A magical cast pops out of the huge TV in Teacher Tom’s classroom and allays all his first-day worries and doubts with a rockin’ blast of educational song and dance. (Choreography Stefon Funderburke; music Dave Wendelberger,) Christopher Eastland does a good job as Tom, seamlessly shifting from teacher to part of the energetic ensemble: Olivia Bath, Andrew Brown, Zach Deande, Reese Martin and Kamryn Sarratt. All are good singer/dancers and bundles of energy, but my favorite was Andrew, who we previously loved as Willbur in Charlotte’s Web. His charm is infectious and his voice rivals Roy Orbison.
The classroom set seems a little plain at the start, but is increasingly decorated with cartoon/sign/picture props that are used throughout the play. Not sure if they qualify as scenic design (Gabriela Castillo) or props (Thalia Pearce)— but they were great. Director Katheriine Clemons can be proud of this entire crew.
Schoolhouse Rock is an hour and 45 minutes (which includes intermission) and starts at 7 — so early enough and short enough to be fun enough for all ages — and you might even learn a few things about the parts of speech, history, math, astronomy, government… and more. Make sure your kid gets one of the fun Schoolhouse Rock Activity Books to take home.
Summer Circle outdoor amphitheater is behind Fairchild Theatre/Auditorium on Auditorium road (bring chairs/food/blanket… it gets a bit chilly. Concessions available.) NOTE that there is construction, and you can’t approach on Auditorium Road from the west. There are detour signs. I’d recommend entering on Farm Lane from Grand River (just east of the Broad museum) with a quick left on Physics Road, which circles around to the parking lot beside the Auditorium building. Come early to get a good spot for your chair/blanket — maybe a preshow picnic?
https://theatre.msu.edu/sct/