Belmont Theatre to Present YOUTH PRODUCTION of the Iconic Musical Comedy SCHOOL OF ROCK

The Belmont Theatre, formerly York Little Theatre, will feature some of the area's most talented students to present the youth version of the musical SCHOOL OF ROCK September 23-25, 29 & 30, October 1 & 2. Youth 18 and younger will play their instruments LIVE on stage as well as sing music from this full length production which is also currently running on Broadway.

This brand new musical comedy is based on the famous Paramount film written by Mike White, which starred Jack Black. The musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Completely disinterested in academic work, Dewey decides to create his own curriculum, turning his class into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. The stage musical on Broadway is produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who has composed 14 new songs to create a score, which also features all of the original songs from the movie. Webber is known for composing Tony Award winning musicals including JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, CATS, SUNSET BOULEVARD and PHANTOM OF THE OPERA to name a few. SCHOOL OF ROCK, with its sensational LIVE kids' rock band, is a loving testimony to the transforming power of music.

SCHOOL OF ROCK is directed by Artistic Director Rene Staub. Music Direction is by Joe Reed and choreography is by Maddy Kunkowski. The cast features some of the area's most talented youth, featuring Noah Schmitt, a Senior at West York High School, as Dewey Finn and Caroline Wolfe, a Senior at Dallastown High School, as Principal Rosalie Mullins. The LIVE kids band is played by Seth Erdley as Zack Mooneyham playing electric guitar, Atom Weiler as Freddy Hamilton playing drums, Quinn Starrett as Katie playing bass and Brett Foltz as Lawrence playing keyboard. Other characters include Payton Lutz as Summer Hathaway, Amani Weary as Tomika, and Dominic Anzalone as Billy Sanford as well as many others to complete a cast of over 35 students age 18 and younger. Other youth featured in area high school musicals are taking part in the production to play teachers, parents and important older characters in the show. Seth Shields, a Junior at Spring Grove High School plays Dewey's buddy Ned Schneebly. Seth recently received the honor to take part in National Chorus this year. York Area Encore Award winners Isaac Silver, a Senior from Hanover High School and Vinny Beck, a Senior from Spring Grove High School are also in the production.

Patrons are urged to not wait to purchase tickets. Some of the past productions have sold out before they opened! Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays and 3pm on Sundays. Patrons can save $2 off regular admission price if they purchase tickets prior to opening night. Group sales are available. Go to ylt.org or call 854-5715 for advance tickets and more information. As we transition to The Belmont Theatre, ylt.org will still take you to our website, but our new web address is thebelmont.org. Tickets will be available at the door one hour before the performance, if available.

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