Actors keep ‘Magic School Bus’ headed to the stars | Review
I suspect more than a few children aren’t as excited to be back on the school bus as the energetic pupils in the new show at Orlando Family Stage, but then again Central Florida students aren’t getting a magic ride to their classrooms.
Onstage at the venue formerly known as Orlando Repertory Theatre, “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System” is the product of the nonprofit’s partnership with New York-based TheaterWorks USA. That company will take the show on a national tour after its Orlando engagement.
Audiences may applaud Orlando Repertory Theatre, New York nonprofit deal
Based on the children’s book series by Joanna Cole, the musical is a peppy little affair with an appealing cast that demonstrates the ability to play the material lightheartedly while understanding what youngsters in the audience will take seriously. Director Nicolette Quintero moves the material briskly — even so, the bickering between two cousins eventually wears out its welcome — and her choreography boasts some fun on-the-bus moves.
In the story, adapted by Marshall Pailet, eccentric teacher Ms. Frizzle takes her students on a field trip straight into the solar system. But there are personal travails, mostly handled with a light touch, to deal with: Wanda doesn’t listen to what her friend Carlos wants to do, Ralphie’s not sure he’s smart enough to complete a science project (and he really wants a sandwich), but most of the plot focuses on the rivalry between Arnold and his cousin Janet.
Refreshingly, that rivalry is not over sports but over who knows more about science — and knowledge is presented as something worth pursuing, not as the butt of jokes by the other kids. There also are deeper messages about accepting change, sharing and kindness that aren’t explicitly stated but nicely shine through.
A flaw in the production is that a show about a fantastical trip into outer space should look, well, fantastical. And this show doesn’t, likely due to touring restraints. (You can’t haul the whole solar system around the country.)
Orlando Repertory Theatre changes name to reflect its mission
But still, one wishes more was done to differentiate the planets beyond simple lighting changes and different images on a couple of small window shades. The sun, in particular, needs to shine more brightly.
A bit about a lost lizard at show’s end baffled me until I did some research: Liz the lizard is the class pet and an ongoing part of the book series. Fans will appreciate the nod. And, proving even a kids’ show can be educational for adults, I learned something: Half the planets in the solar system don’t have solid surfaces on which humans could stand. (Hey, I’m a writer, not a scientist.)
But the star attraction of this voyage through the stars is the willing and able-voiced cast as they bop their way through Matthew Lee Robinson’s accessible tunes.
Katie Kallaus remembers to give Ms. Frizzle charm along with her quirks, Edwin Perez and Alyssa Naka Silver make a sunny pair of alien-hunting friends, and Drew Lofredo finds the heart in clumsy Ralphie. As the bickering cousins, Will Sippel and Kelsey Kline manage to make both rootable — and find the emotional payoff once the shouting stops.
They can all ride my bus anytime.
‘The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System’
Length: 1 hour, no intermission
Where: Orlando Family Stage, 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando
When: Through Oct. 8
Cost: $16-$48
Info: orlandofamilystage.com
Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more arts news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/arts, and go to orlandosentinel.com/theater for theater news and reviews.
