Live Hardcore

   What do New York, Andrew Lloyd Weber and your favorite wacky substitute have in common? School of Rock on Broadway brings all these things together in a brand new musical! The genius behind it all is none other than Phantom and Cats creator Andrew Lloyd Weber. This was my 10th official broadway show (4th in NYC) and it might just be my favorite! (I've seen many more broadway-style shows, which were great, such as: Annie Get Your Gun and 7 Brides for 7 Brothers but, don't consider them in my 10!) 

     I love Broadway! I love going into the theatre and seeing how nice some people look. It's nice to see a Broadway show anywhere; however, seeing it in NYC is a different experience! You've got time square right outside and with all that chaos feet away inside the focus is all on the stage! I enjoy the singing, the dancing and the story. Although I've enjoyed them all, I'd have to say Blue Man Group was my least-favorite. The Lion King has been my favorite so far (and the only one I've seen twice!) Now, School of Rock has given it a run for it's money. Billy Elliot:The Musical will always have a special place in my heart; because, it's the first broadway show I ever saw, which set in motion the desire to see more! It's hard to top these; however, School of Rock is probably one of my favorite non-Disney, non-animated movies. When Andrea and I were planning my trip to NYC, I knew I wanted to see this show! I think Andrea was a bit "ehh" to the idea; however, she really enjoyed it! (She had only seen the movie for the first time two days prior!) She and I both thought it was better than expected! I just finished my first year in the classroom, which may have been a reason it was so funny and relatable to me! 

   The play starts out set in Poughkeepsie, NY. Which is where my friend Parker is from! It follows the movie pretty well. They do bring the movie from the early 2000's to present day! There were some jokes that fit the political scene today which can be easily adapted should it stay on Broadway for years. Jokes like women's pay gap and The Kardashians. There are some other changes from the movie I didn't see coming; but, I enjoyed them! The scenery is pretty elaborate in some scenes and simple in others. I was expecting pretty simple scenery; however for the most part, it was pretty impressive. The kids slide their desk in and out for a quick scenery change and in true rock form people push amps off stage with attitude! The curtain that has "School of Rock" painted on it looks like a brick wall even from the 2nd row! The 2nd row? Yes the 2nd row! That's where our seats were. Which means I had an incredible view of (almost) everything! Before the show I could hear the orchestra, crew and actors getting ready, which only fueled to the over-the-top excitement I had! I'm pretty sure nobody was excited as me! I haven't been so excited for something since I was accepted into The Disney College Program! We had booked these tickets seven months in advance and School of Rock twitter page tweeted me twice the day prior! When the lead sang I could see him spit! Which is gross, but awesome at the same time! During a scene in the teachers lounge, Dewy Finn (portrayed by Alex Brightman) spits water on the teacher beside him and I could see the drops of water drip off the guy!) 

     The costumes are okay. (After seeing Disney broadway shows, nothing can compete on the costume scales!) The music is enjoyable. I actually didn't find any songs boring! Usually in shows there is one song that I can't wait for it to be over. I didn't want this show to end! "When I Climb To The Of Mount Rock" "Where Did the Rock Go" "If Only You Would Listen" "Stick it to The Man" and "You're in the Band" are some great songs to add to your Broadway playlist! The cast were talented. The other teachers and parents were great. The principal was excellent. Alex was great. But let's talk about these kids! These kids can sing, dance, act and play instruments and do all 4 well! I wish I had a fraction of their talent! They were funny and seemed to really love preforming! I can't believe they get to do this at such a young age for a paycheck! (If I believe in reincarnation, this would be my choice for the next go-round!) I had one half-second negative critique for the show the use of "GD" once. It's a family show keep those words separate! It had other minor cursing which I thought could be overlooked. Other than that, I loved it! 

     If you're ever in NYC go see this show! Other official broadway shows I've seen include: Beauty and the Beast, American Idiot, (Morgantown, WV) Stomp, (Charleston, WV) Mary Poppins, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Pittsburgh) and Aladdin (NYC). Comment below with the best play you've ever seen!