“School House Rock Live!”

Recommended *** Back when my kids were growing up, I mean, way back in the ’70s, every Saturday morning, in-between regular programming, they would toss in some snippets called “School House Rock”. These were musical numbers that besides being fun and entertaining, reinforced what they were learning at school. Math, English, History, Social Studies, Science and whatever it was that took your fancy. My son was attracted to the English (“conjunction function, being his favorite), while my daughter loved the Math.

These are fun songs and short and sweet learning experiences that have been transformed to a “live” entertainment in a one hour musical play now on the stage at The Apollo Theater in Lincoln Park as the opener for Emerald City Theatre’s new season. The show is geared for kids, ages 3-13, but to be honest, I do not think the three -year -olds will see any major attraction in the presentation. While it is a slick one directed by Morgan Ashley Madison, I saw the “little ones” in the audience getting fidgety after the first scene. I brought, as usual, some grandkids along. As Adam was off in Wisconsin skiing, I brought Sarah ( now 7 ,very soon becoming 8) and Rebecca who is about to turn 6. Neither of them fell in love with the show. Rebecca felt that although she understood the math, some of the items mentioned were “over my head, so bring me back when I am 12″. Sarah, on the other hand, did get more involved in the musical numbers. Of course, she is the actress in the family, so it is easier for her to get into a story.

The show is fun! The four actors who perform are highly energetic and talented. Jed Feder is an amazing talent and Lillie Cummings has more energy than any 10 people I know. Emily Goldberg is adorable (they need body mikes the 4 actors as the hand mikes did not do the job) and Ron King is powerful. Mr. King plays Tom, a school teacher who is about to do his first day of school. He nervously awakes and puts the TV on. It is then that the characters of Dori (Ms Cummings), Shulie (Ms Goldberg) and George (Mr. Feder) come to life. From this point, through musical numbers, a myriad of costumes (Sarah Jo White) and props (Greg Pinsoneault) along with video projections (Michael Stanfill) the theater is filled with the learning that was brought to the television screen” back in the day”.

The book is by George Keating (a local talent, who appears as well on many local stages) Kyle Hall and Scott Ferguson with music and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, Kathy Mandry, George Newall and Tom Yohe, we are treated to lessons in Math, Women’s rights, Constitutional law, English, Science/Health ( a wonderful lesson about “circulation” that will lose many younger kids, but well taught to the elder audience members. It is a learning experience for the kids (as well as the adults who bring them).

Tickets start at $15 and can be ordered by calling 773-935-6100 or online at www.EmeraldCityTheatre.com   

“School House Rock Live!” will continue through June 5th with performances as follows: