Sound check

With Miners Alley Performing Arts Center (MAP) turning up the volume in its staging of School of Rock: The Musical, the company offers a high-wattage primer on the power of music. The Golden-based theater troupe’s ongoing production delivers with pint-sized rockers, big laughs and lots of heart. 

Directed by Warren Sherrill and featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, this show is a full-volume romp that pays homage to the beloved 2003 Richard Linklater film starring Jack Black, while forging its own identity on stage. From the moment you walk into the theater, the unmistakable sounds of classic rock — think Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, Metallica and other bands your dad probably loves — set the tone for what’s to come. 

The plot revolves around Dewey Finn (John Hauser), a down-on-his-luck rock musician who, after being kicked out of his band, impersonates his roommate Ned Schneebly (Matthew Murry) to get a job as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Initially uninterested in teaching, Dewey quickly discovers his students’ musical talents and devises a plan to form a rock band to compete in a local Battle of the Bands competition.

What follows is a heartwarming and hilarious journey, expertly paced by Sherrill, in which Dewey encourages the kids to step out of their comfort zones and embrace their inner rock stars. 

Rockin’ the classroom

Jonathan Scott-McKean designed the dual-level stage, which is mostly bare except for one clever touch: It is painted like a giant chalkboard, erased except for the outline of a guitar. His minimalist approach, combined with a simple staircase and a platform housing the live six-person band, focuses the attention squarely on the performers. While Scott-McKean’s scenic design is effective, the decision to leave the stage bare of set pieces means that every time they transition to the classroom, the cast must manually hustle to orchestrate the transition, which is a little busy and lengthy.

Hauser, fresh off a Henry Award win for his sound design work on Misery at MAP, channels Jack Black’s manic energy as Dewey Finn without veering into impersonation. His playful personality contrasts well with his younger co-stars, and his exuberant charm creates real sparks with co-star Katie Jackson as the uptight headmistress Rosalie Mullins. Hauser and Jackson make a convincing and endearing duo that anchors the show’s more emotional scenes.

The young performers are phenomenal. It’s clear a lot of attention has been paid to their musical training, as they shred through the show’s setlist with aplomb. While all nine are perfectly cast, Liam Dodge on drums, Christopher Gawlikowski on guitar, Beckham Hall on keys and Peyton Moore on bass stand out for their ability to not only keep up with but sometimes outperform the adults. 

There were some sound level issues with the young performers’ instruments on opening night, especially during the first rendition of “You’re in the Band,” when the keyboard was practically inaudible. Fortunately, these problems were quickly resolved, and the rest of the show’s sound was as tight as the band itself.

All the right notes

It’s not just the kids who shine in School of Rock — the adult ensemble offers plenty to love, too. These six actors have the thankless task of portraying all of the various grown-up characters, from parents to gym teachers. Corey Exline and Ethan Walker, in particular, sell key moments and heighten the musical’s energy.

Vance McKenzie’s lighting design is imaginative. McKenzie makes a meal of the music, with appropriately placed ’80s-style concert lighting in red and blue — contrasting with the blue and green tones used to make the school and other domestic settings feel less vibrant.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of School of Rock at MAP is how well it captures the spirit of the original movie while still feeling fresh. The musical moments are fun and creatively staged, with Sherrill showing a clear grasp of the show’s emotional beats.

This earnest approach contrasts with the flashier Veritas Productions at the PACE Center earlier this year, which marked the musical’s Colorado regional premiere. While Veritas went big, using elaborate sets that filled the large PACE stage, the production felt cluttered and struggled with sound design, making it difficult to hear key moments. 

In contrast, MAP embraces the intimacy of its smaller space, allowing performances and emotional nuances to shine without being overshadowed by grandiose staging. While less flashy, the production is more focused and, ultimately, more resonant.

Though the musical does not reinvent the wheel, MAP knows how to put on a show that rocks. Whether you’re a fan of the film or new to the story, this School of Rock is a feel-good, foot-tapping triumph.