Iconic educational cartoons come to the stage when Missouri Western State University’s Department of Theatre, Cinema and Dance presents “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” Oct. 13-21 in the Potter Hall Theater. The family-friendly production includes special pricing options to encourage adults to bring children along, and at the Thursday, Oct. 19 show, there will be a cereal bar/pajama party to bring back the memories of those Saturday mornings spent watching cartoons.

“Schoolhouse Rock Live!” follows Tom, a nerve-wracked school teacher who is 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 songs as “Just a Bill,” “Lolly, Lolly, Lolly” and “Conjunction Junction.”

The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21, with a Sunday matinee on Oct. 15. Those attending the Oct. 19 production are invited to dress in their pajamas and enjoy a breakfast cereal bar before the show. Free-will donations will be accepted to benefit the Noyes Home for Children.

Regular ticket prices are $14 for adults, $12 for Missouri Western faculty and staff, $8 for students and free for Missouri Western students with current ID. There is also a special family pack available: two adults and two students for $38 (a $6 savings), with each additional child admitted for $3 (a $5 savings per child). In addition, current volunteers with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one offer: the purchase of an adult ticket will allow “bigs” to bring their “little” at no cost. For more information, call the box office at 816-271-4452 or visit mwsutix.com.

“Schoolhouse Rock Live!” is directed by Morgan Mallory, assistant professor of musical theatre and dance. The musical director is Dr. Paul Hindemith, director of vocal studies. Cast members include:

  • “Tom” – Dalyn Le Grand, freshman theatre and cinema major from Kansas City, Missouri
  • “George” – Robert Vardiman, senior music major from St. Louis, Missouri
  • “Dori” – Abby Wolff, junior art major from Kansas City, Missouri
  • “Shulie” – Abby Sexton, senior theatre and cinema major from St. Joseph
  • “Joe” – Garrett Peterson, junior music major from Chillicothe, Missouri
  • “Dina” – Kennedy Brock, freshman theatre and cinema major from Trenton, Missouri
  • Featured Ensemble – Allyson Bryson, freshman education major from St. Joseph; Keegan Cathcart, junior theatre and cinema major from Kansas City, Missouri; Libby Denny, junior speech and theatre major from Maysville, Missouri; and Megan Hanley, junior theatre and cinema major from Wellsville, Missouri
  • Dancers – Jay Alford, junior public relations major from St. Joseph; Courtney Carter, senior general studies major from Hazelwood, Missouri; and Hanna Parra, senior theatre and cinema major from Cameron, Missouri

“Schoolhouse Rock Live!” was originally adapted and produced for the stage by Theatre BAM from the series created by George Newall and Tom Yohe, based on an idea by David McCall. Book by Scott Ferguson, George Keating and Kyle Hall. Music and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, Kathy Mandry, George Newall and Tom Yohe. “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.