Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...But “School of Rock,” which surprised a lot of people (including me) when it opened on Broadway, is among my favorite contemporary musicals mostly because of the way it celebrates the vital importance of arts education and empowers kids without lecturing, condescending or imposing adult values upon them."
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...Based on the 2003 film starring Jack Black, "School of Rock" is a breezy, escapist tuner about a group of uptight, overachieving, overscheduled, early adolescents struggling to be seen and heard by the adults in their lives and the blowzy, unemployed rock musician who empowers them to uncover their inner rock stars."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Well, the version squeezed out by Andrew Lloyd Webber (yes—sigh—he was the guy who bought the rights, oversaw the, um, adaptation, and wrote some of the tunes) is not that bad. Julian Fellowes’s book is OK. The scenes lifted from the movie work pretty well onstage—the new scene not so much."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Aurora is rocking tonight! In particular at The Paramount Theatre where they just opened their production of "School of Rock" based on the Paramount movie by Mike White. Since its very first production, Paramount under the leadership of Tim Rater and Jim Corti, has brought great musical productions to their stage and the hits keep coming. "School of Rock" was part of the Broadway In Chicago series and as powerful as it was, what Paramount has on its stage directed to perfection by Trent Stork is amazing."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...While this musical won’t go down in theatrical history as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best, Paramount Theatre’s stellar production is wonderful finale to their outstanding 11th season. The show is a warmly heartfelt message about learning to be yourself, not forcing others to be something they aren’t and discovering the simple joy to be found in the arts. All of this, brought to life by a cast of wonderfully versatile performers, makes this a show an absolute worthwhile experience. Audiences will be lining up with their children this Spring to drink in the joy, inspiration and opportunity in discovering that You’re in the Band!"
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Recommended
"...As material, it’s definitely a more caffeinated up-to-eleven take on Mike White’s screenplay than the shaggy vérité that the film went for, and its ethos that rock can change the world is embraced with an earnestness not seen since Kilroy Was Here. But rock (and Rock) have their alchemy, and it works a treat. Lloyd Webber’s original music puts away the longhair stuff, teams up with lyricist Glenn Slater, and the two plop down on the couch and chug Dos Equis while shaking it all night long—the lyrics do the job, just, but the tunes stick."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...Sometimes there is an absolutely perfect match between a show and a director, and that is what has happened with School of Rock at Paramount Theatre in Aurora. Paramount’s prolific Trent Stork takes us to school for their 22nd production at the venue, and the subject is Musical Direction 101. Stork, a master teacher, takes on a musical that calls for a lead actor who is onstage for almost the entire show (most of the time singing and playing guitar) along with multiple child actor/singers with serious rock skills, and makes it all look easy."
Life and Times - Recommended
"...As this production’s Dewey Finn, Nick Druzbanski emotes every bit as much charm as Jack Black has ever produced. His Dewey Finn is very faithful to the character interpretation Black did in 2003 – and why shouldn’t it be? If something isn’t broken, why try to fix it?"
Chicago Culture Authority - Recommended
'...But these beats play out with the seriousness of a Bewitched episode where nosy Mrs. Kravitz is finally going to reveal to the world that Sabrina is a witch! In other words, we’re watching an extended sitcom of the old-fashioned variety, albeit one that’s quite well-directed by Trent Stork, well-choreographed by Isaiah Silvia-Chandley and well-performed by Druzbanski, Garza and a charming cast of singing, dancing and instrument-playing adolescents who take the audience on an entertaining journey to the top of Mount Rock."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...This thing is a complete delight from beginning to end. Is it Andrew Lloyd Webber's greatest work? No. Is the script as clever as you'd usually expect from Julian Fellowes? No again. But the rather ordinary material is absolutely transcended by the delights of watching these kids excel at everything."
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...If you have ever had anyone in your life who has given you compassion, really heard what you were saying, gave you the chance to believe in yourself , didn't hold you back and celebrated you, this is a must see. You will remember who they are and you will give thanks for them. The Paramount has staged a story that will touch you, move you and brings out the dreamer. We've all been there."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...I’m pleased to say that the answer is “yes.” Nick Druzbanski (Dewey Finn) is not doing a Jack Black impersonation and this show is all the better for it. Yes, Dewey is lying to a bunch of people, including children, but with a reassuring, open-hearted Druzbanski at the helm, the deception almost feels like it’s for the best, or at the very least, forgivable. This wouldn’t be possible if the bond that the talented cast of children have clearly formed with Druzbanski wasn’t on full display. It’s what makes the show work."
