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| And now the legacy continues. On August 26, 1993, in the basement of a vegetarian restaurant in Chicago, Schoolhouse Rock Live hit the stage, bringing all of the classics to a nostalgic audience of sing-a-longers and misty-eyed adults longing for the good old days of Cap'n Crunch, footed pajamas, and "My Hero, Zero." Since then, the show has run successfully in Chicago and New York City, as well as in schools and youth groups in the Chicago area.
"It's not typical theater," says producer and high school teacher Nina Lynn, "You're expected to bring your Pixie Sticks and Pop Rocks into the theater with you ... You're supposed to have a good time and sing along." "I'm Just a Bill," "Electricity, Electricity," and "Lolly, Lolly, Lolly, Get Your Adverbs Here" are exciting and delighting audiences. "Interjections" is also a big crowd-pleaser, but Lynn notes that every audience is different, "People either adore or can't stand 'Figure 8'." Why do we love these songs? It is reasonable to say that those who watched Saturday morning TV from the mid-70's to the mid-80's love them simply because they are so ingrained in their heads. For, as youths, we surely took in more TV than was good for us. But those hours of stimuli were educational, thanks to Schoolhouse Rock. We still know that the "shot heard 'round the world was the start of the revolution," and we can rejoice in celebrating that historic moment together in song. It's a catchy tune and we've heard it a million times. But is it simply catchy melodies and old memories that keep us singing all those years later? We may actually love these songs today, in our maturity, for more heady reasons. |
While the sweetness of youth can be relived upon hearing a favorite ditty, we don't find ourselves collectively drunk and singing Chipmunks' tunes. But "Conjunction Junction?" Three-part harmonies and solos! It seems the writers of these lyrical lessons also had a real knowledge and appreciation for music.
"Technically and musically, the songs are much more complicated than anybody thinks they are," says Lynn. Citing "Three Is a Magic Number," she explains, "Some of them have so many meanings packed in them." Upon reviewing the hummable trinity, one might even find a divine message in there. And when the rap group De La Soul debuted, the first song on their album was "The Magic Number." And if you know De La Soul, then you know that they have an appreciation for deep mind-expanding concepts. Maybe Scooby and Shaggy learned a thing or two back in the '70s after all! So, if you're trying to find something fun for yourself, or something cool for your kids, check out the audio, video, or live versions of these classics. There's even talk of a cover album with the likes of Stone Temple Pilots and the Beastie Boys. The series did return to TV in 1992, and, according to sources, new lessons are being planned. Look for Theater BAM's live show in your city and get set to "Unpack Your Adjectives" and have a ball. And you just might learn something.
"Schoolhouse Rock Live" starring (from left to right) George Keating, Thomas Miller, and Joseph Beal. The production is directed by Scott Ferguson and produced by Nina Lynn. Photograph by Jesse M. Kahn. |
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