Theater Review
The spring Theatre Palisades Youth production of ‘School House Rock Live! Jr.’ brims with enthusiasm and zest. Twenty-four young actors and actresses dance and sing their way through grammar, science and U.S. history, turning the 50-minute show into an entertaining, educational evening for families at the Pierson Playhouse on Haverford Avenue. Having all of the young cast members on the stage and in every number is no easy feat, but director Dorothy Dillingham Blue has done it with style. In productions past, Blue directed ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘How to Eat Like a Child.’ This year, her assistant director was seventh grader Melissa Schem, who has acted in previous youth productions. Another TPY alum, Megan Wheeler, played the backstage role of ‘Baby Captain,’ helping Blue care for her three-month-old. Based on the Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon spots that taught about topics such as conjunctions and interjections through clever songs, this version of ‘Schoolhouse Rock’ delights. Tom, played by Taylor Tabb, is a schoolteacher who is nervous about his first day of teaching and tries to relax by watching television. No sooner does he turn on the TV set than the cast appears (representing facets of his personality) and shows him a more imaginative way to teach. The quality of the soloist voices varies, but choreography, also done by Blue, keeps every number snappy. Brendan Terry sings ‘Three is a Magic Number’ and his stage presence and voice are equally assured. ‘Just a Bill’ sung in a lovely voice by Katherine Reinhold, using just the right amount of expression, is the perfect way to learn how a law starts with an idea, is drafted as a bill and is voted on by the Senate and House of Representatives, but still runs the risk of veto. ’The Preamble,’ sung by Veronica Ellis, wearing a bright yellow dress and a ‘sun’ headdress, had the audience nodding in time. Switching to the subject of science, ‘Interplanet Janet,’ sung beautifully by Zoe Chernov, had Piper Hays, as Janet, dancing and twirling around the planets. Marianne Verrone and Michael Kirshner, who have appeared in previous productions, also enjoyed solos and their voices were sweet to listen to, without the affected belting that too often finds its way into youth musicals. But the over-all best part of the show was the choruses, and the cast should be congratulated for the group effort. The female part of the cast is dressed colorfully in felt dresses. If there was one negative, it was the bright lipstick slathered on the girls, giving them a garish look. This is weekend will be the last for the show, produced by Bobbie Durazo, with musical director Michael Reilly. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Contact: 310-454-1970.
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