Original Kids Theatre Company to Stage Canadian Youth Premiere of SCHOOL OF ROCK

Original Kids Theatre Company to present first Canadian youth production of SCHOOL OF ROCK

Original Kids Theatre Company is thrilled to present the first Canadian youth production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's newest Broadway musical, SCHOOL OF ROCK, at the Spriet Family Theatre, 130 King Street, in London, Ontario from July 7 to July 16.

Recently nominated for four 2016 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, SCHOOL OF ROCK is based on the beloved 2003 film starring Jack Black. SCHOOL OF ROCK opened on Broadway to rave reviews in December 2015. This Ben Brantley New York Times 'Critics' Pick' "is an inspiring jolt of energy and mad skillz."

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.

The stage musical on Broadway is produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who has composed 14 new songs to create a score, which also features all of the original songs from the movie. SCHOOL OF ROCK, with its sensational live kids' rock band, is a loving testimony to the transforming power of music.

In an unprecedented move, Lloyd Webber made plans to make production licensing available to schools and youth theatres across the United States and Canada prior to the show's Broadway opening. Upon learning of Lloyd Webber's innovative plans, London, Ontario's Original Kids Theatre Company was quick to request the rights to produce the show and is proud to be presenting first Canadian youth production of SCHOOL OF ROCK.

"In Dewey's eccentric classroom, he teaches the power of building confidence through the arts and igniting the passion of young people," explains Artistic Director, Andrew Tribe, "These lessons align perfectly with the values of Original Kids Theatre. It was a natural fit for us to present."

SCHOOL OF ROCK is based on the Paramount film by Mike White and features a book by Julian Fellowes (creator of TV's Downton Abbey), with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Glenn Slater, plus the original songs from the film. The Original Kids production features direction by Artistic Director Andrew Tribe, musical direction by Angela Southern and choreography by Megan Alfano.

The 28-member cast, comprised of members of the Original Kids Theatre Company, features a live, onstage "kids" rock band who all play their own rock instruments.

The production runs July 7-9, July 13-16 at 7pm (with a post-show talkback on July 13) and 2pm matinees on July 9, 10, 16. The show runs at the Spriet Family Theatre, second level of the Covent Garden Market, 130 King Street, London, Ontario.

Tickets and show schedule are available online by going to the Original Kids website, www.originalkids.ca, visiting our Box Office at the Spriet Family Theatre, Covent Garden Market or by calling 519-679-8989. Limited tickets at the door, based on availability.

View our Teaser Trailer! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7oYRn8UEVI

About the Original Kids Theatre Company

Original Kids Theatre Company is a performing arts organization where young people can grow and flourish without the fear that taking a risk is wrong or dangerous. This year, the company celebrates its 25th Anniversary with this electric, brand new title as its "special project". This year alone Original Kids has produced 23 productions, ranging from Broadway musicals, contemporary dramas and classic Shakespeare. Since September, there have been 75 sold out performances, including 7 productions that have sold out their entire runs. We anticipate the same for SCHOOL OF ROCK.

Original Kids has also presented the Canadian premieres of Annie Warbucks (the sequel to the smash hit, Annie) in 1996 and Disney's Geppetto & Son in 2010.

Considered one of Canada's premiere youth theatre companies, Original Kids Theatre Company features notable alumni currently at the Stratford Festival (Alexis Gordon of A Little Night Music and Trevor Patt of Shakespeare in Love), Shaw Festival (Kyle Blair and Ben Sanders both appearing in Alice in Wonderland), Mirvish Productions and on film & TV.

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