By Logan Andrew | Editor-in-Chief
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Going into Schoolhouse Rock Live! at Bucyrus Little Theatre, I had no idea what to expect — or honestly, where the Little Theatre even was. But by the time the final number wrapped, I found myself tapping my foot, smiling wide, and already planning my next visit. I still have Conjunction Junction looping in my head — and I’m not mad about it.
After the dress rehearsal, I spoke with several cast members who shared what made the experience special. Rick Walker and Patty Schwall both lit up when talking about Interplanet Janet, praising its upbeat rhythm and classic ‘70s vibe. Abbey Kanellakis, who plays Dori, said her favorite was Gravity, citing its smooth doo-wop style. And when asked what she hopes the audience walks away with, Abbey put it perfectly: “Just remembering what they’ve already learned — and maybe walking out with a spring in their step and a tune in their brain.
That tune, for many, is undoubtedly Conjunction Junction.
The visuals were just as impressive. A brand-new projector, pushed for by the director and lovingly curated by the cast, added vibrant flair and brought the animated world of Schoolhouse Rock to life. “It’s like a character in the show,” one cast member noted. They’re right — the projection screen didn’t just complement the production, it elevated it.
This review is one of three — part of a multigenerational look at the show. April Rodgers, FreeWire’s content coordinator, is writing from a Gen X lens. Her 14-year-old son Cory is contributing his own take, showing just how widely the show resonates. It’s rare to find a piece of theatre that speaks across generations. Schoolhouse Rock Live! doesn’t just teach lessons — it proves that fun, creativity, and connection never go out of style.
Schoolhouse Rock Live! Delivers a Feel-Good Flashback—and Fun for All Ages
By April Rodgers, Content Coordinator
Walking into Bucyrus Little Theatre tonight to see Schoolhouse Rock Live! felt like stepping into a time capsule. Directed by Martha Tidball, the show instantly transported me back to the 1980s—Saturday mornings spent in pajamas, spooning up Count Chocula, back when it was available year round, while those beloved educational cartoons played in the background.
The production kicks off with the high-energy number “Verb: That’s What’s Happening” and doesn’t let up. With fantastic vocal harmonies, expressive performances, and visible chemistry among the cast, the show kept the entire audience engaged from beginning to end.
Audience interaction added to the fun—expect to count by fives, be called adjectives, and maybe even take a bonk from a wayward planet. Yes, my Gen X heart swelled during “Just a Bill,” which got a modern twist with a cheeky “Trump signed you” line. But the highlight for me? Hearing the cast reclaim Pluto as a planet. That’s the kind of redemption arc I didn’t know I needed. To me, Pluto will always be a planet.
Still, what made the night truly memorable was looking over and seeing my 14-year-old son smiling and getting into it too. Sharing that moment—singing “Conjunction Junction, what’s your function?” together on the way out—was the icing on the cake.
This isn’t just a nostalgia trip for Gen Xers (though we’ll definitely love it). Whether you’re a Baby Boomer, a Millennial, or part of Gen Z, this show offers music, humor, and heart for everyone.
Schoolhouse Rock Live! Laughs, Lessons, and a Whole Lot of Energy
By Cory Rodgers, FreeWire TikTok Manager
Okay, so I went to see Schoolhouse Rock Live! and I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did—but it was seriously awesome. It’s based on those old educational cartoons, but the live version is full of energy, music, and comedy that actually keeps your attention (no, really).
The best song in the show? Hands down, “Conjunction Junction.” It’s super catchy, and the way they performed it on stage made it even better. It was fun, upbeat, and made grammar feel like something out of a concert.
My favorite character was Dina (played by Jayda Robison). She had so much energy and totally owned the stage in everything! Her voice was amazing and she made every song she was in way more exciting. You could just tell she loved what she was doing, and it made the whole show more fun to watch.
The rest of the cast was great too—everyone had their moment, and the chemistry on stage was really strong. The songs covered things like grammar, math, science, and history, but they were done in a creative, funny way that actually made you remember stuff.
If you’re a teen and thinking this is just some little kid show, or worse, something your parents or grandparents used to watch when they were young, you’re wrong! Give it a shot. It’s entertaining, it’s got a cool throwback vibe, and it’s honestly a great time whether you’re into musicals or just want to see something different. Plus, it’s way more fun than sitting through an actual lesson on conjunctions, trust me.
Schoolhouse Rock Live! runs June 6–8 and June 13–15 at Bucyrus Little Theatre, 130 Songer Avenue. Grab a ticket and relive a little piece of Americana—you’ll be glad you did. For tickets call 419.562.0731, or snag yours online visit bucyruslittletheatre.com. This is one show you won’t want to miss.
All photos are rights of FreeWire and April Rodgers. May be used by Bucyurs Little Theatre.
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