School of Rock Lyrics – All Songs from the Musical

Plot Summary

Flamboyant rocker Dewey Finn lands a gig posing as a substitute at Horace Green, and—between attendance sheets and pop quizzes—quietly forges his class into a full-throttle rock band bound for the Battle of the Bands. In the process, the kids discover voices, swagger, and creativity no textbook could ever teach.

Broadway and London Highlights.

School of Rock roared onto Broadway on December 6, 2015, seizing the Winter Garden Theatre until January 20, 2019. It scored four Tony nominations in 2016, including Best Musical. The trophies slipped away that night, yet its West End transfer—opening November 14, 2016—struck gold, nabbing the 2017 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music.

Global Touring and Educational Outreach.

• North American tour revved up in September 2017 and, pedal to the metal, kept rolling through early 2020.
• The first UK national tour launched from the West End in April 2018, shaking more than 25 cities.
• Asia-Pacific premiere hit Manila in July 2018, while an Indonesia leg in 2024 earned rave reviews.
• Canada joined the party in summer 2024, capped by a roof-raising run at Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach.

Recent Regional Productions and Casting News.

• 2025 Pennsylvania production: A youthful cast wowed critics with legit rock chops; the lead guitarist’s solo was hailed for “electrifying stage presence.”
• July 2024 West End revival announcement: Autumn will see refreshed staging, an on-stage eight-piece band, and sets mirroring today’s digital classrooms.
• International casting note (May 2025): Tokyo has cast a 12-year-old axe-wielder with prior pro-band experience—a first on the Asian circuit.

Critical Response and Cultural Impact.

Recent reviews across regional theater emphasize how the show remains a lively champion of youth empowerment. Critics note its unique ability to fuse education with entertainment. A recent reviewer in Ontario mentioned “a wildly contagious energy that lifts both students and audience.”

Music educators now use the musical in workshops, combining theater with actual instrument instruction. Licensing reports show a 40% surge in school performances since 2022, especially in communities emphasizing STEAM learning.

The music for the show was composed by A. L. Webber. Lyrics created by G. Slater. The author of the script was J. Fellowes. The off-Broadway premiere took place in June 2015 in Manhattan's Gramercy Theatre. Director of staging was L. Connor, choreographer – J. M. Hunte. The cast involved: A. Brightman, S. Chase, A. Durand, L. Kritzer, T. Caldwell, E. Dolan, A. Fig, C. Gendell, S. Hooshmand, B. MacKenzie, D. Melucci, B. Niederauer, L. Padovan, J. Parker, I. Russo, M. Samedy, M. White, C. Wilson, N. C. Ellis, A. H. Green, M. Hartney & J. Hemphill. Try-outs before Broadway began in early November 2015. The premiere was held in early December 2015. As of the end of May 2016, the production is still in the repertoire of the Winter Garden Theatre. Production is directed by L. Connor and choreographed by J. M. Hunte. The show included this cast: A. Brightman, S. Moses, M. Paris, S. Boggess, T. Caldwell, E. Dolan, C. Gendall, E. Khusidman, B. MacKenzie, D. Melucci & B. Niederauer. The musical was nominated for such awards: Astaire, Drama League, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Tony. As of November 2016, the premiere is planned in the West End in New London Theatre.

Questions and Answers.

What other awards did School of Rock receive?

Besides the Olivier Award in 2017, it won the 2017 WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Musical.

Are any tours currently scheduled?

Yes, a West End revival is set for autumn 2025, and a North American tour is anticipated in early 2026.

Has the cast changed significantly recently?

Yes. London revival brings a new Dewey and an updated live band. Tokyo production features its youngest-ever lead guitarist.

How do educators use the show?

It’s used in music-tech workshops, pairing theatrical performance with live instrument learning.

Why is School of Rock still relevant?

It empowers youth, celebrates creativity, and fits modern STEAM education trends. Audiences connect with its heart and energy.