ACT’s ‘Schoolhouse Rock Live!’ appeals across generations

Cameron Winslow is too young to have caught Schoolhouse Rock! the first time around.

The animated musical education series debuted in the early 1970s, and Winslow wasn’t born for another couple decades.

But the 17-year-old junior at Hanford High School in Richland is plenty familiar with it now.

He watched several of the classic shorts growing up.

And he’s starring in the Academy of Children’s Theatre production of Schoolhouse Rock Live!, opening May 6.

The show “is enjoyable for everyone,” Winslow said. “The tunes are catchy and fun.”

Performances are at 7 p.m. May 6-7 and 13-14, and at 3 p.m. May 8 and 15 at the Richland theater, 213 Wellsian Way.

The May 8 performance will include a special recognition of moms for Mother’s Day.

Winslow plays a new teacher who’s anxious about his first day of school. He tries to take his mind off his nerves by watching TV, and characters begin to emerge from the set to help him prepare.

“My character goes through a lot of development,” Winslow said. “That’s basically the point of the show — realizing there’s a lot more to teaching that just what a degree will get you. There’s a lot of fun involved, and engagement.”

More than 50 kids are participating in the production, which includes 20-plus songs that teach subjects like government, grammar and math, from I’m Just a Bill to Conjunction Junction.

Julie Schroeder is directing, with Jane Winslow as assistant director and Kris York as music director. Dylan Harbo is the student director.

Anne Spilman choreographed the show, with help from Cleo Howell and Rachel Browning.

Spilman, who’s also the managing director of ACT, said the show has “a lot of throwback to that 1970s feel.”

And it will be appreciated across generations, she said.

“It appeals to the parents’ generation and grandparents, because they grew up with it. It’s fun to watch the kids learn the songs their parents and grandparents grew up with,” Spilman said. “It’s a fun family unifier.”

Tickets are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors, students and military service members and $7 for kids 12 and younger. They’re available at www.academyofchildrenstheatre.org and or by calling 509-943-6027.

Show-goers who bring a canned food item for Second Harvest will get a $5 off coupon for a summer ACT class.

This story was originally published April 28, 2016 at 1:00 AM with the headline "ACT’s ‘Schoolhouse Rock Live!’ appeals across generations."