A
ROCKIN’ REPRISE FOR TODD HART
AT THEATRE ARLINGTON
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 who bring 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 were members of the original cast eight years ago, and 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.
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! JR. runs February 27 – March 8 at Theatre Arlington. Performances are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 & 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are only $10, and if you gather together a group of ten or more friends, you receive a 20% discount! So, “Unpack Your Adjectives” and hop on at “Conjunction Junction” for this rollicking treat for kids of all ages!
PHOTO: (Bottom row l - r) Taryn Cates,
Jamison Manning, Hunter Martin
(Middle Row l - r) Cayley Smith, Lorens Portalatin
(Top Row l - r) Tevin Cates , Tyler Martin
THEATRE ARLINGTON Photo by Eric Younkin
