'School of Rock' comes to Civic Center April 30-May 5

Singer Gabriella Uhl can't wait for the "School of Rock" touring production to hit the Civic Center stage. She's two years into her role as Sophie, and ready to jump into playing three other characters on any given night. When pressed if a life on the stage presents a long-term career path, she thoughtfully mused, "right now I like theater, but I'm only 11." 

Wise beyond her years, Uhl is an anchor in the precocious ensemble of 16 kids ready to be schooled in the art of classic rock by their new teacher, Dewey Finn. With zero qualifications to teach science, history or geography, Finn has a PhD in air guitar, Led Zeppelin lyrics and big dreams. 

If you enjoyed the 2003 "School of Rock" movie that inspired the musical, there is a good chance you'll have more fun at the live performance, which keeps much of the film's plot and is upgraded with songs by composing legend Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. Finn's goofy exuberance feels more at home bouncing around in a live setting — and there are no post-production tricks needed to enhance the young performer's talents.

Booted out of his own group and long past due on rent, Finn's luck changes when he intercepts a phone call intended for his friend and landlord Ned, offering him a job at the snooty Horace Green School. Stealing his pal's identity and paycheck, the new freewheeling substitute teacher sees an opportunity to transform his classically trained, uptight students into junior rock stars and help them defeat his former bandmates in a local Battle of the Bands contest. 

Conducting the show, music director Martyn Axe and his team are the real Dewey Finns behind the scenes. Already accomplished musicians, the child stars even have to be taught "bad guitar solos" to convince the audience they are still learning to rock out. A longtime veteran of productions in New York and London's West End, Axe has found working with the children an uplifting and surprising experience. "We treat them as professionals. We don't coddle them and (we) tell them this is work. They love that and they are treated as little adults." 

Marveling at their endless energy, "they travel with their little amplifiers, and they are often just jamming in their rooms together," Axe said. After three to five hours of tutoring per day, the children still find time to create their own shows and work on compositions.

Surrounded by a musical family, that work ethic has been part of Uhl's entire life. Her Iowa-born father, Brian Uhl, is a professional trumpet player and his practice sessions and dedication made a lasting impact on the young singer. Looking forward to seeing relatives in Des Moines, Uhl has also enjoyed meeting fans after shows, newly excited about the prospect of learning music. The connections complete the circle of inspiration that began at home, listening to her sister's singing, with Uhl thinking, "I want to be just like her."

IF YOU GO

"School of Rock"

WHEN: Nightly performances from April 30-May 5, with extra
matinee shows on Saturday and Sunday.

WHERE: Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St.

TICKETS: $40 to $154.00

INFO: 515-246-2300, www.desmoinesperformingarts.org