A Note from the Director:
Development of the original "Schoolhouse Rock" began back in 1973. Advertising executive David McCall couldn't understand why his eleven year old son knew all the lyrics to every Beatles song, and yet had trouble memorizing his multiplication tables. With the help of several musicians and cartoonists, he 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. Over the next several years, many more cartoon spots were created, over 30 in all, covering topics such as grammar, multiplication, science, American history and computers. Tunes such as "Conjuction Junction" and "I'm Just a Bill" quickly became hits among millions of Americans, and "Schoolhouse Rock" worked its way permanently into our pop culture and national psyche. The Emmy Award winning series played on television through 1985 and was later revived with both old and new episodes airing from 1993 to 1999. Additional episodes were produced as recently as 2009 for direct-to-video release.
I grew up watching it along with the rest of my generation. I remember my older brother and sister waking me up every Saturday morning to eat mom's pancakes and watch "Schoolhouse Rock" on our tiny living room television. It was a routine for us, followed, of course, by playing with the Atari and using my Fisher Price "Grow With Me" roller skates in my driveway.
When I first saw the show brought to life on stage at a community college in my hometown of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, I was instantly brought back to my childhood. Their production of "Schoolhouse Rock Live!" with a cast of six singing the songs in a musical revue-like presentation was almost magical for me, awakening a whole new feeling of joy toward the compositions that taught me so much and first introduced me to music at such a young age.
Rejoice Middle School Drama students have risen to the challenge of sharing this music with a whole new generation of students. They are an unbelieveably amazing cohort that work diligently and aim with everything in them to glorify God with every talent they have been born with. I am extremely proud of the work they have done, and I love them all from the bottom of my heart. I am also so very thankful for the technical crew who make all the magic happen on stage and have put tireless hours into this production. I am particularly grateful for Danielle Haynie-Pugh and Steve Blesch. This show would not at all be possible without the two of them. Thank you to my husband Wesley for being, let's face it, the best and most supportive husband on the planet. Most importantly, I want to thank my Heavenly Father, who provides His grace and peace in the insanity of my life. I pray that every production gives Him the glory that He deserves.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my trip down memory lane, and I hope that our production will entertain and uplift the spirits of all who come to see it. Feel free to dance in your seat. I apologize in advance - you will not be able to get these songs out of your head!
In Christ,
Mrs. Kara Street
