Two young Greek Australians will feature in the musical stage adaptation of School of Rock, with one playing the lead role.
School of Rock: The Musical, based on the hit 2003 film starring Jack Black, sees musician and actor John Yanko play Dewey Finn and Westbourne Grammar School student Nicoleta Floudas as part of the ensemble.
The award-winning rock musical follows Dewey, a failed wannabe rock star who is down on his luck. After being kicked out of his band and threatened with eviction, his fortunes take a surprising turn when he becomes a substitute teacher. Dewey teaches his students to let loose, find their voices and stick it to the man.
Both John, 19, and Nicoleta, 13, are excited to get on stage.
“I was in complete shock when I found out… I almost cried,” John told Neos Kosmos.
“I felt so grateful for the opportunity and so incredibly excited too. Sharing the news with my family was so special to me.”
Nicoleta said she was thrilled when she got the news she’ll be in her first real theatre production.
“I worked really hard preparing for the auditions because I knew how competitive they would be, so when I found out I was selected for School of Rock, I was over the moon,” she said.
“Ecstatic doesn’t even begin to describe it — I felt so honoured to be chosen.”
Playing a character from an existing film, John thinks it is important to draw inspiration but wants to play Dewey in his own way while still paying tribute.
“I want to give the audience something new and different while still honouring the essence of the movie and the brilliance of Jack Black,” he said.
“My aim isn’t to replicate but rather to bring my own originality to the role.”
The musical also gives him an opportunity to immerse himself in another world, much different to his experience when he made his television debut on ABC’s ‘The Piano’ earlier this year.
For ‘The Piano’ he performed as ‘John Yanko’ and got to express himself through music and sharing his personal story.
For Nicoleta, being part of an experience that is new for her, she has become a sponge, learning so much, especially the behind-the-scenes process.
The third-generation Greek Australian, with roots in Lemnos, Mani, Pyrgos and Corinth, is part of the Manasis School of Greek Dance and Culture, so musical theatre allows her to do something she enjoys too.
When asked is she can see herself pursuing it she said she’d love to.
“Musical theatre combines everything I enjoy — singing, acting, dancing, and storytelling.”
“I know it’s a very competitive field, so I’m also focused on doing well at school to keep my options open, but performing is definitely something I’m passionate about and want to keep exploring.
“I love performing — the energy, the friendships you make, and the whole magic of the stage. There’s nothing quite like it.”
John is Greek, Italian and Egyptian, with his yiayia an Egyptian-born Greek.
He has always loved music and performing from a young age and it’s always been his dream and passion.
“I knew from a young age I wanted to play music and entertain people. My father is a musician and always surrounded me with good music that I would love to listen to,” he said.
School of Rock: The Musical will run at the National Theatre in St Kilda from November 1 to 15.
More information and the link to book tickets can be found at our Greek Guide.
