‘Kids Incorporated’ is all Business About Putting on a Teen Show

“Let’s put on a show!” was a common decree of kids (at least Hollywood kids) in the 1940s, the catch-all cure-all to (almost) any dilemma. It still works--as demonstrated by the Emmy-winning series Kids Incorporated, which is entering its eighth season.

An ensemble cast performs original choreography and arrangements to teen pop hits and also participates in storylines dealing with teen-age dilemmas--all revolving around a club called The Palace. The five kids are helped by the owner of the club (Sean O’Riordan) who helps guide the kids in the difficulties of growing up.

The new episodes will include four guest stars: Rain Pryor, Florence Henderson, Edie Adams and Paul Rodriguez.

“Kids Incorporated” airs Monday - Friday 5-5:30 p.m. and Sundays at noon. The Disney Channel. For ages 5 to 13.

MORE FAMILY SHOWS

Several current series about youths and young adults feature a character named Dylan embroiled in some kind of romantic entanglement. Nick’s kid susder Fifteen (Sunday 1-1:30, 5:30-6 p.m.) is no exception. The show returns with 13 new episodes of romance, friendship and betrayal and a smidgen of humor at the fictional Hillside High. For ages 11 and up.

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The sequel to “The Rescuers,” The Rescuers Down Under (Sunday 7-9 p.m. Disney Channel) premieres Sunday. Set against the Australian outback, the film marks the return of Bernard and Miss Bianca, the top mouse agents from the International Rescue Aid Society who are on their latest mission. They are aided by Jake--a kangaroo mouse who serves as an outback guide--in their search for a kidnaped boy and a group of animals being held hostage by an evil poacher. Also airs Thursday at 6 p.m. For ages 4 and up.

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Wild and Crazy Kids (Mondays 6:30-7 p.m. Nickelodeon) returns with children competing with parents, teachers and each other in madcap and messy events, including basketball fishing and the slime dump-off. For ages 6 to 15.

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A special “Adventures in Wonderland” episode, What Makes Rabbit Run? (Monday 7:30 p.m. Disney Channel), has the Red Queen running for office in a Wonderland-wide election, challenged by a reluctant White Rabbit. For ages 3 to 10.

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Buster and Babs head to Washington to get support from leaders of our land for “the right to be funny” on the “Tiny Toon Adventures” episode, Toons Go To Washington (Wednesday 4:30 p.m. Fox). Special “toon” cameos by President Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle are featured. For ages 2 to 9.

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Anjelica Huston narrates American Heroes and Legends: Rip Van Winkle (Wednesday 5:30-6 p.m. Showtime), about a man who laid down for a nap that lasted 20 years. For ages 3 to 10.

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When man set foot on the moon, it was one of the greatest achievements of a civilization; 12 Americans walked on the moon between 1968 and 1972. The Other Side of the Moon (Thursday 7-9 p.m. The Learning Channel) profiles eight Apollo astronauts in their own words--what made them “special” enough to be included in the space program, how their lives were affected by the personal fame and the notoriety that resulted, and how they readjusted to life after the media spotlight. For ages 10 and up.

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Herbie Hancock provides the soundtrack for the Whoopi Goldberg-narrated Koi and the Kola Nuts (Friday 7:30-8 a.m. Showtime), an African Tale about a despondent boy whose unusual new friends--a snake, an alligator and an army of ants--go a long way in helping him to find his place in the world. For ages 3 to 10.