Interview: Rob Colletti Talks SCHOOL OF ROCK

Based on the Jack Black led film by the same title, SCHOOL OF ROCK is a hilarious new musical that has taken London, Broadway, and now the US by storm. The tour stars Rob Colletti as Dewey Finn, a substitute teacher with ambitions of being a rock star. Finn helps the kids he teaches tap into their ids and expands their confidence, transforming the high-performing young academics into a bona fide rock band! To get the inside scoop on the show as the tour pulls into Houston, we chatted with Colletti.

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How did you come to be involved in SCHOOL OF ROCK?

Back when I heard it was going to potentially be a Broadway show, I asked my agents to submit me. I went in for auditions multiple times and had to lose 20 lbs to get the role, but eventually the hard work paid off.

How did you prepare for the character of Dewey?

Honestly, I didn't have to prepare much for the character. I have a lot in common with Dewey's sense of taste and sense of humor. But, I had to prepare for the physical demands of the role. I saw a personal trainer and started doing interval training to build up my cardiovascular strength. And, I worked with a couple of vocal coaches on utilizing good, healthy vocal technique to keep my voice in good shape.

You mentioned that you and Dewey have some things in common. Can you elaborate on that?

Yeah, we listen to the same music and eat the same type of foods, but we are also very different. Dewey is a bit deluded in sense of self worth and is willing to risk the well being of his friends for his own personal gain. Fortunately, I don't do that in my personal life.

Surprisingly, SCHOOL OF ROCK is not a jukebox musical. What is the original music like?

The original music in this show is incredible. Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed a collection of memorable, infectious, remarkable rock songs that harken back to his Jesus Christ Superstar days.

What is your favorite part of SCHOOL OF ROCK?

My favorite part of the show is either "You're In The Band" or "Teacher's Pet." They're the two songs where you really get to see the kids shine through their music.

The film the musical is based on came out in 2003. What makes SCHOOL OF ROCK relevant to 2018 audiences?

The story is eternally relevant. The most important message of this story is that the power of music can change lives and following your heart is the best way to keep your soul positive. The music the show uses to invigorate the chance we see in the characters was written in the 50's, 60's, and 70's. It was classic rock when the movie came, and it's still classic rock now. You don't need to be a certain age to be impacted by - or to impact others with - the power of music. That message will be the same 100 years from now.

What advice would you offer to others hoping to make a career in theater?

Stick with it! Don't give up. I've had people say "No" to me 50 times for every time I hear a "Yes." Hard work, perseverance, and kindness are all you need to survive this industry. Just stay committed to your goals, even when it seems like you're not having any success at all.

The critically acclaimed SCHOOL OF ROCK roars into Houston's Hobby Center for the Performing Arts from January 30 to February 4, 2018. For tickets and more information, click here or call 1-800-952.6560.

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