Rockin’ comes easy to Phoenix Schuman, one of the dozen kids starring in the touring rendition of School of Rock. Schuman and the whole cast will bring the high-energy musical to the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts January 30 through February 4.
The show, based on the 2003 film starring Jack Black, tells the story of a struggling musician who, while posing as a substitute teacher at a prep school, turns his musically inclined students into an amazing rock band.
In the musical, Schuman, 12, channels his inner rock star as Zack, a boy who uses his mad guitar and songwriting skills to cope with the difficult relationship he has with his father.
“It’s so much fun. My favorite part is when we play at the battle of the bands. I just love it because it’s like playing a concert,” says Schuman.
The Tony Award-nominated musical (which is also still on Broadway) is fueled by the musical genius of Andrew Lloyd Webber. “I love the score so much,” Schuman explains. “Andrew Lloyd Webber has written so many musicals that I love, like Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, and so many others.”
Schuman, whose dad started teaching him guitar when he was 8 years old, is also a songwriter and says he’d like to be in a successful band and continue to act when he grows up.
For now, he encourages people to see he and his costars rock the house, with a simple, rockin’ endorsement: “School of Rock is a super fun show!”
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School of Rock runs January 30 through February 4, at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (800 Bagby St.) For tickets and information, call 713-315-2525, or visit the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts should be jumpin' with this raucous Rock show.
