The sound of rebellion is about to shake Melbourne. One of Broadway’s most electrifying hits, School of Rock The Musical is rolling into town for a strictly limited season this November 2025 at National Theatre Melbourne.
After winning hearts across Australia during its original 2018–2020 national tour, School of Rock is making a much-anticipated return to where its Australian journey began. The first production opened at Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne in 2018 before touring to Brisbane and Sydney, earning standing ovations and rave reviews. Now, it’s back to turn up the volume once again, this time at National Theatre Melbourne.
School of Rock: A Musical Story That Shreds
Based on the beloved 2003 film starring Jack Black, the musical follows Dewey Finn, a scruffy musician with a big heart and even bigger dreams. When he accidentally lands a substitute teaching job at a prestigious prep school, Dewey has zero intention of following the rules. Instead, he teaches the kids how to turn their instruments up, let go of expectations and build a band that can blow the roof off.
The score is powered by original songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Julian Fellowes. With iconic hits like “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll)” by AC/DC, “Stick It to the Man” and “You’re in the Band,” etc., every song pulses with the kind of energy that makes people want to get up and dance.
An Award Winning Musical Presented By Andrew Gyopar And Theatrical Inc.
When the show first exploded onto Broadway, it earned the label of a New York Times Critics’ Pick and was described as “an inspiring jolt of energy, joy and mad skillz!” by Entertainment Weekly. Reuters declared, “Andrew Lloyd Webber has Broadway rocking again.”
The production earned four Tony Awards nominations, including Best Musical, and the West End run went on to win the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music. After taking Broadway and London by storm, it’s now returning to Melbourne with a fresh, homegrown edge.
Behind the Musical: Creative Team
Powering this Melbourne season is Theatrical Inc, bringing together a standout local creative team determined to capture the wild energy of the original Broadway and West End productions. The show is directed by Cody Riker, a Regional Tony Award winner; with musical direction by Mal Fawcett, choreography by Jaimee White, and executive production by Andrew Gyopar with Carla Maggio De Leo as the Production Manager.
Known for its community-driven ethos and accessible approach to theatre-making, Theatrical Inc has assembled a team that doesn’t just replicate the original but amplifies it with a distinctly Melbourne attitude. Every lighting cue, drum solo and comedic beat is designed to make the stage feel less like a classroom and more like a rock concert.
Meet the Cast of School of Rock Melbourne
At the centre of the production is John Yanko as Dewey Finn, stepping into the spotlight for his stage debut after his standout appearance on ABC’s The Piano. Joining him on stage are Anna Dinyes as Rosalie Mullins, Dylan Crawley as Ned Schneebly and Imogen Alexander as Patty Di Marco, each bringing their own spark to this rock-fuelled comedy.
The young talent driving the music includes Amelia Durham and Ayda Melody Hendricks as Summer, alongside Caleb Nigli and Lucian Hendricks as Zack, delivering guitar riffs and vocals that hit as hard as the story itself.
“School of Rock is a show where people can have a laugh, a great time and enjoy themselves,” says John Yanko. “As a huge fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber, I am so excited to be playing the part of Dewey Finn in this incredible show with this wonderful cast and production team.”
Live Experience: What to Expect at The School of Rock
The lights drop. The first guitar riff growls through the air. In an instant, the theatre transforms into a buzzing concert hall. This isn’t a musical that tiptoes onto the stage. It charges in, loud and proud.
Every chord and drumbeat is performed live by an insanely talented cast of young musicians who make it impossible to sit still. There’s no backing track. No safety net. Just raw, unfiltered energy that turns a night at the theatre into a full blown rock gig. The pacing is relentless, the humour deliciously cheeky, and the atmosphere electric. It’s a story about finding your voice, standing your ground and turning up the volume when life tries to turn you down.
The Stage: National Theatre Melbourne
The 2025 Melbourne season of School of Rock takes place at the historic National Theatre Melbourne in St Kilda, a venue that has hosted some of the city’s most exciting theatrical events. Known for its grand interior, intimate acoustics and heritage charm, the theatre is transformed into a full-scale concert hall for this production. Audiences can expect a night where guitar solos echo through ornate ceilings, the crowd’s energy bounces off the red velvet seats, and classic theatre elegance collides with pure rock rebellion.
A Friends and Family Night in St. Kilda
One of the reasons School of Rock continues to strike a chord around the world is its ability to bring generations together. Parents who loved the original film will feel a wave of nostalgia as the familiar riffs kick in. Younger audiences get swept up in the thrill of watching kids their own age command a stage with absolute confidence.
It’s family entertainment without the sugar coating. A little rebellious, a little loud, and a whole lot of fun. For theatre lovers, music fans, and anyone who has ever dreamed of starting a band, this is a night that sticks.
“School of Rock is a show about growing up, finding your passion, and also lifting each other up,” says Director Cody Riker. “For a musical that is based on a twenty year old movie, the nostalgia truly elevates this piece. I have loved working with this truly beautiful and chaotic group of kids and adults.”
Tickets and Dates for this Melbourne Hit Musical
School of Rock The Musical opens 1 November 2025 at National Theatre Melbourne. Secure your tickets now through booktickets.com.au. With its international reputation and fan following, this strictly limited season is expected to sell fast.
Final Bell
School of Rock isn’t a show you watch from a distance. It’s something you feel. It’s funny, loud, cheeky and deeply human. It’s the kind of story that leaves you humming on your way out, smiling a little wider, and maybe, just maybe, wanting to pick up a guitar. When the final note hits, the crowd isn’t silent. It’s on its feet.
Disclaimer: Glamorazzi’s editorial team is invited by AE Creative Communications to attend School of Rock The Musical. Roslyn Foo and Mehak Anand are looking forward to attend the event on 1st November, 2025. All opinions expressed are our own.
