IT’S TIME TO ROCK!!! The Franklin Teen Players are about to embark on their newest production, School of Rock! The show began in February with auditions and an open invitation to faculty and alumni to participate. Due to the size of this production, the age appropriate roles and the desire to create something fun and different, the cast of 40 plus members includes middle and high school students, alumni who were in FHS Drama at some point in their past, as well as numerous faculty- some of whom are trying this for the very first time!
School of Rock has proven to be an incredible educational experience. Theatrical production is always a whole learning process. Students learn collaboration, creativity, communication and problem solving skills at a whole new level. They also learn responsibility, time management, memorization skills and resilience. During covid, that element of resilience has been the greatest lesson to learn. Despite covid, many of our student performers have been continuing to produce live theater in any manner possible. Since Fall of 2020, this group has created and produced over nine full productions in some of the most challenging circumstances for performers: wearing masks, missing rehearsal time, facing illness and performing to tracks of music rather than a live orchestra. People have had to learn quickly and cover for others, and have had to really become a team and support each other.
The musical, School of Rock, which is based on the Jack Black comedy movie from 2003. This production is just as funny and entertaining and follows the journey of Dewey Finn as he goes from a lost, immature soul to a heart warming and beloved teacher of the arts. The impact he has on his students and allowing their natural talents to emerge, despite a lot of other pressures, is inspiring. The performers in this production create larger than life characters, moments and musical numbers.
The production, which was originally supposed to open on Wednesday, May 18 has now been bumped to open on Thursday, May 19 and run through Sunday, May 22 with a 2 pm matinee. Thursday, Friday and Saturday night are 7:30 performances. Tickets are on sale now at www.franklinoperahouse.org .
The photos that accompany this article feature students learning engineering and construction of a set as well as artistic designing on sets. There are also some photos of their last run through which truly represent the power of their performance and the creation of some incredible characters and moments! If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet for this performance- get them now!!!
Asher Clark as Dewey Finn, counsels young Lawrence (Arden Greenrod)
Dewey (Asher Clark) and Ned (Alex Kendall) face off during Guitar Hero!
Dewey and Students perform Stick It To the Man
Senior Briahna LaFlamme works on sets with her dad, Robbie (FHS Drama alunmi Class of 1995)
Students work on designing the classroom walls for the show!
