Schoolhouse Rock Live!

Based on the ABC-TV educational animated series, the Emmy® Award-winning Saturday morning educa tional cartoon series comes to STAC in this fun and energetic musical! Perfect for audiences of all ages, Schoolhouse Rock Live! Junior will be a hit for parents and kids alike. Directed by Natalie Jones and starring over 50 Our Gang kids!

CAST ANNOUNCEMENTS

Updated|
Jan. 20, 2010__________________CAST PARTY - FRIDAY, JAN. 29 - RSVP!!

I contacted the Barnegat Rec Center and they are booked until the end of February and I thought that was too late. The Waretown Rec Center - is available on Friday January 29, 2010. If this works for everyone - I thought it would be from 6:30 - 8:00 everyone can come feed and we could have an ice cream party.

I can be there on this evening - if this does not work and Anyone would like to step up to Plan the Cast Party - please let me know it would be appreciated.

I have - PLENTY OF Chocolate Syrup, rainbow sprinkles, plastic ware
I have 3 plastic bottles of carmel and jar of cherries
I have 2 cases of water bottles

We will need Paper Bowls, napkins, paper towels, table clothes, juice boxes, ICE CREAM, Whip Cream and Cool Whip - Chocolate Sprinkles and any other items you think would be great in an ice cream sundae!!

If I can get an RSVP - So we know approximately how many we have coming to make sure we have enough ice cream. Please let me know your thoughts. Have them bring their posters if they want to have everyone sign or a playbill or a book.

Thanks, Diane Ambrosio

Updated|
Jan. 18, 2010____________________________________Opening Week!

THANK YOU!
Thank you to everyone who assisted during this show - your efforts and perseverance is GREATLY appreciated - especially the parents in the ensemble room. I know that is extremely hard as I have done it for many years with my older son as well as my youngest son started. Thank you to ALL the Room Parents without you the show would not be a success!!!!

Everyone owes you a great Thank you for being there to assist the children to getting dressed, bathroom runs, costumed and on stage at the proper time!!!! I really want to say THANK YOU and anyone who had a child in there and chose not to work one night - needs to say "thank you" as well.

I will be working on getting a cast party together for a night to have an ice cream party for the children they can get together and bring their posters to have signed or autograph books etc. I will call Barnegat Rec and get some dates that are available.

I know all the children had a great time on stage and that is why I do what I do - is for their enjoyment and to help Miss Sherry and Natalie so they can concentrate on the children.

Again - Thank you all I will keep you posted on other Our Gang Shows and events!!!!!

A HUGE Thank you to Miss Sherry, Natalie, Marlena, Heather, Arianna, Emily, Eric, Katelyn, Carley, Ricky and everyone else who helped without you - this would never be possible and the kids would not be shinning stars they are!!

Now everyone rest and you will miss my e-mails (NOT).

Diane

Updated|
Jan. 10, 2010____________________________________Opening Week!

SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE, JR
Tech Week! Show Opens Thursday!

Well, here we are: only five days until opening night! You should be extremely proud of all the work that each of the cast members has put in, because we are in pretty awesome shape for heading into tech week!

In looking at the schedule for this week, I've decided to make some time adjustments in order to keep the kids in the best health possible (exhaustion is a give-in when it comes this close to showtime, not to mention all the sickness going around). Please note, though, that because we are making these changes, it is crucially important that everyone arrives promptly at 5:30 pm. Here are the changes:

For both Monday, 1/11 and Tuesday, 1/12, the ensemble (those who are in "Do The Circulation", "Great American Melting Pot", "Interjections", and "Interplanet Janet") will be at rehearsal from 5:30-7:30 pm. The remaining groups (6 leads, Founding Fathers, "Bill" ensemble, Lewis, Clark, and Sacajawea) will stay until 9 pm. On Wednesday, 1/13, everyone will remain at rehearsal until 9 pm.

As far as the shows go, I'm making a change when it comes to call times: the only people who need to be at STAC at 5 pm/12 pm are: Sam, Jon, Matthew, Jenna, Emma, and Isabella. Everyone else should be at STAC by 5:45 pm/12:45 pm with their hair and make-up done, and the majority of their costume on and ready to go. (The costuming is simpler than originally anticipated, so not as much prep time is needed.)

Thanks to everyone for being so flexible. I'm very confident in the cast's efforts and abilities, and I know we have a great show on our hands!

Sincerely,
Natalie Jones

Updated| Jan. 6, 2010___________________Updated Rehearsal Sched

THURSDAY Jan-7 = BRACKMAN SCHOOL, BARNEGAT
FULL CAST -- 5:30 - 8:00 pm

FRIDAY Jan 8 = STAC, MANAHAWKIN
Full Cast -- 5:30 - 8:00 pm
( All practices are at STAC from this point on!!!)

GIFT BASKETS
Please do not forget to hand in items for the Gift Baskets or $5 so we can purchase items for the gift baskets.

• MOMS NIGHT OUT
  need:
  gift certificates to restaurants
  movie tickets
  show tickets (atlantic city, surflight)
  comfort items that moms like
  
  
• BOYS NIGHT OUT
  NEW dvds for men
  gift cards for restaurants
  movie tickets, cigars
  liquor store gift cert
  
  
• OUR GANG BASKET
  gift cert to applebees
  
  
• ITALIAN DINNER BASKET
  gourmet food items
  gourmet utentils and serving pieces and kitchen equipment
  gift cert to italian deli's or restaurants
  apron
  
  
• FAMILY HOME/GAME NIGHT
  family games
  family dvds
  gift cert for take out
  wawa gift cards
  snugi's
  food items, candy/popcorn

This is a great fundraiser for Our Gang!

Also, TICKETS!
None of the Shows are Sold Out - We need to work on Ticket Sales so sell sell sell. I have the small fliers if anyone can take some and bring to stores libraries and anyother place that you can think to put them. The success of the show is selling out and the kids love to know it is sold out!!!!!

Updated| Dec. 28, 2009______________Rehearsal Times

Hello, everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! I was looking at the schedule for this week, and I decided to split up the rehearsal time a little bit so the entire cast does not have to sit through a full two and half hours of rehearsal if they don't have to. Here's what I'd like to do:

Tuesday, 12/29
5:30-7pm...Full Cast music review
7-8pm...solo/small group music review (Sam, Jon, Matthew, Emma, Jenna, and Isabella only) Remaining cast can leave!

Wednesday, 12/30
5:30-7:15pm...Full Cast choreography review
7:15-8pm...small group choreography review ("Bill" ensemble, "Janet" ensemble, "Preamble" people, "Elbow Room" people, etc.)

I apologize for the short notice, but I feel that this will make our rehearsals more productive, as well as more fun for the kids. I really try not to waste people's time, especially when it comes to the Junior Division cast; I know sitting around can be boring! I assure you, though, that every single one of the kids is doing a fantastic job and working their tails off. You should be proud!

Sincerely,
Natalie Jones

PLEASE instruct children to leave Cellphones in bags not on their body. This is still proving to be a great distraction for the Children - regarding Texting. They do not need to have a cellphone with them. There are adults with Cellphones and we can reach you. If you feel they must have them with you send them in a backpack for them to leave the phones in the backpacks. They put them on vibrate and feel the need to answer every text - IT IS A REAL PROBLEM. So out of respect for the people who volunteer their time to work with the children to make this a great show - please take their cellphones for this 2 1/2 hour period as we are so close to showtime. If you have any questions, please see Sherry or Diane.

PROGRAM MESSAGES are due this Week - must be handed in with payment by the beginning of practice on December 30, 2009. This is a great way for the children to see their name in the playbill and also a very needed fundraiser for this show!

Updated| Dec. 1, 2009________________Costumes

The following is a list of what your child will need:
GIRLS – Black skirt- tights and ballet slippers or jazz shoes (we have skirts if you do not- please ask)
BOYS- Black slacks - socks and ballet slippers or jazz shoes

With the exception of the leading roles (who are creating their own costumes),
all members of the ensemble need the following:
brightly colored short sleeved t-shirts in the following colors

• 1st grade girls & boys– bright red
• 2nd grade girls & boys – bright yellow
• 3rd grade girls & boys – bright purple
• 4th grade girls & boys – bright green
• 5th grade girls & boys – bright orange
• 6th grade girls & boys – bright blue

All members of the ensemble will also need to create an outfit using “earthy tones” which when put together will make them look like an immigrant just coming to America . You can be creative and use your imagination…..browns, tans, beiges, burgundy, dark orange- hats- old shawls , vests and jackets – they will also be given flags from many different countries if this helps your creative process to flow! Have fun!!

If you have trouble with this please speak with Natalie or Sherry at a rehearsal.
IF YOU WANT TO HELP CREATE OTHER COSTUMES THAT WE NEED PLEASE EMAIL DIANE OR SHERRY

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!!!!

Updated| Dec. 13, 2009______Updated Cast List

Click here to find the latest Cast list - please double check - this will be the one we will be using to print on the shirts etc.Thank you -- Diane A

Updated| Nov. 29, 2009______Show Tshirts and DVDs

REMINDER: T- Shirts are $15.00 per shirt - the shirts will have the entire cast listed on the back as always DVD or VHS are $25.00 each.

These were NOT included in the registration fee. If you would like to order them for your child or family members you will need to order them in advance -as Our Gang no longer prints extras to sell - it was getting to costly when they did not sell

The order forms were given out at Registration - if you do not have one you can write it on a piece of paper your child's name, phone number and Size is most important - Child or Adult and size - small med large xlarge etc. These will be due by December 15, 2009. Thank you -- Diane A

Updated| Nov. 22, 2009______PJ Party Success!

Greetings all!
Natalie Jones here. I just wanted to write and say thanks once again to all who participated in last night's Pajama Party. I know I had a lot of fun, and I hope the kids did, too! Also, thank you so much to all of the parents who helped cook and serve food; it was a MAJOR help!
I'm very grateful to have such a great group of kids to work with on this show, and I look forward to seeing them all again soon (particularly, this Tuesday for our first full cast music rehearsal)!
Thanks so much again, and I'll see everyone Tuesday.
Sincerely,
Natalie Jones
---------------------------

Thank you EVERYONE who brought the food donations and especially the parents who stayed to help!!! = without all of you this Night would not have been such a great Success.
Thank you ALL so much!!! and Thank you for your donations - to help put on the production.
For those of you who could not attend - we are sorry you missed a good time for all. Everyone is responsible for handing in their sponsor sheets with donations - if you attended the party or not. This is the only Major Fundraiser that pays for the show.
I will be there to collect them from the Families that did not turn them in at the party and the ones that didn't make the party on Tuesday Night Rehearsal.
Some people asked if they could turn them out after Thanksgiving because they were going ask their families to the help and that would be Fine - I could get them the first week of December.
As donations are EXTREMELY down this year - I am sure everyone is working to make up the difference with selling ads for the program to make up the difference. Everyone donation big or small counts and we need them all!!!
Thank you - Thank you - Thank you
Diane Ambrosio

Updated| Nov. 15, 2009______PAJAMA PARTY!

HEY Schoolhouse Rock'ers! This Saturday 11/21 is the PAJAMA PARTY - our main Fundraiser. Come and PARTY with your cast members from 4 to 9pm!
Download all the information by clicking here.

Updated| Nov. 14, 2009______Rehearsal Confusion...

I've been hearing that quite a few parents are confused as to when their children need to be at rehearsal if they are in the various ensembles. Can you just shoot out an email explaining the following?

1.) If a child is just in the ensemble ("Do The Circulation", "Great American Melting Pot", "Interjections"), they only need to be at rehearsal when the schedule says, "Full Cast".
2.) If they are in, "I'm Just A Bill" or "Interplanet Janet", their presence is requested when the schedule says, "...Bill Ensemble" or "...Janet Ensemble".
3.) If they are Sacajawea, a Founding Father, etc., they are specifically listed as being required.
I apologize for any confusion. I hope this helps!

Sincerely,
Natalie

PS - In the interests of privacy, we're not posting the entire cast list online. If you need to confirm your child's part in the show, contact Miss Natalie (info available on the rehearsal schedule, page 1.)

|Update 11/02/09| ____________________

PARENT MEETING. "SchoolHouse Rock Live, Jr.”
Wednesday, Nov. 4 @ 5:30 at the Barnegat Brackman School.
Our Gang Parent Meeting and Cast Parts will be given out. Parents plan to stay.
...PS - If you did not hand in what you will be bring to the fundraising eventBeans, Biscotti & Broadway (November 13 at the STAC) please make sure you turn in your form or let Sherry/Diane know. We are trying to make this an upscale nice event so if you are bringing and appetizer or dessert - please keep this in mind. Thank you in advance for your great assistance in this event!

|Update 10/20/09| ____________________

OPEN CALL. "SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE, JR. ” JUNIOR DIVISION REGISTRATION
WHERE: CECIL COLLINS SCHOOL, Barnegat Blvd., Barnegat, NJ (Main Entrance)
WHEN: WED., OCT., 28, 2010

1ST & 2ND GRADERS – 5-6 PM
3RD & 4TH GRADERS –6 –7 PM
5TH & 6TH GRADERS – 7–8 PM

SHOW & DATES: Jan 14 & 15, 2010 @ 7 pm
Jan 16 & 17, 2010 @ 2 pm
NO AUDITION REQUIRED ON 10/28
CALLBACKS TBA, WEEK OF NOV 2

Come to Cecil Collins at the appointed time and fill out the registration form for your child. A $50 Registration fee is requested at this time which is non-refundable. This fee will assist us in meeting the ever rising insurance and storage fees Our Gang has to pay to maintain the program.

Tshirts & videos Show tshirts and videos are still available however they are no longer offered with the registration fee. You may order if you want either item. T-shirt ($15) or a dvd/vhs ($25)

Fundraising requirements:
1. Donate a baked good or fancy dessert/ hor’s douvre item for “Beans, Biscotti & Broadway 11/13/09 @7pm @ STAC’s OceanFirst Theater.
2. Assist with Our Gang’s participation in the Ship Bottom Christmas parade
3. Assist with junior fundraising event (tba)
4. Sell or purchase an ad/ads for the program - at least $100
5. Place a program message to your child, assist with items for baskets in show lobby; assist with costumes/sets/etc Contact Miss Sherry with questions/concerns at 609.597.0553 or email ogmamma@aol.com

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