Review |
If you were a child watching TV on Saturday morning
between 1973 and 1985 – or looking over your children’s shoulders – you
remember those wonderful educational songs with cute animation called
“Schoolhouse Rock.” They’ve been revived and expanded in many ways since
then, and one of the best send-ups is the stage show, “Schoolhouse Rock
Live!” which has now come to Roseville courtesy of the Roseville Theatre
Arts Academy. It’s a high-energy, hour-long show that features 13 of the
iconic songs, in a loosely woven plot – and it’s a total delight.
The 6 performers sing and dance and clown through the
numbers, with constant movement that goes beyond the organized
choreography. The songs are accompanied by piano and drum, and the
singing – even with some harmony – is quite good. And to spice things up
even further, there is a constant flow of props and sight gags. Hearing
the very young children in the audience laughing at the broad comedy, I
could tell that they were engaged throughout, even though a lot of what
was presented could appeal only to adults and older children. But appeal
it did: I don’t think I stopped smiling –or tapping my foot – throughout
the whole hour-long performance. Clearly this wonderfully creative show
works with all age groups, and I understand that 4,000 schoolchildren
have been booked to see it during its 3-week run. The weekend matinees
present a special opportunity, not to be missed. In fact, with all the
other shows I want to take in, I’m thinking about seeing this again –
just because it is so much fun. |