NEWS | FEATURES | PREVIEWS | EVENTS

originally published: 01/26/2022

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) has announced the return of its annual spring youth production this June when it presents Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock, The Musical, June 3-June 5. Auditions for the production will take place at MPAC February 13-15 for performers ages 10-25.

 “After a two year hiatus, we’re thrilled to be able to bring our fully produced musical back to the MPAC stage!” said Cathy Roy, MPAC’s Director of Education and the Director of the production.

This will be MPAC’s eighth spring production, and its first since 2019. The production will feature a cast of young performers ranging from age 10-25. 

Based on the hit 2003 film, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock The Musical follows Dewey Finn, a down-on-his-luck wannabe rock star. After Dewey is kicked out of his band and threatened with eviction, his fortunes take a turn when poses as his roommate to take a teaching post at a prestigious prep school. He is horrified to discover that his straight-laced and straight-A students haven’t a clue about rock and roll, and he makes it his mission to mold them into a rock band and enter the upcoming Battle of the Bands competition. However, he needs to do all of this away from the prying eyes of the school’s principal. Along the way, Dewey finds romance, self-worth, a proper job, and, most importantly, he teaches the children and their parents the beauty of rock!

“School of Rock is a loving testimony to the transforming power of music, performing and the participation in the arts,” Roy says. “We’ve seen firsthand over the last two years how important it has been to keep our students engaged in our Performing Arts School classes.  Whether virtual, in person or hybrid, these programs have provided a critical outlet for students of all ages during a very challenging and isolating time.  School of Rock feels like the perfect choice for us right now.  It’s fun, uplifting and inspiring, and will feature a lot of talented young musicians and performers.  We can’t wait to give them this professional opportunity and positive experience while once again sharing their talent with our MPAC audience!” 

 

Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info

---

MPAC is seeking:

* Performers ages 10-13 (or who look 10-13): strong singer actors who also play any of the following instruments:  Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums

* Performers ages 10-13 (or who look 10-13) strong singer actors (many roles do not need to play instruments)

* Performers ages 14 – 25, for Principal roles and Supporting Cast.   Performers should be excellent actors who sing and move well. 

Additional information about the production and online audition sign-ups are available here.

Tickets will go on sale in the spring. 

Any individual or business interested in sponsoring School of Rock should contact MPAC’s Development Office.

Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is located at 100 South Street in Morristown, New Jersey. MPAC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2021-2022 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.