Families will soon be rocking out at Tempe Center for the Arts as Childsplay brings the hit cartoon series Schoolhouse Rock to life on stage. The TV show, which presented academic subjects through megahits like “Conjunction Junction” and “Just a Bill,” has received a bit of a makeover as Childsplay premieres an updated sound to the popular hits.
“One of the things I really wanted to do was put a little more "rock" into Schoolhouse Rock,” said Director Anthony Runfola. “While this production will still feature a wide cross section of musical styles and the original melodies are all still there, we have given the music a fresh perspective.”
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Also getting a fresh perspective is the design of the show. The Holly Windingstad set was designed to reflect the digital age, influenced by both the ‘80’s video game, Tetris, and the current game sweeping the nation, Minecraft.
The multi-media effects will also breathe new life into the show. The video will be used in a “fun and complex way,” said Josh Kasselman with Limitrophe Films. Video will be integrated with the choreography of the show and even projected onto prop and set
“Even though Schoolhouse Rock may not be on TV anymore, the show is still used in classrooms by the teachers that grew up with it,” said Runfola. “The show will bring back great memories for the adults. But for the children, it's going to connect directly with their lives right now. I can only hope the music stays with them as it did with me and my generation!"
Performances of Schoolhouse Rock Live! will be held at Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway April 20 through May 25, 2014, Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. Tickets start at $12 and are on sale now at www.childsplayaz.org or at the Tempe Center for the Arts Box Office (480) 350-2822 (ext. 0). The play is recommended for ages 6 and up.
The 1 p.m. performance on Sunday, April 20 is a special $12 Storybook Preview performance, sponsored by The Steele Foundation. Each family that attends this General Admission preview performance will receive a free book.
The show’s run at Tempe Center for the Arts will kick off Childsplay’s sixth national tour, as Schoolhouse Rock Live! will hit the road in the Fall of 2014. Schoolhouse Rock Live! features Childsplay favorite Eric Boudreau as “George,” Rudy Ramirez as “Tom,” Molly Robinson as “Shulie” and Keilani Akagi as “Dina.” The play is directed by Anthony Runfola. Schoolhouse Rock Live! is sponsored by the Salt River Project (SRP).
Musical Director: Alan Ruch
Choreography: Molly Lajoe
Scenic Design: Holly Windingstad
Costume Design: D. Daniel Hollingshead
Lighting Design: Tim Monson
Projection Design: Limitrophe Films
Sound Design: Christopher Neumeyer
Stage Manager: Sarah Chanis
