With a cast of 34 and an age range of eight to 19 years, The B&B Young People’s Theatre Group definitely rocks!
The curtain went up yesterday evening (2nd April), with every seat occupied, for the first of eight performances of their full scale production of The School of Rock, a global hit musical based on the iconic movie starring Jack Black. The production’s music was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Taking the lead role of Dewey Finn, a wannabe Rock Star, is 17 year old Ethan Cook. Studying Performing Arts at Lowestoft 6th Form College. Ethan is no stranger to the stage having just completed a very successful run of Les Mis with his classmates. Ethan played the leading role of Jean Valjean.
17 year old Ethan Cook on stage playing Dewey Finn, wannabe Rock Star, with the B&B Young People’s Theatre Group’s production of The School of Rock. The show runs until Sunday 7th April. Image: Molly Ellis
“I didn’t start singing until I was in year 11 at school” explained Ethan. “I was invited to audition for my school’s production of The School of Rock, I think because of my physical resemblance to Jack Black who played Dewey Finn in the film. I haven’t stopped singing since!”
Although Ethan undoubtedly is a young Jack Black look-a-like, we asked how he mastered the American accent needed for the production?
“I watched the film and the musical” he explained. “I have tried to base my accent on Jack Black as that is what the audience will be most familiar with.”
There’s no doubt that Ethan can sing. He has a powerful voice which fills the theatre. His talent is totally natural as rather surprisingly he’s never had a formal signing lesson.
Ethan Cook playing Dewey Finn, with the B&B Young People’s Theatre Group’s production of The School of Rock. Image: Molly Ellis
Off stage Ethan’s musical tastes are not quite what is expected of a teenager, his favourites being Elton John and The Bee Gees plus anything disco.
A spokesperson from the Players Theatre, where this show is being performed, said
“Our theatre was definitely rocking last night. It was easy to forget that we were watching a youth production, the staging, lighting, sound and of course the young performers were so professional. I’m not sure who was having the most fun, the cast or the audience!’
The School of Rock can been seen at the Players Theatre, Battery Green Road, Lowestoft until Sunday 7th April, with matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday.
For tickets to see Ethan Cook and the rest of the young performers, contact The Players Theatre – www.playerstheatre.info or phone 01502 770020.