A rising star from the Yarra Ranges is getting ready to rock live on stage at the end of this week, set to appear in a much-loved cult musical.
Nine-year-old Elliott from Monbulk will star as Billy, the band’s stylist, joining a huge cast to perform from 1 to 15 November in the musical show School of Rock at the National Theatre.
“My character is very preppy and kind of hates Dewey,” he said.
School of Rock is a Theatrical Inc production, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and the casting was a meticulous process that swept across Melbourne earlier this year.
Elliott is among a huge and diverse array of emerging talent, and said he has so far enjoyed the rehearsing to play Billy, and has a few things in common with the character as well.
“Like him, I love clothes, style and making up outfits now and then,” he said.
With an incredible rock score, the show features original songs written for the musical, alongside classic rock numbers including AC/DC’s It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Want To Rock N Roll), all performed live by the multi-talented cast.
Elliott has had quite the acting and arts journey so far, and said he has his sister Matilda to thank for his introduction to the world of acting.
Previously appearing in several commercials, several other musicals and a role in the Australian feature film Magic Beach, Elliott said he is really excited about this show, and particularly because it has a live band and the kids play on-stage as well.
“This is set around a school, which a lot of plays aren’t, and there’s a huge cast,” he said.
Managing some late nights in St Kilda with great support from his family, Elliott has been rehearsing hard and said the choreography for the show has been a learning curve.
“This show has made me much better at choreography,” he said.
The young but already seasoned performer said with nerves before going on for a show, his advice is to take “four deep breaths and out” because “sometimes three isn’t enough”.
His advice for anyone interested in the arts was all about perseverance and trying hard before a performance.
“It seems hard at first, but you do one show and it all gets much easier,” he said.
The show will be directed by Regional Tony Award-winning Cody Riker, with musical direction by Mal Fawcett and choreography by Jaimee White.
The upcoming musical is based on the 2003 film starring Jack Black and follows Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who is down on his luck.
After being kicked out of his band and threatened with eviction, Dewey’s fortunes take a surprising turn when he intercepts a phone call meant for his flatmate, Ned Schneebly.
Seizing the opportunity to make some quick cash, he poses as Ned and takes a substitute teaching position at the prestigious Horace Green prep school.
Executive Producer, Andrew Gyopar, said they are delighted to be bringing the rock musical to Melbourne for all to enjoy.
“Theatrical Inc, since its inception, has been about bringing the fun to community theatre, in a not-for-profit theatre production company model,” he said.
“This show encapsulates everything we believe in…. chasing your dreams with heart and humour – and finding your own voice.”
With a fun November rocking out at the theatre ahead, Elliott is not slowing down anytime soon and will keep performing whenever he can.
As a dream role, he said he’d love to one day perform in the beloved show Matilda the Musical.
“I really want to play the character Bruce,” he said.
School of Rock the Musical will be playing from Saturday 1 to Saturday 15 November, at the National Theatre in St Kilda, and tickets are available online.
