DRAPER — Turn up the music and jam with the Draper Arts Council’s production of School of Rock – The Musical. Performed outdoors at the Draper Amphitheater, the production directed by Tony Akin opened on June 5th with live music and felt reminiscent of a summer rock concert. The open air environment allowed the cast to let loose on their instruments and turn up the volume. For those seeking a fun summer activity, School of Rock is a perfect evening pastime.
With music by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, School of Rock – The Musical follows the same basic plot as the movie by Mike White, only with even more rocking music with lyrics by Glenn Slater and book by Julian Fellowes. Dewey Finn, a washed up wanna be rock star, poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. His bored attitude quickly changes when he realizes his students have the potential to shred, headbang, and holler with the best of the rock world. Together, his class prepares to take on the Battle of the Bands, while avoiding the headmistress and their parents’ wrath.
The highlight of this performance was easily the live band. Band director David Martin worked with five incredibly talented kids and Brady S. Hodgson, who played Dewey Finn, to create a real band. The ability to work in tandem with other instruments to create one beautiful whole piece of music, while not overpowering anyone else, is a high order for any band. The kids complemented each other’s abilities and truly rocked out together. The band was composed of Jude Hopson as Lawrence Turner on piano, Liam Schneider as Zack Mooneyham on guitar, Scarlet Nielsen as Katie on bass, Kiyan R. Wyness as Freddie Hamilton on drums, and Shelby Reardon as Tomika on lead vocals.
The female singers in this production truly killed it. Kersee Whitney performed as the uptight principal Rosalie Mullins. Whitney’s range was well displayed starting the play singing more classical operatic type pieces. Her command of the high notes was stunning. Later on, when her character has a growth moment and begins a deeper, rock song, that precision gives way to a lovely depth. Whitney’s performance of “Where Did the Rock Go” was easily the best song of the night.
Reardon as Tomika demonstrated a similarly strong grasp of vocals in “If Only You Would Listen.” It was a tragedy that Reardon didn’t have more opportunities to show off her abilities, as her character only begins singing in the second half of the show.
Of the actors, Evelyn Yergensen as Summer Hathaway was an audience favorite. Yergensen’s uptight attitude and proud countenance was tailored to the role. She provided comedic moments in the show, but also carried herself with dignity beyond her years.
Unfortunately, School of Rock suffered from technical issues. Anthony Bouge and Cole McClure were in charge of sound and audio. They must have had their hands full with the large ensemble, plus the constant switching of microphones. As such, there were multiple instances where a microphone failed to turn on before the actor said or sang their line. While this mostly influenced the ensemble characters, there were a few moments where a main character would begin a song without being properly amplified.
In addition, the digital backdrop began glitching during the second half. The convenience of having a projected backdrop has made the idea wildly popular with smaller theater companies. While the concept is cheap, easy, and versatile, when technology glitches it can be distracting for the audience. Overall, the glitching didn’t affect the ability to understand and enjoy the larger show, but it was a bit disappointing.
Brayden Gardner was in charge of lighting. Gardner used some interesting light techniques with changing colors, flashing lights in smoke, projected words, and such to create a rock concert feel during the Battle of the Bands. Given this was an outdoor show, the lighting was imperative in helping the audience to focus on the characters while the setting sun in the background competed for attention. The lighting onstage made it easy to follow what was going on in the show despite the changing light outside.
School of Rock is a fun time. Fans of live music, outdoor shows, and “sticking it to the man”, will find this a perfect way to spend a summer evening. Not only is the music great, the message hits home for parents and children alike. We all want to know that we’re a part of something, to know that “You’re in the Band.” We all want the chance to have our voice heard. School of Rock brings back the child-like wonder of playing music for the first time. For those in the Draper area, it’s a show you don’t want to miss.
MORE INFO: SCHOOL OF ROCK is currently playing at Draper Amphitheater (944 Vestry Rd, Draper, UT 84020). The Draper Amphitheater is an open air venue, with grass seating available in the back. Shows may be cancelled due to extreme inclement weather. Performances are held at 8:00 PM on Monday, Friday, and Saturday evenings through June 20, 2026. Tickets for School of Rock typically range from $12 to $15. For the most up-to-date schedule, performance details, and official ticketing, visit the Draper City website: https://www.draperutah.gov/events-programs/draper-amphitheater/school-of-rock/