Path to good habits: Sesame Street
Parents know all too well that getting kids to adopt healthful habits is a task much easier said than done. But if you can get a child’s trusted friends to encourage it, you might have a little more luck.
That’s the concept behind Sesame Street Live "Elmo’s Super Heroes," a musical production playing Friday through Sunday at Cox Pavilion. It tells the story of how Super Grover loses the "super" part of his name and exactly how he, and children just like him, can get it back: through nutrition and exercise, of course.
Adding to the familiar lessons on fitness are points about the importance of a good night’s sleep and proper hygiene. To really invest the kids in such practices, the big payoff is lots of energy and being able to play all day.
It’s not just Grover entertaining the audience, either. He’s joined by "Sesame Street" regulars Elmo, Zoe, Abby Cadabby, Telly Monster, Grundgetta – played by Marissa Sinclair, from Las Vegas – and Zoe’s pet Rocco.
They all play a role in getting Grover’s superness back.
Although the show is targeted to kids ages 2 to 6, performance director Joy Carlson insists it appeals to all ages.
"The singing, the lights and the music really keeps the attention," she says. "Young and old can enjoy the show."
Characters also throw in some ad-libs for the parents. That’s the time, Carlson says, when only the adults are laughing.
Each Sesame Street Live show is produced to a Broadway musical standard. Professional choreography and high-tech lighting and sound lend the kind of quality that serves as a feast for the eyes and ears.
Audience participation is also highly incorporated so kids get a close look at the characters they watch on TV. "It’s a way to get everyone on their feet," Carlson says.
There’s also a lot of sing-alongs since the show features renditions of old favorites such as "Old MacDonald," "Splish Splash," "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Sunny Days."
The show even has its own version of VIP seating: Sunny Seats. At an extra cost, guests can sit closer to the stage and have a meet-and-greet with the characters before the show.
Contact fashion reporter Xazmin Garza at xgarza@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0477.
PREVIEWWhat: Sesame Street Live "Elmo’s Super Heroes"
When: 7 p.m. Friday; 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Cox Pavilion, East Tropicana Avenue at Swenson Street
Admission: $16 opening night; otherwise, $18, $23 and $33; Gold Circle seats are available for $38 and Sunny Seats are available for $58 (702-739-3267; UNLVtickets.com or sesamestreetlive.com)
