JET’s Repertoire of Musical Theater

Synopsis The Pumphrey Family Reunion: An Oregon Valentine is our all-Oregon musical for grades 3-5. This show follows the competitive and quirky Pumphrey Family at their annual family reunion campout as they compete for glory in their self-styled Pumphriad Games. The theme this year: Oregon. Will the Multnomah Team of young cousins be able to pull together and win bragging rights as the family’s Top Oregon Experts? Will the boys ever take a shower during the campout? Is Bigfoot actually in camp? Come to the show to find out the answers to these important questions in The Pumphrey Family Reunion: An Oregon Valentine.

For the teachers ~ This musical covers Oregon history, civics and culture with a special focus on the challenges and injustices faced by African Americans, Native Americans, Japanese and Chinese living in Oregon. Book, Music and Lyrics by Kevin Muir Musical Arrangements and Orchestrations by David Hastings

What the audience says…

“I learned that only boys (men) could vote.”– A fourth grader

“I learned that Oregon (became) a part of the USA on Valentine’s Day.”– A fourth grader

“I learned that people can change laws.” (Referring to Oregon’s initiative and referendum system.)”– A third grader

Alice in Mathland Banner Art Synopsis Alice unexpectedly journeys to Mathland and encounters many colorful and numerically-confused characters. Is ‘ice cream’ a correct answer to a math problem? What is the moral opposite of three? Will Alice ever be able to find her way back to her math class?

For the teachers ~ Alice in Mathland touches on math topics like even and odd, adding within five, counting order and quantity conservation, the commutative property, the notion of numbers having specific values, money and denominations, and the properties of squares and circles. This thirty-minute show is designed for kindergarten through second grade but successfully plays for all ages through adult. Book, Music and Lyrics by Kevin Muir Musical Arrangements and Orchestrations by David Hastings

What the audience says…

My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed Alice in Mathland. It was funny and when it ended, we wanted more! The actors were amazing. We had a discussion about each one and realized that they played their parts to perfection. The songs were thumping terrific. Would I see it again? Absolutely!– Julie Daniels, fifth grade teacher

I like the hats. —Kindergartner, Alder School

Alice in Mathland was a fun and unique show! The actors were very professional and a joy to watch. Both kids and adults loved the story and enjoyed the clever songs, especially the rap!– Jackie Welch, Youth Services Librarian, North Plains Public Library.

Synopsis Uncle Sam hosts an hour-long musical revue of major events in our nation’s Colonial Period. We check in with Native Americans, Christopher Columbus, Jamestown & Plymouth, the Salem Witch Trials, the Boston Tea Party, early slavery, and the events that led to the founding of our nation. History springs to life in song, dance, drama, and comedy — a great complement to the fifth grade curriculum and an engaging introduction for younger grades.

For the teachers ~ The Revolutionary Revue corresponds to the Historical Knowledge section of the fifth grade Common Core standards in social studies. This show supports classroom instruction and is a springboard for further discussion. Book, Music and Lyrics by Kevin Muir Musical Arrangements and Orchestrations by David Hastings

What the audience says…

I loved The Revolutionary Revue! As a teacher I found it really engaging and exciting and a fun way to connect students to U.S. History, and great for younger kids as well. Of particular interest to me was the Salem Witch Trials. It never occurred to me as an adult that younger kids might assume that it happened in our own Salem [Oregon]. I love the way JET brought this [history show] about in a fun, engaging, kid-friendly and thought-provoking way.—Joanne Barta, Teacher PBIS Coach, Portland Public Schools

Oh my goodness that show was amazing. Most of the time I don’t like social studies but you guys turned that around. Thank you so much. —Fifth grader, Earl Boyles School

I think the show was good because they made us imagine what it was like. Not many can do that.—Fifth grader, Woodland School

I usually don’t like the educational things they have us watch but I gave your show a standing ovation. The songs weren’t cheesy…and the show was educational without being cheesy either. —Fifth grader, Gilbert Park School