Script

Daniel: Good Morning guys! Today we’re going to talk about Route 66! This Route is also called the Mother Road and, as you can see on the map, it goes from Chicago to L.A.; The Route is 3,945 km long and was established on November 11, 1926. On the date of June, 27, 1985 it was removed from the US Highway System and was replaced by the Interstate Highway System.

(STUDENT 1 RAISES HIS HAND AND THE SLIDE CHANGES) Alessandra: Teacher, I went to San Bernardino, and I visited McDonald’s Museum. I discovered that the first McDonald’s was built on Route 66. It’s cool to know about it. I liked to visit the city. Teacher: Oh Yes, that’s right, the first McDonald’s was built beside the Route 66. Bárbara: Guys, I saw the movie Cars and it kind of tells the history of Route 66, but I didn’t understand very well why the Route was almost abandoned. Claudio: In the movie, Route 66 is kind of a ghost highway. Nowadays people that travel that way prefer Route 40, the interstate. It’s safer, larger and faster, with fewer turns which makes the travel easier. Bárbara: But even with Interstate Highways, Route 66 is still being used by motorcycle riders. Caroline: Talking about Route 66, I heard the people from California love surf rock… While people from Oklahoma prefer jazz. And a lot of the New Mexico’s songs were inspired by American Native Rock ’n Roll. Bárbara: I remember now that there is a song in the movie Cars which is called “Get your kicks on Rout 66”, but I don’t know who sings it… Ana: Really? Don’t you know who the singer is ?! Oh my, it’s John Mayer! He is the best singer ever! He and Diana Krall had an awesome country music style! I love them. Geize: Ana, I’ve heard the Manhattans version but I didn’t like it so much. I prefer the Cheetah Girls. It’s so pretty, so perfect. Alessandra: I haven’t heard it. Cheetah what? Don’t know Chuck Berry and Rolling stones? They are top of top! Augusto: Girls, come on! You guys are wrong. Bobby Troup wrote this song in 1946… he was traveling across the route with his wife, because he wanted to be a famous singer and songwriter. Bianca: His wife told him to do a song about the Route and came up with the rhyme “Get your kicks on Route 66”. Bobby showed the tune to Nat King Cole, who made it a hit. Students start to argue again. Bianca: But guys, the most important thing is that this song and this route are VERY important for the US history and culture. They’re known worldwide. They represent the perspective and adventurous spirit of people who travel this route… and maybe look for freedom and fun! Ana: Wow! You made me want to be there. I mean, I think I want to meet the Route 66. Everybody starts to sing “Get your kicks on Route 66”