'School of Rock' wields its axe this spring at Shanghai Grand Theater

The Broadway musical theater “School of Rock” will perform 12 shows at Shanghai Grand Theater this spring.

The musical, adapted from the comedy movie starring Jack Black in 2009, follows the fortunes of guitarist Dewey Finn and his dream about becoming a rock star. But Finn encounters several difficulties including being kicked out of his band, and dismissed from his CD store job.

Songs in this high-profile musical were composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, famed for “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Cats.”

Lloyd Webber has won an Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theater, several Laurence Olivier Awards and Grammys.

The “School of Rock” lyricist is Glenn Slater, who created many Broadway musicals like “The New Yorkers,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Sister Act.”

Julian Fellowes, who is the scriptwriter and executive producer of “Downton Abbey,” also penned the musical.

The show’s director is Laurence Connor, who directed Broadway musicals “Les Miserables” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Alex Brightman, who starred in the Broadway musical “Wicked” and “Big Fish,” plays Finn.

The chief actress, Rosalie Mullins, is played by Sierra Boggess, whose previous work included “The Little Mermaid,” “Love Never Dies” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Mullins has scooped the Broadway.com Audience Award three times: Favorite Female Breakthrough Performance in 2008, Favorite Replacement in 2013 and Favorite Featured Actress in 2015.

“School of Rock” has been performed in cities all over the world, including Manhattan, London, New York and Melbourne since 2015. It won Best New Musical of WhatsOnStage Awards and Laurence Olivier Awards in 2017 and has been widely praised worldwide.

Date: February 22-March 3, 7:15-9:15pm

Tickets: 160-1080 yuan

Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater

Address: 300 People’s Ave

人民大道300号