Join host Scott Smith for an engaging episode of No Small Parts, a podcast celebrating the heart and soul of community theatre. In this episode, Scott interviews Martha Tidball, director of the Bucyrus Little Theatre’s upcoming production of Schoolhouse Rock Live! in Bucyrus, Ohio. The conversation delves into the nostalgic joy of the musical, inspired by the iconic Schoolhouse Rock cartoons that taught generations about civics, math, and grammar through catchy songs like “Conjunction Junction” and “Just a Bill.” Martha shares her extensive background in theatre and music, her vision for the production, and the challenges and excitement of working with a tight-knit cast and innovative projection technology. The episode captures the spirit of community theatre, blending nostalgia, creativity, and a passion for storytelling that appeals to audiences of all ages.

What You'll Hear

1. Nostalgic Storytelling with Modern Flair: Schoolhouse Rock Live centers on a teacher overcoming first-day jitters, with her personality traits embodied by a vibrant cast who teach lessons through iconic Schoolhouse Rock songs. The production uses projections to enhance the storytelling, marking a technological leap for the Bucyrus Little Theatre.

2. Talented and Tight-Knit Cast: The small cast, including Mary Hart as the teacher, Abbey Kanalakis, Patty Schwall, Jada Robinson, Rick Walker, and Martha herself as George, brings a mix of veteran talent and fresh energy, with close harmonies and live music adding depth to the performance.

3. Family-Friendly Fun with Retro Appeal: The show, running June 6–8 and 13–15, 2025, at Bucyrus Little Theatre, offers a joyful experience for kids and adults, combining nostalgic tunes with a colorful, fast-paced production reminiscent of classic variety shows.

Tickets are available at bucyruslittletheatre.com or by calling 419-562-0731.