It’s really rockin’ at Riverside

BY VIRGINIA BARE
FOR THE STAFFORD COUNTY SUN
Published: May 21, 2008

A few calm moments are interspersed in this collection of singing and dancing by 17 truly talented and energetic youngsters. This is “School House Rock - LIVE!” a show for students in elementary and middle school.

The younger set will enjoy teacher Tom (Michael Colby) who frets over how and what he should teach. He can’t sleep or relax or even study the school books that should help him figure out what to do. 

School children find Tom’s dilemma hilarious. The actors give him a few good lessons on how to teach about nouns and adjectives, numbers and vocabulary. They sing those lessons so fast, audience attention doesn’t have a chance to wane.

The actors seldom stand still and the action moves from one lesson to another so fast that even Tom finds it hard to take it all in.

Tom is the main character. All the others are children and the audience can identify some of them as local schoolmates. Some of the actors may be in their teens but they are just as lively as the 7- and 8-year-olds.

The scenery is simple - some steps and platforms - so moving around during the songs happens fast.

As the play progresses, the lessons advance. Some students will recognize the Constitution and the Preamble. The actors struggle with writing “We, the people, in order to form a more perfect union…” and finally come up with a satisfactory document.

They will understand Bill who is rolled upright in white paper. His worries center around getting
approval or rejection by the President. There’s great rejoicing when Bill is finally approved. Soon, they sing of having a true “melting pot” of people from many different countries. They recognize the need to learn customs from grandparents or others who came to live in America.

Songs about needing elbow room slow down the movement somewhat as people make way for others and start moving westward. Middle school students will recognize the Louisiana Purchase and the importance of the railroad opening up the way west.

Boats and trains lead us on to a new part of the story. The actors take us into space travel. They decide that they use emotions in learning every day. They end on an upbeat “Alleluia!”

The singing was quite clear - without it we would have lost the meaning of the songs.

Anthony Williams who has appeared in many children’s plays and in main stage performances, was choreographer for all that action on stage and mingling with the audience.

This is entertaining all the way through. Production Manager Carole Shrader harnessed the energy of all these actors and presented a worthwhile experience for the audience.

Interesting costumes keep the eye busy throughout.

This play ends June 28.  “Rapunzel” will arrive July 5 - Aug. 16, then “Rumpelstiltskin” Aug. 30 - Oct. 4.  Call Riverside at (540) 370-4300.

Virginia Bare is a contributing writer at the Stafford County Sun. Reach her at info@stafford countysun.com.