Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!
The vibrant and beloved songs of the 1970's cartoon take the stage once again!
Show Essentials
6
Roles
U
Rated
1
Act

Full Synopsis

The show opens with Cookie alone in a diner; he is the chef and sweeping the floors. He looks out the window for approaching customers, but, as usual, there are none. Julie, the waitress, enters on roller skates - she thinks a gimmick might boost business. Nina, the owner of the diner, enters, also lamenting the lack of customers. Rebecca, the upstairs tenant and the diner's only regular, enters. If they can't figure out a way to get more customers, they'll have to close the diner ("Throw Away The Key").

Just then, a customer appears! His name is Lucky, and he's not really a customer - he's looking for work. Then Tom, a genuine customer, arrives. He is a third grade teacher. While getting ready for his first day of school this morning, he turned on Schoolhouse Rock and suddenly all of the characters jumped out of the T.V. and started singing his favorite Schoolhouse Rock songs ("Rockin' Medley"). Nina interrupts his story: if they don't come up with a plan to save the diner before her sister comes home from a business trip in six hours, the diner will have to be shut down. Tom, thinking of his inspirational morning, wonders if a few songs might help cheer Nina up. Nina, however, is stuck on the thought of the six hours she has left ("I Got Six").

Tom suggests that imagination inspires ideas. He then gestures out to the audience and tells his friends that the audience members are ideas that have come to help save the diner. Julie says that she feels a spark of something beginning to happen ("Electricity"). Then, Rebecca suggests that the restaurant have a zoo theme with live animals ("Four Legged Zoo"). The others reject this idea when they begin discussing who will take care of the animals, what the animals will eat, and who will clean up a few hours after they eat ("The Body Machine").

Rebecca suggests another theme: a patriotic diner. They review the major dates and events leading to America's independence, which would be part of that theme ("Fireworks"). Julie admits it's a good idea, but says it is a little overdone. Nina, in a panic, reminds the group that her sister will be there at nine o'clock and they still haven't come up with anything ("Naughty Number Nine"). Lucky tells Nina not to worry as he brings good luck ("Lucky Seven Sampson"). When he tries to leave, Nina convinces him to stay. He admits that he is having a good time and asks if they can guess his favorite Schoolhouse Rock song ("I'm Just A Bill"). Tom assures Nina that with everyone helping, finding a solution will be simple ("Elementary, My Dear").

Rebecca has another idea, and runs up to her apartment. Nina admits that Lucky is good with numbers and tells him that if the diner ever turns around, she could use his help on the books. Rebecca returns with a ukulele and cowboy boots, since it is her dream to be a country singer. She thinks that the diner should be a trendy coffee shop with live entertainment, however, she needs a guitar and she doesn't have the money to buy one. Lucky tells her how she can make interest on her money by putting it in the bank, or how she can borrow money from the bank ("Dollars and Sense"). In the end, Rebecca still doesn't have enough to buy a new guitar. Julie offers the money that she makes recycling old cans ("Energy Blues").

Cookie wonders who pays for recycling. Lucky and Tom explain that he does through taxes ("Taxman Max"). Lucky then explains that the IRS is just a small part of the government, and Julie and the women describe the three branches of government against a circus backdrop ("Three Ring Government"). After the song, Rebecca enthusiastically suggests that the diner have a circus theme; Nina wonders what goes on inside Rebecca's head, which prompts an exploration of the human body ("Them Not So Dry Bones"). A fly buzzes past Nina. She tells the group that flies really get on her nerves, which cues a discussion of the nervous system ("Telegraph Lines").

With time quickly passing and only an hour until they pick up Nina's sister at the airport, they are desperate for a plan. They have reached the eleventh hour ("The Good Eleven"). Despite the trouble they are in, they are all having a good time together and have made new friends. The others say they will support Nina no matter what happens, and remind her that she has just as much say in the future of the diner as her sister since Cleo is not the Queen of England ("No More Kings"). Inspired by the explanation of monarchy versus democracy, Nina is convinced that she can keep her diner. The group responds enthusiastically ("Interjections").

Cookie tells Nina that it's time to pick up Cleo. Nina looks around at her friends and at the diner...she suddenly has a new idea! She draws the group's attention to all of the colorful 'stuff' they've brought in while singing their favorite Schoolhouse Rock songs. They will have a Schoolhouse Rock restaurant and name it The Conjunction Junction Diner, because it's where they all come together. The group approves unanimously! ("Conjunction Junction/Finale").

Casting
← Back to Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!
Cast Size: Small (Up to 10 performers)
Cast Type: Ensemble Cast
Dance Requirements: Standard

Character Breakdown

Cookie
The chef at the diner. Dreams of cooking for a diner full of people. Imaginative and playful. Loves to recycle things for practical purposes and for fun.
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 40
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Julie
The waitress of the diner. A sweet ingénue. Loves to dance, but she is single so she doesn't have a partner. Thinks that a gimmick might bring in more customers.
Gender: female
Age: 18 to 25
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Rebecca
A "regular" at the diner. She lives in the apartment upstairs and is a big goofball. Silly, fun and energetic, but sometimes absent-minded. Longs to be a country singer.
Gender: female
Age: 22 to 30
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Nina
The co-owner of the diner with her sister. She is very strong, self-assured, and cool. Desperate to come up with a plan to save the diner.
Gender: female
Age: 30 to 45
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Lucky
Job applicant at the diner. He is cute and a go-getter. A young, leading man type. Former bank employee, great with numbers. He falls in love with Julie.
Gender: male
Age: 15 to 20
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Tom
A teacher. Just finished his first day of teaching. Energetic, cheery, and loveable. Always has a hopeful and positive outlook on things.
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 30
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Ensemble
Array
Full Song List
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Throw Away The Key
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: The Rockin' Medley
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: I Got Six
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Electricity
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Four-Legged Zoo
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Body Machine
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Fireworks
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Naughty Number Nine
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Lucky Seven Sampson
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: I'm Just a Bill
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Elementary My Dear
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Dollars and Sense
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: The Energy Blues
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Tax Man Max
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Three Ring Government
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Them Not-So-Dry Bones
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Telegraph Line
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Good Eleven
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: No More Kings
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Interjections
Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!: Conjunction Junction/Finale

Show History

Inspiration

Schoolhouse Rock Live Too!  is a direct sequel to Schoolhouse Rock Live!  The book was once again written by Scott Ferguson and brings together a number of famous songs from the Emmy-winning educational television show Schoolhouse Rock.

The sequel continues on the story of new schoolteacher Tom, the central character in the previous installment.  This time, though, the plot focuses on saving the run down diner.  The majority of the songs used are new to the Schoolhouse Rock Live! series.  However, there are a few songs that have carried over from the musical's predecessor, namely "I'm Just a Bill," "Interjections," and "Conjunction Junction."

Productions

Schoolhouse Rock Live Too! has been performed in a variety of major venues and with a myriad of theatre companies.  The assortment includes the Greenway Court Theater in West Hollywood, Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, Columbus State University, and the Highland Park Players.

Critical Reaction

"A rollicking sequel [& ] Those who remember the '70s remember Schoolhouse Rock and will be pleasantly surprised to clearly recall songs like "Conjunction Junction" and "I'm Just a Bill." Those who can't remember the '70s or even the '90s, for that matter will experience this production as a fresh, vibrant, and playful musical where the lessons learned are just as relevant now as they were then." - Backstage

"Kids will learn about a variety of topics, from the central nervous system to parts of speech. [& ] Kids should particularly enjoy the wide variety of musical styles, and the colorful costumes, props and signs. It s almost like a cartoon has come to life." - The Chicago Sun-Times

"It's educational for children and it s nostalgic for the older generations. It s a truly wonderful show." - udpac.org

"A boatload of educational fun." - Stagehappenings.com

Connect

Billing

Based on an idea by David McCall and the television series created by George Newall and Tom Yohe

Requirements

Under the terms and conditions of your organisation’s Performance Agreement, the following credits must appear on all advertising (including websites) relating to the production. Credits must be reproduced faithfully in accordance with the following layout. No alterations or deletions can be permitted unless stated below.
Percentages listed indicate required type size in relation to title size.
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE TOO!
 
Created by Scott Ferguson, Dennis Curley, George Keating and Nina Lynn
Book and Original Lyrics by Scott Ferguson
 
"Schoolhouse Rock" Music and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Bob Dorough,
Stephen Flaherty, Dave Frishberg and George Newall

 

Originally Adapted and Produced for the Stage by Theatrebam Chicago
From the Series Created by George Newall and Tom Yohe
Based on an Idea by David McCall
 
 
 
"The names of the Composer, Lyricist and Bookwriter shall be equal in size,
type, coloring, boldness and prominence. No billing shall appear in type
larger or more prominent than the billing to the Owners except for the
title of the Play."

 

 

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Included Materials

ItemQuantity Included
LIBRETTO/VOCAL BOOK12
PIANO CONDUCTOR'S SCORE2

Production Resources

Resource
HOW DOES THE SHOW GO ON-10/CS
HOW DOES THE SHOW GO ON?
TRANSPOSITIONS-ON-DEMAND

STANDARD ORCHESTRATION

InstrumentationDoubling
BASS
DRUMS