Music Saves The Day at Breckenridge Backstage Theatre

Breckenridge Backstage Theatre's 43rd Season gets a jolt of energy with their first all-youth mainstage production, School of Rock - The Musical (Youth Production), based on the hit Paramount movie written by Mike White. The stage version with book by Julian Fellowes, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and new music by Andrew Lloyd Webber is ready to rock the boards in Breckenridge. Dewey Finn, a down-on-his-luck and wannabe rock star decides to earn a few bucks as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. What could be hard about that? Ignoring the rules and pleas of the school's administration, Dewey throws academia aside and creates his own curriculum, complete with guitar riffs, keyboard solos, and jam sessions. Little does he know, but his rebellious antics and creation of a kids' rock band has inspired and empowered this group of over-scheduled prep students with the power of rock.

Normally, it can take years before a new Broadway musical gets licensed for all of the country to enjoy, but Lloyd Webber (who wrote the first successful rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, when he was just 22 years old) felt a special connection to this story and its empowering message about music. He and R&H Theatricals have allowed the School of Rock rights to be available to schools and youth theaters during its run in New York City - something rare in the theater world. Breckenridge Backstage Theater is proud to be presenting the second Colorado production of this Broadway sensation. With a cast of 26 actors, all aged 18 and under, playing multiple roles, this is the first mainstage show at BBT to exclusively involve kids. And those actors are bringing live music to the Breckenridge Theater. What you see on stage is real - in order to be cast in certain roles, these talented young actors are required to play their own instruments. May the spirit of rock be with you!

Breckenridge Backstage Theatre's production of School of Rock - The Musical (Youth Production) is directed by Christopher Willard and music directed by Willard and Carter Edward Smith who serves as the pit director of the live, four member band. This all-youth production features Brandon Warren as Dewey Finn, Selah Kreeger as Rosalie Mullins, Christian Seiber as Ned Schneebly, and Summer Krueger as Patty. Also featured are Lukin Ascher, Emily Bell, Jorie Benson, Cassidy Citron, Mikaela Clark, Maggie Fisk, Peyton & Riley Goossen, Nathan Habermas, Ian Hans, Bridgette Hough, Brody Lineaweaver, Saskia Martin-Williams, Mimi Mocatta, Jaye Mueller, Helen Reichert, Alances and Ceaira Seiber, Victoria Uglyar, Isaac Webster, Joules Whinston, and Leah Wilson. Production team members also include Katie Gruenhagen (Lighting Design), Robert Krueger (Sound Design), Beth Fisk and Crystal Goossen (Costume Design), and Samantha Barrett (Stage Manager).

School of Rock - The Musical (Youth Production) opens March 24th and runs through April 9th. Full performance schedule is March 24, 25, 30, 31, April 1, 6-8 at 7 PM, March 26, April 2, 9 at 6 PM, and April 8 at 2 PM. Tickets range between $15 and $25. There will be an Opening Night Celebration on March 24th, special pricing applies. All shows are at the new Breckenridge Theater, located at 121 S. Ridge Street in Breckenridge. The show is rated PG with a few mild curse words.

School of Rock - The Musical (Youth Production) is sponsored by Eric's Downstairs, Alpine Bank, and St. Anthony's Medical Center and presented by special arrangement with R&H Theatricals and The Really Useful Group, Ltd.

Patrons can save $5 off if purchasing tickets before March 17th. Group Discounts are available. For tickets, call 970.485.2164, via website at backstagetheatre.org, or in person at the Riverwalk Center, Welcome Center, or Breckenridge Theater on day of show.

For information and to learn about Breckenridge Backstage Theatre's 43rd Season, call 970.485.2164 or visit backstagetheatre.org.

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