July 27, 2005
Actors perform rockin' theater
Playin' Around Productions stages Schoolhouse Rock
By
Herald staff writer
Children who attend the weekend performance of Schoolhouse Rock, Live! Jr. are sure to come away humming a new tune or two.
"Conjunction Junction, What's Your Function?," "Unpack your Adjectives," and "I'm Just a Bill," are among the tunes included in the fast paced musical production based on the Emmy Award winning 1970s cartoon series known for making learning fun.
Schoolhouse Rock, Live! Jr., performed by the Traverse City based Playin' Around Productions summer children's theatre company, is the latest production by the group started by Jenn Miles three years ago.
Miles, who has been involved with theater since her childhood, has worked with the Old Town Playhouse including as the assistant director for this fall's "The Diary of Anne Frank." She has also directed students at St. Francis High School and provided stage managing experience for several local high school musicals.
"She particularly wanted to attract children in the area who would not necessarily be likely candidates for other theater opportunities in town, but who could enjoy and learn to love theater, too," said Miles mother, Susan Miles, noting that she accepts children from the ages of four through 16 and welcomes children with disabilities.
Members of the production company are involved in all aspects of putting on the show, from speaking and singing parts, creating props and sets to learning about the theatre.
"Kids take a lot of pride in the end product when they are involved in every aspect of the production, rather than just having a part handed to them," Jenn Miles said.
Meghan Griffiths, who will portray Interplanet Janet among others, is a first time participant in the production company. The first-grader is learning a lot from directors Miles and Dale George as well as vocal director Jenny Smith.
"It's fun. I really like to sing and dance," Griffiths said.
Other cast members include Taylor Brooks, Steven Bowers, Katelyn Darling, Alexis Palmquist, Jen Pierce, Levi Roth, Miriam Roth, Jazlynn Narmore, Brianna George, Kortney Lambert, Cody Richardson, Andrew Richardson, Riley VanHouzen, Jared Roth, Tevin Miles and Jasmine Miles.
Schoolhouse Rock, Live! Jr. will be performed at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Saturday in 217 Scholars Hall, behind the Dennos Museum, on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College. General admission is $5 for children 12 and younger and $7 for ages 13 and older. Tickets can be reserved in advance by leaving a message at 668-2365. Tickets can also be purchased at the door 30 minutes before each performance.