Hayden to rock VA stage with TV-inspired musical

"The whole cast has worked really hard." --- RENE SCOTT, Hayden senior

--- Philip Carlson/The Capital-Journal

By CHRISTINE SMITH

Special to The Capital-Journal

It is Saturday morning, and you rush to the television set just in time to hear a familiar tune such as "I'm Just a Bill," "Conjunction Junction" or "Three Is a Magic Number."

Hayden High School is bringing it all back this week with the stage production of "School House Rock Live!" This blast from the past combines all the clever, upbeat songs you remember with a few fun characters and their crazy antics to create a charming show for the whole family.

Tom, played by senior Chris Pavlacka, is a teacher who is a little nervous about his first day of class. There to help him out are some lovable characters who remind him, through song, that teaching should be fun.

The cast is led by seniors Rene Scott and Christine Smith, juniors Andy Pierce and Michael Scheve and freshman Joanie Myers.

"The whole cast has worked really hard, and I can't wait for opening night," said Scott, who plays Dori.

There is no auditorium at Hayden High School, but the Colmery- O'Neil VA Medical Center has donated the use of its auditorium. Five Hayden productions have been presented on the VA stage since 1997.

Rachel Wurtz, stage manager, is a senior at Hayden and has performed in or worked on many of the dramas. She said: "Without the VA, we probably wouldn't have a show. We are very, very grateful."

The production is under the direction of Laura Pardue, a music education major at The University of Kansas. She has acted in productions such as "A Chorus Line," "Music Man" and "Guys and Dolls" and was featured in KU's own production of "School House Rock Live!"

"I've loved working with these talented Hayden students," she said. "It's been a lot of fun to relive this show from behind the scenes."

Hayden music teacher Darren Jenkins is helping her produce a spectacular show. He has spent many nights accompanying and teaching music to the cast and chorus.

When asked about the show, he raved: "The show is a high-energy, educational, all-around fun time. If I were you, I wouldn't miss it."

"School House Rock Live!" will be performed Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the VA hospital auditorium. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. They may be reserved by phone through Marty Mulryan at 272-5210 ext. 10.

(Christine Smith is a student at Hayden High School.)

Copyright 2000
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.