Get ready to ROCK! James M. Bennett’s ‘Rock & Roll Revival’ is back
SALISBURY, Md. – WMDT News got a behind the scenes look at a show that has captivated the community for decades!
The James M. Bennett High School ‘Rock & Roll Revival’ is back and better than ever with this year’s theme being “Juke Box Hero.”
The show’s director Susan Bailey tells our Rob Petree that, after all these years, it’s remarkable to see how the show’s grown and just how much it means to people.
“It’s a legacy in the community and it’s been supported for years,” Bailey said. “This is our 26th show. We’ve been the directors for three of them, so we’re just honored to be able to continue this community tradition.”
Those who have the opportunity to attend a performance will be in for a treat as the show sweeps the audience through the many decades of Rock & Roll music, showing how the genre has evolved and showcasing the talents of the students performing.
“The 50’s all the way to early 2000’s,” Bailey said. “All of our songs are at least 20 years old, and we’re gonna do some Doo-wop, we’re going to do some old-fashioned Rock & Roll. We’re going to take you all the way up to Michael Jackson.”
Bailey directs the show alongside her husband and daughters. Rehearsals last weeks and can be grueling, but the students we spoke to say all that hard work is worth it.
“It’s like a full-time job, after school, it’s wild,” explained Turner Greenhalgh, a senior who’s performed in the show since he was a freshman. “We’ve got awesome dancers, we’ve got insane talent with the singers and the bands, and now that we’re getting further into the 2020’s, it’s amazing the amount of genres that we can get into.”
Performing alongside Greenhalgh is junior Ava Alexis who looks forward to the show every year. The commitment that comes with performing in the show is something she tells us she appreciates.
“Rock & Roll doesn’t end after rehearsal,” Alexis said. “You have to rehearse at home, in the car, in the shower, no matter where you are, I’m singing!”
Alexis went on to explain how she remains in awe to see the level of the show’s production, making her even more excited to be a part of it.
“There’s so many things to see,” Alexis said emphatically. “From just the stage crew, the dancers, the singers, like everything is amazing. The lights and sound, everything is put together with so much effort, and it is just so unbelievable!”
With over 100 students involved, there’s sure to be a little something for everyone. This remains the only fundraising event for the school.
The schedule for the first weekend of shows will be 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9. For the second weekend, the shows will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online by visiting: jmbrockandrollrevival.com
