Press Release: Punk Rock The Musical

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Punk Rock The Musical at Syracuse Stage

The burdens of exams and never-ending drama in school are all relived through Simon Stephen’s play Punk Rock. This intriguing production takes place in a high achieving grammar school’s library. Seemingly uncertain about their lives as well as their knowledge, the students prepare for their mock exams while still dealing with the everyday drama of life between classmates and family. Punk Rock stuns as well as shocks with its riveting rock music in between scenes, making the plot all the more interesting and fun.

Staged by the Department of Drama (SU Drama) in Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (SU: VPA), Punk Rock performs February 19th -28th in the Archbold Theater at the Syracuse Stage/Drama Theater Complex, 820 East Genesee Street. Tickets range $17-$19 and can be purchased at vpa.syr.edu/drama, by phone at 315-443-3X75, or in person at the box office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Set in Stockport school near Manchester, England, Punk Rock follows William, a fantasizer who doubts himself; Lilly, the new girl who has just transferred into his class; and all of their other classmates go through the preparation for their mock exams. In addition to their educational struggles, the characters find themselves uncovering secrets of one another’s private lives such as Bennett who masks his sexual insecurity as well as Williams’s disappointment when he learns of Lilly’s surprise boyfriend. Even in the scene changes when the bursts of energetic rock music begin to play, the sounds tell you that the plot is about to thicken and the story is about to get even crazier and captures the suspense that the juvenile drama ensues.

Simon Stephens was an already known author during his release of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which had its run on Broadway. When Punk Rock made its debut in 2009, it received positive reviews. It was nominated for the 2010 TMA and Evening Standard Award for Best New Play award. Punk Rock was praised by The Guardian, The Times, and others. Directing the SU Drama production of Punk Rock is Robert Moss.

Did this story catch your eye? Contact Ania for any further inquiries. See you at the show!