The School of Rock ROCKED BSB Shunyi!

Applause! Applause! The cast of School of Rock blew their audiences away in the performances of this high energy musical in early March. They not only rocked BSB, they rocked the globe – due to the livestream, friends and family from around the world were able to tune in to watch the performance online. This show has it all – live rock music, great characters, funny jokes, intense choreography, and more! We are not sure who had more fun – the cast or the audience!

Watch this "behind the scene" video about School of Rock!

We are very happy that we were able to have a show this year as we have 12 Year 13 students who really enjoy participating in the productions and wanted to do it in their final IB Diploma year at BSB, whether it is designing the set and props, helping with makeup or playing in the band. On stage, our actors David and Julienne have done 6 Secondary productions here, and Sebastian and Senate have participated the last few years. Please see their comments below about why they are a part of this show during such a busy academic year. All are such talented actors, great role models for the younger students, and wonderful people to work with both on stage and off.

• David Chen: “I love playing instruments and am really looking forward to playing the guitar on stage while acting. It’s a challenge already in rehearsals, trying to balance both tasks.”
• Julienne Simbajon: “Something about the stage feels like home. I was quite introverted off stage and one thing that performing has allowed me to do is to express myself and my passion in ways that bring out my confidence. Somehow, after years of performing, that confidence has translated into my reality and I couldn’t be happier.”
• Sebastian van der Merwe: “I really enjoy acting, and it is really important to be well-rounded and pursue your other interests at school. Otherwise, it’s only academics.”
• Senate Letlatsa: “It is so interesting to figure out how to bring life to a character that is so different from me. And to make the audience smile – it is the best feeling!”

The Year 13 HL English A students really enjoyed the show and wrote thoughtful and witty reviews about it. It is inspiring for the actors and musicians to hear such high praise from their classmates.

Here is one of the review written by Year 13 students Charlotte Steel and Carmen de Beer.

“The School of Rock. And we shall teach rock to the world...!” And that they certainly did! Okay so, I may be biased with an avid love of musicals but everyone - even those who claim to be averse to musicals - will be on their feet ‘sticking it to the man’ by the end of this production.

A tremendously talented all-student cast achieved a bunch of laughs (at the well-timed profanities) and a few teary eyes (at the emotional ‘if only you would listen’). Not only can each of them act but the live music was truly incredible.

And a whole seven Year 13 students dedicated their time (in between studying for their final International Baccalaureate exams) and talent to this remarkable show.

Dewey Finn (played by David Chen) impersonating Ned Schneebly (Sebastian van der Merwe) as a substitute teacher at the posh Horace Green prep school, passes off his love of Rock onto the Harvard-bound, classical music playing, gold star receiving class. And though the storyline is certainly quirky, it still holds a poignant moral sentiment.

From social distancing to two school closures, in Queen fashion ‘the show must go on’. They refused to give in to the setbacks – and aren’t we glad they didn’t? 

Whether you’re into witty jokes, exceptional live music (with a variety from an age parents should be familiar with) or theatrical performances this production has it all!

Once again, a MASSIVE well done to all our musicians, actors and artists – from start to finish, they were so entertaining and professional! Thank you for sharing your incredible talent with our school community – we are proud beyond words! Please enjoy the photos.

Haley Clark

Director of Performing Arts