The Triangle Explorer

Theodora Silverman and Rob Colletti in School of Rock Tour
(Photo by Matthew Murphy)

The “School of Rock” opened this past Tuesday night to packed house at the DPAC. I thought it was really cool that before the performance patrons were treated to some live music from Kidznotes as they lined up to enter the theater before the show. For those who may not know Kidznotes is a great local organization that engages students, pre-K through 12th grade, in an out-of-school musical program. It was the perfect start to an evening of inspiring performances by the younger generation on stage at DPAC.

The show itself was great fun. School of Rock tells the tale of Dewey Finn (played by Rob Colletti), a rock-star wannabee that is a bit down on his luck after getting kicked out of his band. He finds himself scrambling to find money to pay his roommates the rent and come up with the plan to fill in as a substitute teacher at a stuffy prep school and in the process transforms the kinds in his class into a killer rock band.

Rob Colletti and Lexie Dorsett Sharp in the School of Rock Tour
(Photo by Matthew Murphy)

Colletti does a wonderful job in the role made famous in the film version by comedian Jack Black. It was impressive to watch him make the role his own and not fall into the easy path of just impersonating Jack Black. His chemistry with the kids is great too. He can be the aloof irresponsible teacher one minute and the thoughtful soul the kids need for support the next, without making the role sappy.

Equally impressive is Lexie Dorsett Sharp as Rosalie Mullins, the prim and proper headmistress of the school who has a hidden passion for rock and roll. With the twist on her role we are introduced to one of the two major difference between the stage production and the movie. First there is a love story between Rosalie and Dewey. This is a musical after all! Second, while Dewey is the still the central character the theater production does a great job of delving more into the backstory of the kids in his class. There relationships with their parents at home, and the challenges they face in the competitive environment of their school.

The cast of the School of Rock Tour
(Photo by Matthew Murphy)

While the entire cast does a great job, it really is the kids that steal show. Their acting chops are developed well beyond their years and most of all they are really playing those instruments on stage! I think my favorite was watching Theodora Silverman, who plays the cello before Dewey arrives at the school transform into an awesome rock band bassist.”You’re In the Band” and “Stick it to the Man” were my favorite numbers of the night and both were stuck in my head for hours after the show.

Long story short: If you love the 2003 film you will really enjoy seeing this production. But even if you haven’t seen the movie, you are sure to have a blast. The story is fun, the kids are amazing, but most of all everyone on stage really seems to be having such a great time that it become contagious and it will pull you in to the fun.

“School of Rock” has performances at DPAC through Sunday, December 3rd. For tickets visit https://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/school-of-rock.

The Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration will take place this Saturday, December 2nd from 4pm – 8pm. Families will enjoy an evening of holiday festivities, music, treats, and more to celebrate the season.

This  free family–friendly event that will transform Fayetteville Street and City Plaza into a winter wonderland. The biggest attraction at the event is Snowzilla – a 35 feet tall and 90 feet long super slide  Throughout the event, there will be live music entertainment and holiday refreshments provided by local restaurants and breweries.

Other activities include the Carolina Hurricanes Slapshot Booth, an inflatable obstacle course by Polar Ice House and Raleigh Ice Center, and face painting for children. The Kids’ Zone will features performances by Cirque de Vol, activities by Little Maker’s Academy, and Santa’s Village. Kids can also enjoy shopping cart races thanks to Food Lion. The Mayor’s Official Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on City Plaza towards the end of the evening.

To learn more about Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting Celebration, visit RaleighTreeLighting.com

Looking for something to do this weekend with family and friends who are in town for the holiday? Here are my top weekend picks for this final week of November. Happy Exploring!

Friday

The Chinese Lantern Festival Opens in Cary
See Koka Booth Amphitheatre in a brand-new light this holiday! The N.C. Chinese Lantern Festival kicks off November 24 and goes thru January 14. The festival will once again transform Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre into a magnificent setting of holiday lights and lanterns, and cultural performances. The Festival includes ALL NEW lanterns, each one comprised of hundreds of parts, and thousands of LED lights. And, of course, we’re bringing back the fan favorite, spectacular Chinese Dragon on Symphony Lake! Tickets $15 Adults / $10 Kids.

Saturday

Raleigh Boy Choir at Quail Ridge Books
Started in 1968 with just 20 boys the Raleigh Boy Choir has grown into an internationally-known organization. Quail Ridge Books has hosted them in their store numerous times and we are happy to welcome them back again to celebrate their 50th anniversary. This free concert preview of their 50th anniversary season features the Resident Choir conducted by Danny Yancey. Join us Saturday, November 25 at 10am for a morning of music. 10am-12pm. FREE

Sunday

The Milk Bar Neighborhood Party
It’s time for another monthly Neighborhood Party at The Milk Bar in downtown Raleigh! You’ve spent the whole Thanksgiving weekend with your family and it’s time to get out! Starting our party off with the Panther’s game! We’re showing it at 1 PM with sound. Later we have Jared Place performing from 5 PM – 8 PM. We’ll have specialty festive cocktails and beer offerings!

Triangle Town Center is kicking off the holiday season this weekend with Black Friday specials and  festive favorites like Santa’s Magical Arrival and Pet Photo Nights, and introducing new attractions and events including a Holiday Light Show Spectacular and the Black Friday Bash.

Gift Card Giveaway!
In addition to the fun holiday specials below, I’ve partnered with Triangle Town Center to GIVEAWAY a $100 Visa Gift Card to two luck readers. To enter leave a comment below about your favorite Christmas memory or tradition. You earn additional entries by sharing this post on facebook and Instagram (tag Triangle Explorer). Two luck winners will be randomly selected Wednesday, November 29th. Good Luck!

Here’s a quick rundown of the all the special holiday events at Triangle Town Center:

Daily: Triangle Town Center Holiday Light Show Spectacular
Ready to dazzle the whole family? The new Triangle Town Center Holiday Light Show Spectacular features a 30-foot Christmas tree, and special lighting on the building façade and landscape, choreographed to holiday music. The show will take place at the Creekside Café every evening from 6 p.m. until close (performances take place every 30 minutes).

Daily: Santa Photos
The holidays aren’t complete without a photo with Kris Kringle! Photos are available Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sundays from 12 – 6 p.m., with packages starting at $24.99 (includes a $20 Shutterfly promo card). FastPass “skip the line” options are available.

Mondays: Pet Photo Nights
Every Monday from November 13 to November 27 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., shoppers are invited to bring their furry friends to Triangle Town Center for Pet Photo Night with Santa. Non-profit Saving Grace will bring adoptable pets to one very special Pet Photo Night.

Friday, November 24: Black Friday Bash
Deal-savvy shoppers will start their Black Friday off right at Triangle Town Center, enjoying holiday beats from Bunn DJ and a free coffee and travel mug from Larry’s Coffee when doors open at 6 a.m. (while supplies last, limit one per person. Must be 18 years old or older).

Other deals include:

• Door Buster Deals: Starting at 5 a.m., the first 250 people in line at the Starbucks/Food Court mall entrance will receive a special gift package that includes a $10 surprise gift card from a mall retailer, goodies and coupons. One person’s gift package will contain a $250 gift card! (must be 18 and older to receive a package, while supplies last).
• Black Friday with your Bestie: Register to win a $250 shopping spree for both you and your bestie, or a variety of prizes and giveaways throughout the day.
• Selfie Station: Visit our Selfie Station and show us how you #MakeBlackFridayYours.

Sunday, December 3: Santa Cares Night
Autism Speaks is providing an opportunity for children with special needs and their families to enjoy a photo session with Santa. Extra care has been taken to support the sensory, physical and other developmental needs of children so they can enjoy this wonderful holiday tradition. Photos will take place after hours from 6 – 9 p.m.

To register for Santa Cares Night and see a full list of Triangle Town Center’s holiday events, please visit TriangleTownCenter.com.

About Triangle Town Center and Commons
Triangle Town Center is a 1.3 million square foot, two-level, enclosed super regional mall that combines indoor and open air shopping. Triangle Town Center is located in North Raleigh at the intersection of Triangle Town Boulevard and I-540 near Capital Boulevard and Old Wake Forest Road. Anchored by North Carolina’s only Saks Fifth Avenue and Belk, Dillard’s, Macy’s and Sears. Triangle Town Center is open from 10:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon till 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Department store and restaurant hours may vary. During the holidays, extended hours occur. For more information, please visit www.TriangleTownCenter.com. Follow Triangle Town Center on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The cast of the “School of Rock” Tour
(Photo by Matthew Murphy)

Broadway legend Andrew Lloyd Webber’s high-octane Broadway and West End hit School of Rock – The Musical is coming to the Triangle, hitting the DPAC stage, November 28-December 3

Adapted from the popular 2003 Richard Linklater movie, “School of Rock”  tells the tale of Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who after being kicked out of his band decides to earn a few extra bucks to pay his overdue rent by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. While teaching these pintsized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, helping her rediscover the wild child within.

Gilberto Moretti-Hamilton and Patrick Clanton in the “School of Rock” Tour 
(Photo by Matthew Murphy)

One fun fact about this show is that a Raleigh native is part of the cast. In advance of opening night next week, I had a chance to speak with Raleigh native and Elon University graduate Patrick Clanton about what it is like be a part of this hilarious and inspiring show and all the emotions involved of coming back to the Triangle and performing where he grew up.

You grew up in Raleigh. How does it feel to be returning to the Triangle to perform?
It is an amazing feeling. I have so many memories of going to see shows at the DPAC and sitting in the audience dreaming of being on stage. Sometimes when I spoke to people sitting next to me in the theater they would ask me what I wanted to do when I graduated, and I would say ‘Be an actor up on stage there’. I don’t know if they thought I was serious, but I was. To come back now and realize that dream and perform to a theater I used to sit in the audience at is an amazing feeling.

When did you know you wanted to be in theater?
I think ever since I was a little kid. I started acting around the age on 9. I took some theater classes around that time  and had my first lead role when I was in the 4th grade. Once that happened I think my parents saw how that was my path rather than the sports they had previously steered me towards. I was very lucky to have great programs in the Wake County School System and local theaters that helped support and grow my love for the arts and acting

How is the stage production different from the movie?
The movie was great and this production adds to that. A few things that you will notice is that there is a bit of a love story element added. But more importantly, the show will delve a little deeper into the characters played by the kids and there relationships with their parent. The movie focused mostly on Jack Black’s character, where in this show you get to learn more about the kids which is great because the are really incredible and honestly they are the reason to come and see the show.

What is it like playing three different characters in the production?
I actually almost didn’t audition for the show. I thought I was too young to play a parent of a 10 year old, but I decided to give it a shot anyway. Things worked out and after several call backs I was offered a spot in the ensemble and am fortunate to play three different characters actually. I play a science teacher who is dubious of Dewey and who he says he is. I also play the director of the Battle of the Bands competition and I play Mr. Hamilton, the father of one of the children in the band. My son is the drummer. It keeps me on my toes playing three different roles and experimenting in little ways to see how I can make each role my own and a little different each night.

Are you looking forward to anything special when you return to the Triangle?
Well it will be really wonderful to perform and know friends and family will be in the audience. And again to think back how I used to be sitting out there watching shows from a seat in the audience in that very theater.  I’m also excited to share some of the local food culture with my friends in the cast. You know I have to take them to Bojangles’ for some great biscuits! 

“School of Rock” has performances at DPAC Tuesday November 28th through Sunday, December 3rd. For tickets visit https://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/school-of-rock.