Powerhouse (TV series)
A 16-part series for young people and their families.
Produced by the Educational Film Center at Northern Virginia ETV, Powerhouse was a 16-episode American TV series that aired on PBS in 1982. Aimed at children, preteens, teenagers, and young adults, it later reran on Nickelodeon from 1984 to 1986.
Quick Facts
- Creator
- Ira H. Klugerman; Ruth Pollak
- Writer
- Ruth Pollak
- Director
- John Gray; Michael Switzer
- Creative director
- Johnson B. Gordon
- Developer
- Educational Film Center
- Presenter
- Elizabeth Johnson
- Starring
- Sandra Bowie
- Domenica Galati
- Jason Kravits
- Michael Mack
- Jessica Prentice
- Michael Wikes
- Voices
- Mark Gordon
Facts from the source article.
Premise
Set in Washington, D.C., the series follows a racially and ethnically diverse group of three teenagers, two kids, and one adult from the inner city. They operate out of a former boxing and sports gym turned into a youth community center, founded by Brenda Gaines after she inherited the property from her late father, PowerHouse Gaines, a legendary boxer. The series conveys that every person is a source of creativity and positive "I Can" power, as expressed in the theme song's lyrics: "We all have a Powerhouse deep down inside." Each episode addresses personal issues such as alcoholism, peer pressure, and physical fitness, combined with action-adventure stories where the group solves a mystery or prevents a crime. Episodes are presented in two acts, with breaks filled by "uncommercials"—short clips on health, fitness, and cultural diversity—and a salute to a youth organization precedes at least one uncommercial.
Characters
Brenda Gaines (Sandra Bowie) is the founder of Powerhouse, originally her father's gymnasium, which she turns into an after-school youth center. She acts as the leader and de facto authority figure, treating the five teens as equals. Jennifer LaBianca (Domenica Galati) is a friendly teenager with a strong aptitude for mechanics who owns the Powerhouse van. Kevin Jackson (Michael Mack), the eldest of the five teenagers, serves as the rock of the group and a big brother to the younger characters. Lolo Knopke (Jason Kravits) is insecure about his short stature and glasses, giving him a stereotypical nerd appearance, but he is one of the smartest members. Pepper McKenzie (Jessica Prentice) is the youngest and most outgoing, impulsive and adventurous, often finding herself in trouble. Tony Dominguez (Michael Wikes) is a streetwise 17-year-old who sometimes plays the tough guy to mask his insecurities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created Powerhouse (TV series)?
Powerhouse was created by Ira H. Klugerman and Ruth Pollak.
When did Powerhouse (TV series) first air?
Powerhouse first aired on 12 December 1982.
When did Powerhouse (TV series) end?
Powerhouse last aired on 3 January 1983.
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