The Grand Theatre High School Project is blasting, bringing the tunes to downtown London this fall. Local students are hitting the stage with their own version of the 2003 blockbuster film, ‘School of Rock’. Professional theatre director Lezlie Wade says the students are putting on quite a show and highlighting their many talents. “This performance is such a great chance for them to explore the rock and roll side of their personalities and slightly rebellious side as well,” said Wade. “However, it’s very inspirational.” H.B Beal Secondary School student Isaac De Melo plays the role of Dewey Finn in the musical, a fake substitute teacher who helps the kids get out of their shell. “I would say it’s a group full of kids who just want to be heard and I’m trying to let them find their voice,” said De Melo. Isabelle Parent is another Beal student who plays the part of the principal in the play, Rosalie Mullins. “She kind of has this hardened exterior but she grew up loving rock music and that’s discovered later in the show,” said Parent. “With Dewey’s help, she rediscovers her younger self.” Wade says the group on stage performs like pros. “It doesn’t look like they are students and that great and the greatest compliment you can pay them,” Wade said. If you would like to catch the first production of the brand-new season at the Grand Theatre, School of Rock is on now until Oct. 3.
