Review: SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! JR. Brings Back Fond Memories

Remember those educational cartoons when you were a little kid, like Conjunction Junction, I'm just a Bill, and Interjection? Now is your chance to hear all of those timeless tunes in one setting, at Spotlight Players in Canton, where director John Sartor works his unique brand of magic bringing out enthusiasm and energy with a school room filled with kids in the musical production SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! JR.

The set is as adorable as the little kids performing these songs. At center focus is a bright red school house, with an old fashioned bell. There are also school lockers, whence tiny children sprang. The entire show is one delightful moment after another.

The performance is held in the Studio at Canton Village Theatre, with the generous support from Karl's Cabin restaurant.

The story unfolds as a young teacher on the first day of work begins to rehearse teaching techniques. The teacher's thoughts begin to take life. The teacher turns on the TV and is drawn into Schoolhouse Rock! The teacher tries to look over the lesson plan. George and company assure the teacher that, with their help, it will be as easy as one, two, "Three Is a Magic Number." This leads right into "Unpack Your Adjectives." The teacher pleads that it is necessary to teach other subjects like Social Studies and the helpers are right there for him with "Just a Bill." Shulie reminds the teacher that "The Preamble" was another shining example of the series' educational value. The company moves into a rousing "Circulation," detailing the circulatory system through a dance craze. Then its back to grammar with one of the favorites of the show "Conjunction Junction". Shulie's interest is sparked as she sings "Interplanet Janet." The company feels that they have done their duty, and that the teacher is ready to teach!

Director: John Sartor
Producer: Laura Kitzman
Choreographer: Nicci Der-Stepanian

www.cantonvillagetheater.org

Ticket Information
Adults $16.00
Senior $14.00
Youth $14.00

Run time: 1½ hrs. Rated: G. Tickets: Online or M-F 10a-2p in person or phone 734-394-5300 x3. Messages returned within 24hrs or weekend calls by end of day Monday. All ages must have a ticket including children being held. No refunds or exchanges.

Briana Hodge - Teacher
Caroline Valdes
Chloe Mattic
Cade Leonard
Olivia Wingate
Mya DerStepanian
Evan Sartor
Tabitha Miller
Zach Farnsworth
Andrew Lee
Payton Kitchen
Jonathan Bank
Katie Temple
Juliana Lee
Sean Kosinski
Marianna Vespa
Jaelen Kreimes
Madeline Varton
Donovan Leonard
Ryan Tomasczyki

Featured Songs:
A Noun Is A Person Place Or Thing = Caroline Valdes, Chloe Mattic & ensemble
Three Is A Magic Number = Cade Leonard & ensemble
Unpack Your Adjectives = Olivia Wingate, Mya DerStepanian & ensemble
I'm Just A Bill = Evan Sartor & ensemble
The Preamble = Tabitha Miller, Cade Leonard & ensemble
Circulation = Zach Farnsworth & ensemble
Conjunction Junction = Andrew Lee & Doo-Wop Girls: Payton Kitchen, Chloe Mattic & Mya DerStepanian
Great American Melting Pot = Jonathan Bank, Katie Temple, Juliana Lee, Sean Kosinski & ensemble
Elbow Room
Interplanet Janet = Caroline Valdes & ensemble
Interjection = Juliana Lee & ensemble

Keep an eye out for Spotlight Players' featured performance of ANNIE on the big stage at the Village Theatre. Scheduled dates are April 27-29 & May 4-6, 2018. Check for audition dates online at http://spotlightplayersmi.org/2017-2018-season/annie/

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