarfer, Badiene, Trapper, David/Mallory (CESD), and friends/family.

Bobbi MacKenzie
TOMIKA

Blessed with a big voice and a spirit to perform, 11-year old Bobbi MacKenzie is destined to inspire and entertain. After singing the U.S. National Anthem for NBA/NFL teams, Bobbi is thrilled for her Broadway debut and ready to illuminate the stage. Bobbi thanks GOD for this gift, her family, friends and Carson-Adler Agency for ALL the support.

Dante Melucci
FREDDY

Dante is an actor, singer and musician who's performed since the age of 5. He appeared on the second season of the TV show "Gotham." Dante makes his Broadway debut. Thanks to Carl, School of Rock New Canaan, Allyn and Whitby School.

Brandon Niederauer
ZACK

Brandon is stoked to make his Broadway debut with School of Rock. A true guitar prodigy, appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"; mentored by Jon Batiste; inspired by Derek Trucks and The Allman Brothers; appearances include New Orleans Jazz Festival; Barclays Center; performed with Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes, George Clinton, Gary Clark Jr, Neville Brothers, Scorpions and others.

Luca Padovan
BILLY

Luca is honored to be originating the role of Billy in SOR ! Broadway: Disney'sNewsies (Les). TV: "Super Wings" (Jett). Cast Recording: James and the Giant Peach (James). Thanks SOR creative team, Innovative, Jackie Reid, Jane Burgess, Laura Ware, Amanda Flynn, Rob Rokicki and Kevin Allen. Love to Mom, Dad, Valentina, family & Stella!

Jared Parker
LAWRENCE

Broadway: Matilda, original cast (Nigel). TV: Comedy Central, John Oliver, Nickelodeon, "Sesame Street." Film:Arthur, 5 Doctors. Other: ABT'sNutcracker, Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Thanks: David Doan & CESD, Julia Mendelsohn, ABT's JKO School and especially to my family. Rock on!

Isabella Russo
SUMMER

Isabella is ready to rock her Broadway debut! Off-Broadway: School of Rock(Summer). Regional: solo opening for Shoshana Bean (Honolulu), featured performer (Smith Center, Las Vegas). Thanks and gold stars to A. Graham, K. Thompson, the CESD team and my Merri-godmother Sugarman at Tara Rubin Casting for making my dream come true!

Corinne Wilson
SOPHIE

Corinne is a Southern California native making her Broadway debut. National commercials/TV: Lowes, National Rental Car, Google, Suave, and "Jane the Virgin." She's a competitive cheerleader at Victory Cheer. LOVE to family/friends! "God of Rock, thank you for this chance to kick..."

Shahadi Wright Joseph
MADISON

Shahadi is from Brooklyn, NY. She began training with Purelements: An Evolution in dance at age two. While performing with Voices of Trey Concert Choir, Shahadi made her Broadway debut playing Young Nala in The Lion King on Broadway. Shahadi is thrilled to join the original Broadway cast of School of Rock. Rock on!!

Ava Della Pietra
SWING

Ava is thrilled to make her Broadway debut in School of Rock ! Previously: Little Cosette in national tour of LES MISERABLES ; Susan Waverly in National Tour of Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Thanks: Nancy, Badiene, Walker, Richard, Tara, Merri.

Sofia Roma Rubino
SWING

Sofia is honored to be part of the Original Broadway Cast of School of Rock: The Musical. Broadway: Matilda.National Tour: Billy Elliot. Thanks to MSA, MTM, DIM, BMS, teachers, family and friends. Special shout to Mom, Dad, Matteo and Luciana for their unconditional love and support.

Jeffrey Samuel Kishinevskiy
SWING

Kinky Boots first National Tour (original cast). Regional: Gavroche, Les Misarables ; Winthrop Paroo, The Music Man ; Workhouse Boy, Oliver!. Thanks to Tara Rubin casting, School of Rock creatives, Nancy Carson, Jason Bercy, Amelia DeMayo, Gulnara Mitzanova, friends and family for their constant support.

Hayden Wall
SWING

National Tour: LES MISERABLES(Gavroche). Off-Broadway: Soul Doctor(Young Shlomo); Big, The Musical(Young Josh Baskin). "Late Night with David Letterman" (Featured Vocalist), Walt Disney Theater (Featured Vocalist). Love to his family, Nancy, Tara, Janine, Anthony.

Natalie Charle Ellis
ADULT ENSEMBLE

Natalie is ready to ROCK! Broadway:Les Miserables (Revival). Off-Broadway: School of Rock (Gramercy Theatre), Forbidden Broadway Alive and Kicking (Available on iTunes). National Tours: 9 to 5 The Musical. TV: "Master of None" (Aziz Ansari). Huge thank you to the creatives, Tara Rubin Casting, The Mine, and of course my family.

Emily Cramer
ADULT ENSEMBLE

Broadway: Les Miserables, Mary Poppins. National Tours: Shrek(First National), Mary Poppins. NYU Tisch BFA, Boston native. Thank you so much to our creative team, everyone at Tara Rubin, and Nicolosi & Co. Always for Linda and John. Asheghetam.

Alan H. Green
ADULT ENSEMBLE

Broadway/Tours: Sister Act, Play on!, ...Spelling Bee, Swing, Smokey Joe's andRadio City Christmas Spectacular. TV: "Peter Pan Live!," "Unforgettable," "30 Rock," "Law and Order: SVU," and "Guiding Light." Commercials: A bunch. Deacon at Metro Baptist Church. Rice University Graduate.

Michael Hartney
ADULT ENSEMBLE

Broadway debut. Proud performer/writer/director at Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (Harold Night, So I Like Superman, Characters Welcome). Film: Small Time, BearCity. TV: "30 Rock." Web: co-creator of "Unique New York" (IFC). Grateful for the support of his parents, siblings, and most of all, Turtle.

John Hemphill
ADULT ENSEMBLE

John is psyched to be back at the Winter Garden! Some recent credits: Broadway: Mamma Mia! (Sam Carmichael, Bill Austin). National Tour:Mamma Mia! (Sam Carmichael). Film: David Fincher's Zodiac. TV: "Show Me A Hero," "Mr. Robot," "The Blacklist," "Boardwalk Empire," "Castle." Special thanks to my parents and my beautiful wife Jenn. Let's Rock!

Merritt David Janes
ADULT ENSEMBLE

U. Maine and Circle in the Square graduate from Colchester, VT. National Tours: Phantom Of The Opera, Sweeney Todd (Sweeney), Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), Wedding Singer (Robbie Hart), Shrek (Farquaad), Catch Me If You Can (Hanratty). Regional: Little Shop (Dentist), Two Gentleman Of Verona (The Duke), Works Of Shakespeare Abridged (Adam).

Jaygee Macapugay
ADULT ENSEMBLE

Broadway debut! Off-Broadway: School of Rock (Gramercy); Here Lies Love (Imelda Marcos, Public Theater); Hello, Dolly! (Irene Molloy, Signature). Regional: Smokey Joe's Cafe (Brenda, Maltz Jupiter), Miss Saigon (MUNY, 5th Avenue, Casa Manana), The King & I (KC Starlight). International: Where Elephants Weep. Thanking God, family, friends & bb!

Cassie Okenka
ADULT ENSEMBLE

Broadway: Bonnie and Clyde. National Tours: Wicked, The Wizard of Oz. Regional: The Last Five Years,Urinetown, Brooklyn, Side Show. Proud AEA member. Baldwin Wallace Grad. Love and thanks to my favorite rockstars: my family, friends, KMR, and Ricky.

Tally Sessions
ADULT ENSEMBLE

Broadway: Big Fish, The House of Blue Leaves. Off-Broadway: Giant (Public Theatre), Queen of the Mist (Transport Group), Yank! (York), Anyone Can Whistle (Encores!). Tours: South Pacific, Legally Blonde, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. TV: "Falling Water" (USA), "Elementary" (CBS).

Jonathan Wagner
ADULT ENSEMBLE

Jonathan is an award winning performer and composer based in Chicago. Acting credits include Barry/Springsteen in High Fidelity (Route 66), Jaime in The Last 5 Years (Steel Beam) and Barfee in 25th...Spelling Bee (TATC). He has also toured with Chicago's famed Second City (BlueCo MD) and taught at the training center.

Jeremy Woodard
ADULT ENSEMBLE

Thrilled to be a part of SOR & even more thrilled to watch Alex be a star. (Bway Debut buddies from way back). Done some Broadway, Off-Broadway, Film/Tv, etc. Google it. I only get 40 words. Love & thanks to all of the creatives, Tara Rubin, my boys at CGF, The Fam, Cam & the alphas. Go Pirates.

Patrick O'Neill
ASSOC. CHOREOGRAPHER, DANCE CAPTAIN, SWING

Broadway/Tour: On A Clear Day..., Chicago, Oklahoma!. Film: The Producers, Across The Universe. Regional Favorites: Harmony, The Nutty Professor, Bat Boy (Helen Hayes Nomination). Training: Catholic University. Proud member: AEA, IATSE 764. For Mom & Dad.

Lulu Lloyd
SWING, ASST. DANCE CAPTAIN

Broadway Debut! World Premiere:School Of Rock (Gramercy), Bright Star(Old Globe), Jekyll and Hyde (Ovation Nomination), 9 to 5 (Judy), Always... Patsy Cline (BWW Critics Pick). Thanks 9Muse, Merri, Tara, JR and Family! For Dad.

Jesse Swimm
SWING

Broadway: Mary Poppins (u/s Bert). Tours: Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady,West Side Story. Thanks to Family, Creative Team, Tara Rubin Casting, & The Mine. Jesse is the proud owner of a rescue dog.




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