MEDIA THEATRE HAS 'SCHOOL OF ROCK' NOW TIL AUG. 28

The Media Theatre has the region's premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony nominated "School of Rock" musical each weekend in August. The high energy musical is a huge come back for Sir Webber with its young cast and fun score.

The Media Theatre produces the youth edition of the musical based on the classic comedy film which starred Jack Black. The show features a young cast just like the Broadway production as they portray students in a classroom transformed into a rock band by Dewey, a wacky energetic washed up rocker posing as a teacher.

Owen Mannion, 17, of Broomall, plays the comic musical role of Dewey. Owen is no stranger to The Media Theatre stage, having been seen in many shows since his involvement as a student during the past decade. He was in last summer's "The Who's Tommy" as Cousin Kevin, and also seen in the theatre's Broadway Series and Children's Series.

Sean Lock, 12, of Malvern, also takes on the role of Dewey during the show's final week. Up until then, he plays Freddy, the drummer. Sean is also a contestant in the theatre's "Vocalist Junior" this summer.

Several of the actors play instruments on the stage, while some portray more than one role to bring the story to life. Young actors portray everything from teachers to parents symbolizing the chasm between generations as rock and roll takes over, bringing new life to education for the young students who, prior to Dewey's arrival, were simply going through the motions. The show's broader message of changing times and the importance of learning shines through, with, of course, a nod to the value of music education and the arts.

"This is an exciting venture for us," said The Media Theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline. "Our summer musicals are generally classics. This is the first time we have a show currently playing on Broadway for our youth actors to perform. It's an exiting educational opportunity for them, and a pleasant diversion for us and our audiences."

The youth edition of the show presents the same script and score on stage as the Broadway production, with few edits. The two act production features all of the Tony nominated songs including "Stick It To The Man", "Children of Rock", and "Where Did The Rock Go?"

The show plays August 5 to August 28 at The Media Theatre with performances on Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets for this special summer musical are just $15. Call 610-891-0100 or visitmediatheatre.org.