‘The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System’

Zip around the solar system with this stage transformation of the beloved book series and PBS Kids show, ‘The Magic School Bus.’
‘The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System’
Mrs. Frizzle (Abby C. Smith) and the cast of "The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System." Justin Barbin Photography
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LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.—Imagine that you’re on a school field trip to the planetarium, but instead of arriving there, you end up in outer space! That’s the exciting adventure that children can experience at the Marriott Theatre’s wonderful production of “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System,” now playing in Lincolnshire, Illinois.

Written by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen, the “Magic School Bus” series was so popular after it was published by Scholastic Books in 1986 that PBS Television turned it into a series of animated shows. Now, Marshall Pailet has adapted the book and Matthew Lee Robinson added a musical score to transform it into a charming and exuberant comedic musical for children.

The story begins in Ms. Frizzle’s class. Students are excited to be there because she knows how to make learning exciting. She is especially good at making science fun because instead of using textbooks to teach, she uses first-hand experiences. The lesson in the musical centers on an exploration of the Solar System.

The class is on a bus headed to the planetarium when they make a wrong turn and get lost. That’s not a problem for Ms. Frizzle, though, because with one click of a button she turns the bus into a rocket ship that is catapulted into interplanetary space.

Ms. Frizzle (Abby C. Smith) is in charge of the unexpected field trip, in "The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System." (Justin Barbin Photography)
Ms. Frizzle (Abby C. Smith) is in charge of the unexpected field trip, in "The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System." Justin Barbin Photography

Learning in Orbit

Although the students are excited about watching the moon revolve around the earth, and discovering how Mercury and Venus twirl around the sun, they are having some personal problems. Ralphie is more interested in food than in homework; Arnold complains about his cousin, Janet, a know-it-all. Carlos believes he’s a comedian; as the class clown, he makes jokes at other’s expense. And Wanda prefers to be friends with aliens because she finds her fellow students boring.

It doesn’t take long before the classmates are arguing with each other. That becomes challenging when the bus is swept off its path and onto an Astroid Belt. It’s scary since the bus is being swatted by meteors, but it gets a lot worse when Ms. Frizzle steps outside into an ocean of emptiness to repair the bus.

The students start to panic when they see their favorite teacher’s tether line break. She begins to float into empty space. Even though they’ve been grumbling and not getting along with each other, the classmates realize that they have to work together in an effort to rescue their beloved teacher.

The cast of "The Magic School Bus" tries to decide what to do. (Justin Barbin Photography)
The cast of "The Magic School Bus" tries to decide what to do. Justin Barbin Photography

It’s not easy to present an out-of-the-world experience in Marriott’s theater-in-the-round. Complements are due to scenic designer Milo Bue and lighting designer Megan Wines. They’ve scattered colored lights along the auditorium’s aisles, suspended stars on the ceiling, hung planets around the stage, and floated bubbles that suggest swirling meteors.

The 60-minute musical, directed and choreographed by Katie Johannigman, moves at almost warp-speed. The musical direction by Ellie Kahn creates an exhilarating accompaniment to the action. The most fun of the show, though, is watching adult actors turn into kids.

As Ms. Frizzle, Abby C. Smith has a terrific flair for comedy as well as a golden voice. Furthermore, her class is a hoot. As Arnold, Will Koski is a riot as a student obsessed with perfection. As Arnold’s narcissistic cousin Janet, Emily Ann Brooks has a lot of funny one-liners. Ryan Stajmiger is a charmer as an adorable Ralphie, and Tommy Rivera-Vega comes up with lots of gags as Carlos. Finally, last but not least is Rachael Armstrong, in a engaging performance as Wanda.

The cast of "Magic School Bus" wonders about the existence of aliens. (Justin Barbin Photography)
The cast of "Magic School Bus" wonders about the existence of aliens. Justin Barbin Photography

The Marriott Theatre has established a reputation for highly polished, professional productions. It’s such a joy to see the same dedication and high standard evident in their Young-Audience shows. As in all their productions for children, there is a question-and-answer session with the cast at the end of the show.

Parents will enjoy sharing this theatrical experience with their kids, and their kids are going to love the show.

‘The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System’ Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, Ill. Tickets: 847-634-0200 or MarriottTheatre.com Runs: one hour (no intermission) Closes: March 29, 2025
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Betty Mohr
Betty Mohr
Author
As an arts writer and movie/theater/opera critic, Betty Mohr has been published in the Chicago Sun-Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Australian, The Dramatist, the SouthtownStar, the Post Tribune, The Herald News, The Globe and Mail in Toronto, and other publications.