The Experience: Our family has seen nary an episode of the legendary Scholastic TV show “The Magic Schoolbus,” but that didn’t stop us from being mesmerized by the Oregon Children’s Theatre’s live stage adaptation, The Magic Schoolbus Live: The Climate Challenge.

From the moment Ms. Frizzle and her class of curious kids board the bus for their first adventure, we and all the other kids in this packed audience were agape. (Literally – I looked down the row and saw nothing but open-mouthed faces and riveted eyes.)

The class travels around the globe to figure out why the weather’s so wacky these days, and in the course learn about habitats, animals and the relationship between people, our actions and the changes we can see in the seas or feel in the weather.

It’s a cautionary tale, to be sure, but it’s fraught not just with evergreen messages like, “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle,” but also fresh additions like “Rethink” how you do things and “Small Things Matter” (small people, it seems to imply, do too). And even this relatively educated adult appreciated the refresher on the science of the greenhouse effect.

Bottom line? Take the time to catch this bus. You’ll walk away with lots to think about, to be sure. But between the show’s catchy songs and fast-moving dialogue, lively staging, creative sets and imaginative use of simple effects to pull it all together, you’ll never even know you’re learning something.

Inside information: The Magic Schoolbus runs about an hour, with no intermission. Booster seats for smaller kids can help ensure their view; get yours at the coat check room.

The 411

Performance dates: Runs Saturdays at 2pm and 5pm; Sundays at 2pm thorough Feb. 19. Tickets: $16 to $30 adults, $13 to $26 youth, plus charges. Location: Newmark Theatre at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts’ Hatfield Hall, 1111 SW Broadway Contact: 503-228-9751; octc.org/onstage/magicschoolbus.

— Sarah Pagliasotti

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Concerts span musical genres from classical to choral to jazz.
Performances at St. Joseph Church, 400 S Andersen Rd., Vancouver, Wash.; 360-906-0441; www.bravoconcerts.com.

Schedule includes a number of family concerts.
522 SW 5th Ave., Ste. 920; 503-294-6400; www.cmnw.org.

Music classes and performances for children and adults.
3350 SE Francis; 503-823-3177; www.portlandonline.com/parks.

Individual and group music classes offered on a sliding fee schedule.
10 N. Killingsworth St., 503-AT-ETHOS (503-283-8467), www.ethos.org.

Most performances held at the Vancouver First Church of God, 3300 NE 78th St., Vancouver, Wash; 360-696-4084; www.oregonchamberplayers.org/jsv.html.

A nonprofit youth music education organization for musicians from age 6 through college.
4800 SW Macadam, Ste. 105; 503-239-4566; www.playmys.org.

Summer camps, music workshops and one-on-one instruction provided at a variety of locations throughout the area.
11555 SW Durham Rd., Tigard; 503-616-7161; www.oregonmusicacademy.com.

Semi-professional adult and youth chamber ensembles.
Lake Oswego; 503-570-6211; www.oregonproarte.org.

Adult and youth choirs.
9320 SW Barbur Blvd., Suite 240; 503-230-0652; www.orsingers.org.

Schedule includes a series of children’s concerts.
Performances at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Ticket Office at 923 SW Washington; 503-228-1353 (tickets); www.orsymphony.org.

Graduates of Portland Boychoir join high school aged girls (graduates of the intensive Ovation! Girls Training) to form this vocal ensemble.
Portland; 503-697-SING (7464); www.portlandchoirs.org.

Youth choral groups for ages 6 through college.
In residence at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 147 NW 19th Ave.; 503-780-1675; www.pacificyouthchoir.org.

PBO is dedicated to presenting authentic interpretations of 17th and 18th century music and educating the community about baroque music.
1020 SW Taylor St., Ste. 275; 503-222-6000; www.pbo.org.

The only all-boy choir in the area features boys ages 6 to 9.
Portland; 503-697-SING (7464); www.portlandchoirs.org.

More than 900 performances a year, including concerts and children’s events.
1111 SW Broadway; 503-248-4335; www.pcpa.com.

503-234-4077; www.columbiasymphony.org.

Five ensembles featuring girls ages 6 to 18.
1819 NW Everett St., # 204; 503-226-6162; www.girlchoir.com.

Performances of operas and Broadway shows.
211 SE Caruthers St.; 503-241-1802 (box office); www.portlandopera.org.

Japanese drumming classes and performances.
3230 NE Columbia Blvd.; 503-288-2456; www.portlandtaiko.org.

The nation’s oldest youth orchestra, founded in 1924, now includes two full symphony orchestras and a wind ensemble as well as a string orchestra for the youngest musicians.
421 SW 6th Ave., Ste. 1350; 503-223-5939; www.portlandyouthphil.org.

Individual and group lessons and summer camps for girls.
8900 A NE Vancouver Way; 503-445-4991; www.girlsrockcamp.org.

Portland; 503-475-8691; www.rosecity.org.

Schedule includes young artist performances and an annual Youth Artists Competition.
Vancouver, Wash.; 360-735-7278; www.vancouversymphony.org.

Concerts span musical genres from classical to choral to jazz.

Performances at St. Joseph Church, 400 S Andersen Rd., Vancouver, Wash.; 360-906-0441; www.bravoconcerts.com.