Theatre Arlington to relaunch Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.

by PegNews wire

Celebrating 8 years of all-youth musicals at Theatre Arlington, Todd Hart returns to direct Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr., again.

Eight years ago, Theatre Arlington staged Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. as the first all-youth musical production in the organization's history. Todd Hart was the director then, and he now returns to Theatre Arlington to remount the energetic and educational show that quickly became a pop- culture phenomenon.

The decision, by Executive Director, Penny Patrick to bring all-youth musical productions to Theatre Arlington was an easy one. Her history with the San Jose Children's Musical Theatre, embedded in her the belief that participation in the arts is essential to a child's development. At that time, Theatre Arlington produced six shows a year, and while they did offer youth shows, the performances were all acted by adults. Mrs. Patrick knew that the format must be changed to offer youth performances, acted by youth. "Seeing someone their own age performing onstage offers a child hope," Patrick stated, "they begin to believe that they can do it, too."

Of course, no production is successful without the right director. Todd Hart grew up in the children's theatre in San Jose. Like Patrick, he believes that involvement in the arts is vital to rounding out a child's upbringing. Says Hart,

"Most people think sending my kid to be in a play will make them an actor. Well, if that actually happens and the child does continue on in the art of acting, that's great. But, sending a kid to be in a play is so much more than that. They learn how to work together as a group; how to stand in front of an audience with confidence; how to be responsible; how to follow something through to fruition. Most of these young people will grow up to be doctors, lawyers, business people, etc. They'll always have this theatrical experience to pull from and they will have a love for the arts."

Because of his belief and passion, Patrick knew that if anyone could bring to realization the concept of children's theater at Theatre Arlington, Hart could, and he is currently directing the same show that kicked off the successful tradition eight years ago - Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.

What began in the early 1970's as a hit Emmy award-winning television series that taught history, math, grammar, science and politics through fun, exciting, and not to mention catchy songs is now a popular stage production. Parents, who grew up in the seventies, can reminisce about singing and dancing to motivating tunes, such as "Just a Bill" and "Do the Circulation", in their living rooms while their children are introduced to the engaging characters bringing these songs to life for the first time.

Todd Hart isn't the only person returning to bring this entertaining musical back to Theatre Arlington. Sisters Caitlin and Graham Galloway, members of the original cast eight years ago, are also revisiting the songs, music and lessons this educational show offers. This time, they are sharing in the fun with their youngest sister, Beckett Galloway- Chapa.

Source: Theatre Arlington