Musical Revue Transforms Students Into Rock Stars

Montclair High's School of Visual and Performing Arts is ready to rock.

The SVPA will present, Showcase 2014: Rockin' Out, the first production of the 2013-14 school year, at Montclair High School, on Fridays, Dec. 6 and 13, and Saturdays, Dec. 7 and 14, at 8 p.m., as well as a Sunday matinee on Dec. 15, at 3 p.m.

Twenty-six SVPA singers and dancers star in the production, a rock musical revue, which gives the young performers a taste of what it is like to be a rock star.

Showcase 2014: Rockin' Out is directed and choreographed by visiting arts professionals Corey Rubel and Joseph Tudor, in collaboration with SVPA music director Ken Horn and under the leadership of SVPA director Brenda Pepper. Montclair teacher Ken Cleerdin and student Nikki Baltzer directed the set construction and designed the set with crews of students.

Rubel chose the concept of a rock revue based on the recent rise of rock musicals. The production has the feel of a rock concert, with the first half focusing on the theatric qualities of rock music and the second half turning to the emotional content of the music. Audiences will be treated to upbeat songs and dance numbers, as well as a ballad or two.

“I think Rockin’ Out has a little bit of everything for everyone,” Rubel said. “The audience can expect a fast-paced rock revue with tons of music that will get audiences of all ages ‘rockin’ out,’ from the beginning to the end!”

Tudor, the show’s choreographer, said the dancing can be described in a word: fun.

“That’s the first word that comes to mind. There is such a wide range of dance in this show with contemporary dancing, head banging, full ensemble numbers and such. It will be exciting to watch as an audience member,” he said.

SVPA music director Ken Horn worked with the students to bring out their unique skills. Horn plays the piano and leads the 11-member pit band, nine of which are Montclair students, including SVPA band representative senior Jack Ferguson.  

“I feel the students are very fortunate to be working with Corey on this production,” Horn said. “He has been able to bring performances out of the students that are, by leaps and bounds, some of the best I have seen them deliver.”

Showcase, always a musical revue, is the first of three productions presented by SVPA each school year.  

“I am extremely excited to see the fruits all of the hard work come to fruition,” said SVPA Director Brenda Pepper. “Corey Rubel, Ken Horn and Joseph Tudor have brought such talent, creativity, rigor, and love to the students. I know Rockin’ Out is going to, well...rock!”

Tickets for Showcase 2014: Rockin’ Out may be purchased online. A limited number of tickets will be sold at the box office one hour before showtime.