WWT Gets Colorful Saturday With Jetta And The Jellybeans
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
Bright colors, lots of noise and fun educational music will keep children of all ages out of their seats at the Wagon Wheel Theatre Saturday.
That's when Jetta and the Jellybeans will be taking stage for a variety show. And by the time it's over, no one will be sitting down.In a telephone interview Tuesday afternoon, Jetta Cruse, of South Bend, said Jetta and the Jellybeans is a theatrical rock 'n' roll band geared toward entertaining families with children. It's "cerebral rock," she said, much like the popular "School House Rock!" of the 1970s-80s. "Schoolhouse Rock!" is a U.S. series of 52 educational short films featuring songs about schoolhouse topics, including grammar, science, economics, history, mathematics and politics.
Cruse said growing up, she remembers hearing the "School House Rock!" songs and seeing the short films. From them, she learned about grammar, language and how a bill was passed by the government. She said they were influential because they taught you something that stayed with you.
Jetta and the Jellybeans features all types of music, from rock and blues to country. One song reflects on the solar system, while another song reminds children of the importance of brushing their teeth. Toddlers to children 11 or 12 years old will enjoy the show, Cruse said.
"My mission is to connect with kids, but also raise the bar of entertainment for kids," said Cruse.
The show has traveled all over the region, and as far as New York.
When parents come up to Jetta, she said they appreciate the energy and music of the show. It's not so cookie cutter, and isn't just substituting words for a song.
"It's edutainment," she said.
Cruse has played music her whole life, she said. She was in several rock bands, and was doing a recording project with a band at the time of the "accidental" beginning of Jetta and the Jellybeans 11 years ago.
As a present to her nieces and nephews, she made them a children's album. They started selling the recordings, by word of mouth, and Cruse got requests for more. She realized there was a need for it. One thing lead to another, and she added visual components of the show after working with the Northern Indiana Very Special Arts Council.
The audience doesn't just watch the show. They are encouraged to stand up, clap their hands, dance and participate in various ways.
"I've noticed by the second or third song, everyone, even the shy ones, are taking part," Cruse said.
After each show, she said, the group is more inspired by the children. The children remind them they don't have to take life so seriously.
Besides Jetta, the group includes Mr. Blue Bean on rocking guitar, Mr. Yellow Bean on drums, Mr. Purple on guitar synth and Mr. Tangerine Bean on bass guitar.
Cruse said they have had as many as 10 people performing in the show and as few as three. The core group of five will be at Saturday's Wagon Wheel Theatre show.
Jetta and the Jellybeans have visited Warsaw before, performing for the Ivy Tech student government organization and the Warsaw City Parks Department.
For Saturday's show, Cruse said the crowd can expect a lot of color and sound.
"We will be rocking out for sure," she said. Even parents won't be able to sit down, she said.
With the arts being cut at schools because of funding, Cruse encourages parents and grandparents to bring their kids out to the show. The children will get to experience the arts first hand, learn some valuable information and have a great time.
Cabin Fever Day with Jetta and the Jellybeans is Saturday at 1 p.m. All tickets are $6.
For tickets, visit online at www.wagonwheeltheatre.com or call 574-267-8041 or toll free 866-823-2618.
For more information on Jetta and the Jellybeans, visit online at www.jettaandthejellybeans.com or myspace.com/jettaandthejellybeans.com or call 574-229-3816.
