It’s hard not to have a blast at “School of Rock” playing now at CenterPoint Theatre. What could be better than cheering for the underdog and being surrounded by good old fashioned Rock n’ Roll? There were even ear plugs along with the playbill. No need to worry though, it wasn’t that loud, just a lot of fun.  

Based on the popular movie by the same name, the Broadway musical tells the story of Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star who is still looking for his day in the sun. He and his friend Ned Schneebly were in a rock band when they were younger, but Ned has moved on and settled down into a dull life as a substitute teacher. When Dewey’s original band kicks him out, he’s determined to prove that he is a rock star.

Dewey has been staying at Ned’s house but Ned’s girlfriend Patti DiMarco insists that Dewey leave unless he can come up with the rent. Then one day, Dewey answers the phone when Ned is out. A prestigious prep school, Horace Green is calling to offer Ned a job so Dewey sees an opportunity to make a little money and pretends to be Ned. What happens next is funny and endearing as Dewey transforms a group of preppy kids into a rock band.

At first, the kids are confused when Dewey isn’t teaching them the usual curriculum. Straight laced Principal Rosalie Mullins emphasizes to Dewey the importance of helping the children to excel because that is what the school is known for and she reminds him that their parents are paying a hefty sum for them to attend.

Dewey spends most of the time in class lounging around and encouraging the kids to go to recess when Principal Mullins isn’t looking. When Dewey happens to walk by as Principal Mullins is practicing with the students on their classical music, he realizes the kids have talent that could be shaped into rock music. 

Later in class, Dewey hands out guitars and puts another kid on drums and helps a nerdy boy to have the confidence to use his talents on the keyboard. He assigns some girls to be backup singers and one particularly snooty girl as band manager. Before long he has the whole class practicing to be in a battle of the bands. He talks Principal Mullins into giving him a bus to take the kids on a “field trip” to go to the competition without her knowledge.

What happens next is just loads of fun as Dewey and the kids sneak their equipment by Principal Mullins before she can find out what they’re up to. 

The cast is wonderful. J.R. Moore (Dewey, MWF) is hilarious as the washed up rock singer turned substitute teacher. The music is all live on stage and Moore doesn’t miss a beat on the electric guitar and performs with just the right amount of swagger. Michaela Shelton (Rosalie Mullins, MWF) is perfect as the prim and stuffy principal. The kids really steal the show though with their amazing musical talent. 

Lead guitarist Zack Mooneyham (Jack Putnam, MWF), Katie (Reign Gilmore, MWF) on bass, Freddy (Henry Smith, MWF) on drums and Lawrence (John Nelson Wakley) on keyboard are impressive. Throw in Dewey and the backup singers head banging and straight-A students turn into a rock band.

Dewey might have started out as a substitute just trying to get by for a paycheck, but he finds much more than that. He finds himself truly caring about these kids and learns a little bit about himself. It’s more than the music – it’s reaching for a dream.

 “School of Rock” runs through Aug. 31, Monday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday Matinees at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $21.50-$39.50 and are available by calling 801-298-1302, online at CPTUtah.org, or at the Box Office. CenterPoint is located at 525 N. 400 West, Centerville.