ACTA ascends to the top of Mt. Rock this weekend with opening performances of ‘School of Rock’

By Crystal McGough, Editor

TRUSSVILLE – “School of Rock” opened at ACTA Theatre Thursday night, July 13, to a full first weekend of sold-out performances, and the show did not disappoint.

(Credit: Crystal McGough)

From the acting and singing to the live music, the quality of this production is nothing less than top-notch.

“If it’s too loud, then you’re too old,” Director Paige Turner Cain said. “We have tried our very best to get the best balance so that you can hear the musical talents of our orchestral members and our singers and our cast members.”

Not only does “School of Rock” feature local acting talent, but this show could not have been what it is without the talents of some of Trussville’s educators and worship leaders.

With former Hewitt-Trussville High School theater director Paula Brown as the assistant director and choreographer, HTHS choir teacher and Trussville First Methodist’s minister of music Dr. Ben Cook as the musical director and First Baptist Trussville’s pianist Kevin Grigsby in the pit band, as well as a cast that includes multiple current and former Hewitt-Trussville teachers and students, this performance is truly a community effort.

“We’re pulling from all the local talent, all the local churches,” Cain said. “It’s wonderful that these people can serve in their churches, they can serve in their community, and they can come together and provide entertainment.”

The play features three live bands, two on stage and a pit band, with a total of three keyboards, two drum sets and five guitars.

“This is not a quiet show, so we can’t have a quiet audience,” Cain said. “I need you to get your rock on.”

During Thursday night’s intermission, audience members raved about the movie-like professionalism they witnessed during the first act. The second act was akin to being at a concert, with a crowd that was cheering, screaming, clapping and moving to the music, along with plenty of laughter and tears.

Although the rest of this weekend is technically sold out, there’s still a possibility that some seats might open up prior to each performance, so guests are welcome to show up at the door and inquire.

There’s also a small handful of seats still available next Thursday, July 20, and Saturday, July 22, but don’t wait because they are sure to go fast.

Remaining performances are Saturday, July 15, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, July 16, at 2:30 p.m.; July 20-22, at 7 p.m. each night; and July 23, at 2:30 p.m.

“I have a lot of people to thank,” Cain said. “So much, we appreciate our season ticket holders. … We appreciate you all.”

With the official season having begun on July 13, season tickets are now off-sale and will go on sale again next spring. Season ticket holders get to attend five shows at a discounted rate and choose their seats before tickets go on sale to the public.

ACTA’s corporate sponsor for this season is William E. “Bill” Bright Jr., Attorney at Law.

For more information about ACTA Theatre and to order tickets for upcoming performances, visit https://www.actatheater.com/