Raleigh Little Theatre (RLT) is about to crank the amp up to 11 this summer, in true This Is Spinal Tap fashion.
Founded in 1936, Raleigh Little Theatre is one of the oldest continuously operating community theatres in the country, bringing live entertainment, education, and community programming to thousands of Triangle residents each year. This summer, that long-running stage tradition gets a blast of guitars, comedy, and Jack Black–approved chaos.
RLT will present School of Rock from June 5–28 inside the Cantey V. Sutton Theatre at 301 Pogue Street in Raleigh. The high-energy musical is based on the hit Paramount movie by Mike White—the one where Black gave us Dewey Finn, a down-on-his-luck rocker with questionable life choices.
The musical features a script by Julian Fellowes, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and new music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Directed by Susannah Hough, with music direction by Diane Petteway and choreography by Freddie-Lee Heath, School of Rock follows Finn as he impersonates his roommate to land a substitute teaching job at a prestigious prep school. What begins as a desperate scheme turns into something more meaningful as Finn helps his students find confidence, creativity, and their inner rock stars.
“School of Rock is a loving testimony to the transformative power of music and community,” Hough says. “Behind the scenes, our own community has mirrored the story on stage. We have brought together seasoned adults, energetic kids, and brave individuals stepping onto a stage for the very first time.”
Hough, who previously directed Something Rotten! at RLT during the 2024–2025 season, says returning to the theater remains meaningful. “RLT is the crown jewel of community theatre here in the Triangle,” Hough says. “Theatre should be accessible to everyone, and RLT creates opportunities for people of all ages and experience levels to explore storytelling, creativity, and connection through the arts.”
Performances take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., plus an additional Thursday performance on June 11 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $36 for adults and $33 for children ages 12 and under, plus tax.
The production is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Really Useful Group and is supported by the City of Raleigh, United Arts Wake County, the North Carolina Arts Council, WRAL, and North State Bank.
Tickets are on sale now at raleighlittletheatre.org or by calling 919.821.3111.
As for me, I might just be there on opening night to rock out. Whether I bring a guitar pick, a leather jacket, or simply my best Jack Black–approved facial expression remains to be seen.
