Theatrical Review: Schoolhouse Rock Live!

STEEL SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!
Book by: Scott Ferguson, George Keating, and Klye Hall.
Music and Lyrics by: Lynn Ahrens, Bob Dorough*, Dave Frishberg, Kathy Mandry, George Newall, and Tom Yohe.
Directed by: Margaret Joyce Ball
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* in East Stroudsburg, PA presented their Theatre Department’s production of “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” The play was originally adapted and produced for the stage by Theatre BAM from the memorable animation series shown between Saturday morning cartoons. For those of us who grew up during these broadcasts, not only learned something about Mathematics, U. S. History, Governmental procedures, and English Grammar, but we were also given a songbook which we stored in our subconscious to be taken out whenever we needed to relive our youth once again.

Experiencing this production of “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” reopened this songbook in a very delightful way. Although the play is directed toward elementary school children, those of us who have not quite grown up enjoyed it as well. Personally, there were many times I felt like singing along to the tunes I remembers only to have my very adult, theatrical critic stifle such expressions. However, these were later pushed aside but the exuberance of the performance and the audience members who were quite less inhibited.

“Schoolhouse Rock Live!” evolves around a young school teacher named, “Tom” (as portrayed by Robin A Kessler*) whose concerns and imagination brings his thoughts to the animation series and creates a cast characters who demonstrate their continued relevance in education. This ensemble cast consisted of Krista Beam, Michelle DiBella, Brian Foley*, Francesca Garrard, Kendra Getz (who also served in scene painting and set construction), Shamus Halloran, Rachel Mack, Jenell Anne Manzi, Christopher Palardy*, and Kristen Stachina.

Although I did find some slight flaws in the production like a few actors in the ensemble appearing with the blank stars associated with the thinking of their lines and dance steps and not being in the moment the play, I found it to be a very enjoyable experience enabling the creation of new memories and the resurrection of those lovingly placed in the past. The only other fault I find is the run of the show will be nearly completed by the time this review is published. This is very unfortunate as it deserves the audience a longer run would provide.

The Production was Directed Margaret Joyce Ball and Stage Managed by E. R. Koenig* who also served in scene painting and set construction. Samantha Avola and Alex Wirth served as the assistant Stage Managers while Erick served as The Lighting Designer and Paul W McKay served as Set designer and Technical Director. The scene painting and set construction were completed by Jason Barry*, Mathew Bouboulis, Katherine Burkard, Matty Colazzo, Kenneth Garry, Rich Gross, and Angelo Revillo*.

This production of “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” will continue its run at The Fine and Performing Arts Building on the Campus of East Stroudsburg University (ESU) in East Stroudsburg, PA until October 21st. Tickets can be reserved by calling 570-422-3483. Their next production will be “The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman November 27th thought December 2nd. This play is recommended to those who would like to reopen the educational songbooks of their youthful hearts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.