Cult Classic Comes to Magik Theatre! School House Rock Celebrates 50 Years!
The cult classic School House Rock rolls into Magik Theatre starting this weekend celebrating its 50th Anniversary.
Tour the solar system with Interplanet Janet. Go shopping for adverbs at the Lolly family store. Take a ride on the Conjunction Junction railroad or hang out with Bill on Capitol Hill to learn about lawmaking. Yes, the gang’s all here when Schoolhouse Rock Live! comes to Magik Theatre from April 15-June 4. The musical shorts, which began airing on ABC in 1973, taught Generation X a wide range of educational facts through skits and catchy tunes but most of all, it eventually taught nostalgia. An entire generation tuned in at the same time every Saturday morning for that brief bit of airtime that was designed just for them. Perfect for the entire family, this retro revue introduces a new audience to the songs and characters that made Saturday mornings great for over a decade.
LEARNING ROCKS
From 1973-1985, children of all ages tuned into ABC on Saturday mornings for the Emmy-award-winning Schoolhouse Rock, a series of short, animated videos that combined education with entertainment. The concept was simple: take subjects like grammar, math, science, and history and make them infinitely more interesting to children by setting them to music. Originally developed by David McCall to help his son who was struggling with multiplication tables, Schoolhouse Rock has stood the test of time and is now enjoying a new iteration via musical theatre.
Directed by Anthony Runfola, Schoolhouse Rock Live! follows Tom, a teacher anxious about his first day of school. To calm his nerves, Tom turns on the television, where his favorite show, Schoolhouse Rock, suddenly comes to life right before his eyes. Through their catchy songs and creative imagery, the Schoolhouse Rock gang reminds Tom that learning can be fun while exploring themes including self-confidence, problem-solving, and overcoming fears.
BEHIND THE MAGIK
The original ABC series was produced by George Newall and Tom Yohe and featured songs written and performed by Bob Dorough. It has been adapted and produced for the stage by Theatre BAM and presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Based on McCall’s original concept, it features music and lyrics by Dorough, Newall, and Yohe, along with Lynn Ahrens, Dave Frishberg, and Kathy Mandry. The cast of five features Ian Eller performing in the lead role of Tom. Alyssa Dossett accompanies him as Dori, Rosa Gardner as Dina, Alaia Adriana as Shulie, and Digger Howard as George with stage management by Alyssa Snow. Together they are the Magik formula for this celebration of learning through the power of music and theatre. This production marks the return of School House Rock Live to Magik Theatre from its original debut in 2018. Patrons can expect to see the same iconic shorts with exciting new elements to engage, educate and entertain while having tons of fun.
“MAGIKAL” MOMENTS OF EDUCATIONAL INSPIRATION
Throughout the week, Magik Theatre offers the opportunity for schools to come to the theatre on a field trip. Rather than simply a “snippet” of a show, Magik Theatre field trip performances are the same as public performances. These productions offer as many as 70,000 children per season the opportunity to see a live performance that they might not be able to experience otherwise. It’s part of the company’s commitment to inclusivity in the arts. Additionally, a Schoolhouse Rock Live study guide will be available on the website to educators with ideas for bringing the experience into the classroom in fun, engaging ways.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Magik Theatre is committed to making theatre accessible to everyone. “We are here to make theatre accessible to every family and remove any existing barrier,” says Magik Theatre CEO Frank Villani. In keeping with that commitment, the 2023 season boasts some upgrades to include the special performances below.
American Sign Language Interpreted Performance | Saturday, May 6, 2:00 pm.
Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons that require ASL as their primary form of communication.
Sensory-Friendly Performance | Wednesday, May 24, 10:30 am.
Sensory-friendly performances create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory sensitivities. Modifying certain production elements to accommodate these individuals allows families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities to enjoy an authentic performance experience together.
Pay What You Wish Performances | Saturday, May 13, 2:00 pm & Saturday, June 3, 2:00 pm.
Magik’s way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theatre with a donation of any amount.
TICKETS TO THE SHOW
Flex Passes are on sale now,$170 – 10 Flex Pass Tickets ($17 per ticket – A savings of 32% off single ticket prices) and $300 – 20 Flex Pass Tickets ($15 per ticket – A savings of 40% off single ticket prices). Single Tickets are $18.50 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, and Educators. Adult tickets are $22.50, and children under two are free. Flex Passes and Single Tickets are available at: https://www.magiktheatre.org/schoolhouse-rock-live/ or by calling (210) 227-2751. You can also purchase at the box office, 420 S. Alamo, from 9 am- 5 pm, Mon.-Fri. If a child under two uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available to parties of ten or more people. For questions and further inquiries, contact info@magiktheatre.org.
ABOUT MAGIK THEATRE
A professional theatre for young audiences established in 1994, Magik Theatre’s mission is to use the power of theatre to create Magikal storytelling for children that Activates imagination, Grows young minds, and Inspires creativity and a love of learning that is the Key to a more literate future for our community. For more information, visit magiktheatre.org, or Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @TheMagikTheatre.
