Every fall, Tufts’ student-run musical theater group Torn Ticket II takes on an ambitious challenge: the 24-hour musical. The cast and crew find out which show they will be performing just 24 hours before opening, leaving them one day to learn the lines, music, choreography and blocking, as well as pull together the props, costumes and technical designs needed to bring a full production to the stage.
Part of what makes the 24-hour musical so exciting is that the show’s title remains a mystery to the audience until minutes before it begins. The hints posted on this year’s Torn Ticket II Instagram stories offered little context, leaving the Cohen Auditorium crowd buzzing with anticipation as the big reveal drew near. The lights dimmed, and director Clare Eddy walked out into the spotlight to announce the show: “School of Rock!” The reveal was met with roaring cheers and applause from the sold-out auditorium.
Henry Anderson Gatto’s performance as the show’s protagonist, wannabe rockstar Dewey Finn, was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment he stepped onstage for “When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock,” Gatto channeled the eccentric comedic energy Jack Black brought to the role in the iconic 2003 film. Through his animated, over-the-top physicality and exaggerated line delivery, Gatto elicited constant laughter from the crowd. Much of the fun of the 24-hour musical also comes from the improvisation inevitably created by such a short rehearsal period, which Gatto embraced effortlessly, especially during classroom interactions with the Horace Green Prep students.
Dewey’s roommate Ned Schneebly and his girlfriend Patty Di Marco, played by Will Consoli and Rosie Ounsworth, were a funny duo to watch. The characters had a natural dynamic, playing off of each other’s contrasting personalities. All of their scenes felt natural and well-rehearsed — an impressive feat considering the actors only had one day to develop their onstage chemistry.
The production also offered the chance to rediscover the “School of Rock” soundtrack, with “You’re in the Band,” “Stick It to the Man” and “Where Did the Rock Go” as standout numbers. “Stick It to the Man,” in particular, captured the energy that made the production so memorable. Seeing the ensemble of Horace Green students come together for such a high-energy number was impressive, considering they too had only begun learning the material the day before. As a welcome contrast to some of the show’s more chaotic, comedic moments, Talia Bourdon delivered a standout rendition of “Where Did the Rock Go” as the uptight headmistress Rosalie Mullin.
The pit band was equally outstanding. Because the production was minimally set and staged, their musical accompaniment added a sense of polish that helped bring the show to life. Especially in a show like “School of Rock,” where music is an integral part of the story, the band played a major role in helping capture the show’s upbeat feel.
Each cast and crew member brought an electric passion and infectious energy to this production, and the occasional slip-ups only added to the charm and spontaneity that define the 24-hour musical tradition. If this is what Torn Ticket II can accomplish in a single day, audiences have plenty to look forward to throughout the rest of the year.
