Schoolhouse Rock Live!
Originally Adapted and Produced for the Stage by Theatre BAM
From the Series Created by George Newall and Tom Yohe
Based on an idea by David McCall
Book by Scott Ferguson, George Keating and Kyle Hall
Music and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, Kathy Mandry, George Newall and Tom Yohe
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Original Production
March 14 - April 7, 2002
Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center
The Program
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The Setting
Tom's apartment on the first day of school. September 10, 2001.
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Schoolhouse Rock Live!
was originally produced by Theatre BAM at Cafe Voltaire in Chicago, Illinois,
premiering on August 26, 1993.
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Production Notes
"Knowledge is Power!"
-- Schoolhouse Rock
Director's Notes
During our production, I took numerous opportunities
to walk around the streets of Seattle dressed
in our "Bill" costume to help promote the show.
I was always amazed at the number of people,
both young and old who not only instantly knew
who I was dressed as, but also began singing "I'm
Just a Bill" to me. I thought how incredible it
was that a cartoon character could become such
a recognizable American icon.
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It all started back in 1973. Advertising executive
David McCall couldn't understand why his eleven
year old son knew all the lyrics to every Beatles
song, but still had trouble memorizing his multiplication
tables. With the help of Tom Yohe, George Newall,
and jazz pianist Bob Dorough they set to work
creating the cartoon concept for "Three is a Magic
Number." Michael Eisner, The head of ABC-TV's
Children's programming at the time, loved the
idea and SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK was born. Additional
talent was brought in and over the next few years
many more cartoon spots were created, over 30
in all, covering topics such as grammar, multiplication,
science and American history. Tunes such as "Conjuction
Junction" and "I'm Just a Bill" quickly became
hits among millions of kids across America, and
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK worked its way permanently into
our popular culture and national psyche.
This Emmy Award winning series played on TV through
1985 and I grew up watching it along with the
rest of my generation. I've often thought it would
create a fun theatrical show, and was excited
to learn that in 1993, Theatre BAM in Chicago had
done just that. Their production of
Schoolhouse Rock Live! became an immediate hit.
When the tragedies of 9/11 struck America last fall, which cancelled our
illtimed production of the musical satire Coming Attraction, I searched to find
an uplifting show to open our new 2002 season of Seattle Premieres.
In light of the current national climate and on the eve of the 30th anniversary
of its own creation, what better choice
than SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK?
The ensemble posing for a
publicity photo for ReAct's
Schoolhouse Rock Live!
Photo: David Hsieh.
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It has been a pleasure working on this fun show. I, along with our cast and
creative team, have had a blast bringing this production to the ReAct mainstage,
with new choreography and brand new staging. We've strived to recapture the essence of
the television series for the stage and I hope we succeeded.
Our production was fortunate to be warmly embraced by the public, breaking all attendance
records for our company, and selling out the Langston Hughes. The number of teachers,
children and adults who have relayed their thanks and appreciation for what we achieved
has been truly inspiring. The show is a little campy, a wee bit corny, kinda patriotic, but definitely
A LOT of fun! For many, myself included, Schoolhouse Rock Live! is a charming sojourn back to bygone innocent Saturday
morning memories, a brief eighty minute escape from current
world worries and woes. My hope is that it entertained and
uplifted the spirits of all who had the chance to see it.
As we struggle through these uncertain times, one thing is
for sure,..."Knowledge is Power!"
--David Hsieh, Director of Schoolhouse Rock Live!
>>Purchase DVD's and Posters
>>ReAct's Encore Engagement
>>Unofficial Schoolhouse Rock Website
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ReAct's presentation of Schoolhouse
Rock Live! was presented through special arrangement with
and all authorized performance materials supplied by MUSIC
THEATRE INTERNATIONAL, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY
10019. Tel.: (212) 541-4684 Fax: (212) 397-4684 www.MTIShows.com
Schoolhouse Rock © American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. Images used with permission.
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The cast performs "The Great
American Melting Pot" in
ReAct's Schoolhouse Rock Live!
Photo: David Hsieh.
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Candice Heidelberg-Wickson, Ellen Dessler,
Kim Anh Yanda-Cannon and Amy Jo Diebold
sing "Do the Circulation" during
ReAct's Schoolhouse Rock Live!
Photo: George Paul Glanzman.
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Special Thanks To...
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ABC-TV for production support
ArtsWest for discounted rehearsal space
The Burke Museum Giftshop for prop support
The Cast & Crew for production support
Andrew Chin for production support
Driftwood Players for loaned costumes
The Elliott Bay Book Company for promotional support and loaned props
Empty Space Theatre for loaned props
George Paul Glanzman for production support and catering services
Karla Glanzman for production support
Lorna Hee for volunteer coordination
Gordon Hendrickson for donated prop materials
Lee Ann Hittenberger for loaned costumes
Catherine Kettrick for loaned props
Kinko's Copies for printing
KCPQ & KMTT for media coverage
TJ Langley and the Embassy Apartments for storage
The Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center for production support
Regan MacStravic for loaned set pieces
The Northwest Asian American Theatre for production support
Anne Paper for donated set piece
Seattle Screenprinting for costume support
Barry Snarr for donated rehearsal prop materials
St Joseph's Catholic Church for donated rehearsal space
Taproot Theatre for donated props
Rick Wong & Rk Productions for videography
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