SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK to Open Theatre By the Sea Children Festival

Remember the 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs disguised as commercials? Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), the not-for-profit producing entity at the historic Theatre By The Sea takes a trip down memory lane as it opens Theatre By The Sea's 2011 Children's Festival with the stage version of the pop culture phenomenon, Schoolhouse Rock Live! on Friday, July 8, 2011.

Originally the brainchild of an advertising executive who noticed his son could remember all the words to popular songs on the radio, but could not remember the multiplication tables, "Schoolhouse Rock" aired on ABC from 1973-1985 and won four Emmy® Awards. Over twenty years later, those who grew up with "Multiplication Rock," "America Rock," "Science Rock," and "Grammar Rock," can still sing the preamble to the U.S. Constitution and know that "and," "but," and "or" all belong in "Conjunction Junction."

In the stage production, which was created in 1993, we meet Tom, a school teacher who is very nervous about his first day of teaching. He tries to relax by watching TV, when various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music, through such beloved Schoolhouse Rock songs as "Three is a Magic Number," "Just A Bill," "Interplanet Janet," "The Tale of Mr. Morton," "Ready or Not, Here I Come," "Lolly, Lolly, Lolly," and "Conjunction Junction."

Directed by Managing Producer Joel Kipper, with music direction by Jean-Pierre Ferragamo, both of whom appeared in last season's production of The Full Monty as Malcolm and Dave respectively, this must-see family musical features the talents of OSTC's 2011 acting interns: Emily Brockway, Nathan Chang, Derek Johnson, Amanda Kouri, Arielle Kook, Kimberly Lowe, Antonio Tillman and James Wells, who will be appearing in the mainstage productions throughout the season. They will be joined by House Manager Mike Daniels, who returns to the Theatre By The Sea stage after making his debut last year in the popular children's play The Fabulous Fable Factory. Costumes and props are being provided by members of OSTC's production apprentices as part of the Intern/Apprentice program.

After the performance, families can enjoy refreshments, which will be available for purchase at the gazebo.

Schoolhouse Rock Live! will be presented on Friday, July 8, 2011 at 10:00 am and 12:00 noon. The theatre is located at 364 Cards Pond Road, Matunuck, RI. Single tickets are $10.00 each with packages of three shows or more for $8.00 per ticket. Discount rates are available for groups of 20 or more by calling (401) 782-3800 x18. Tickets are on sale at the box office Mon-Sat from 10:00 am-4:00 pm, online 24-hours-a-day at www.theatrebythesea.com and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 782-TKTS (8587).

Introduce your child to the magic of live theatre this summer at Theatre By The Sea!

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