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Stage shows that have been performed at Sesame Place. Some of the later shows have also been performed at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens (as both are owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, which also owns Sesame Place).

Stage shows[]

The Bert and Ernie Show (1983-1986)[]

The Bert and Ernie Show was the first stage show at Sesame Place, on a stage set up in the Entry Court in front of Mr. Hooper's Emporium called the Bert & Ernie Stage. When the theme park opened in 1980, there weren't any walk-around characters; this show introduced their first four characters: Bert, Ernie, a Green Honker and a Pink Honker.

Big Bird & Company Musical Review (1986-1993)[]

Big Bird & Company Musical Review was a musical show featuring Big Bird, Ernie, Bert, Prairie Dawn and the Honkers, with audio recorded by Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Caroll Spinney and Fran Brill. This show introduced Big Bird and Prairie Dawn to the park, and moved the show from the Entry Court to a new stage, the Big Bird Theater.

The show begins with Big Bird entering the stage and singing "Hello, How Are You?" Big Bird is joined by two Honkers, then Prairie Dawn, and finally Ernie and Bert.

After the song, Ernie takes center stage, remarking, "You know, you can see us on Sesame Street, but it's hard for us to see you. Thanks for coming -- and as long as you're here at Sesame Place, let's play!" The others leave the stage as Ernie leads the Honkers and the audience in "A Very Simple Dance", getting the crowd to clap their hands, stomp their feet, wave their arms and honk their noses.

Bert enters and tells Ernie and Big Bird that it's time for his big dance number. Ernie objects, saying that the number is too "square". Undaunted, Bert performs "Doin' the Pigeon", backed by Ernie. At the end of the number, Ernie still says the song is square, leading into Bert's solo number, Huey Lewis' "Hip to Be Square".

Once that blows over, Big Bird says that they've come full circle, and starts to sing "The Wheels on the Car." Bert and Ernie pose behind a flat painted to look like a taxi, labeled "Oscar's Taxi Service", as Big Bird and Prairie Dawn invite the audience to sing along.

At the end of the song, there's a shuddering mechanical noise as the car breaks down. Prairie Dawn announces that they'll all have to get out and push. The cast pretends to push the car for a moment, and then Big Bird announces, "It's time for us to get our wheels, and head back to Sesame Street. We're going home!" The cast heads out into the audience to say goodbye.

Big Bird's ABCs (1988)[]

The Sesame Place show Big Bird's ABCs is unrelated to the Sesame Street Live show "Big Bird and the ABCs", which was produced in 1987-1988. The 13-minute Sesame Place show featured Big Bird, Ernie, Bert and the Honkers, with audio recorded by Jim Henson, Frank Oz and Caroll Spinney.

The stage is decorated with blocks spelling out "ABCs", and a banner is displayed with the entire alphabet. At the start of the show, Ernie bounds onstage and waves to the audience, but Bert enters more hesitantly. Bert tells Ernie that he feels shy -- he doesn't know all of these people. Ernie says that they all know him, and to prove it, he asks the audience, "Who is this?" The crowd yells "Bert!"

Convinced, Bert agrees to meet them, but he doesn't know where to start. Ernie sings "How Do You Do?" -- and for the second verse, Bert, Ernie and the Honkers venture out into the audience to shake hands. Big Bird enters, and says that he doesn't need to meet the audience -- he already knows all of them! They all sing a final verse together.

Ernie says that Bert promised to take him to the library to get some new books to read. He asks if Big Bird likes to read, and he says that he does -- although sometimes the words are too hard to understand. Bert encourages him to practice, and as Bert and Ernie leave the stage, Big Bird notices the great big word on the banner. He sings "ABC-DEF-GHI" for the crowd.

Returning to the stage, Ernie and Bert explain that the "word" is actually the alphabet, and they all read the alphabet together. Big Bird leads the crowd in an up-tempo version of "The Alphabet Song", and Ernie, Bert and the Honkers push the alphabet blocks around, spinning them and opening hidden flaps to reveal each letter as Big Bird sings them.

Ernie puts on a pair of goggles and offers Bert a ride on his scooter, leading to a rendition of the Electric Company sketch "Giggles, Goggles". Ernie asks, "How do you like my new giggles?" and Bert replies, "You mean goggles." "No, no, no," Ernie insists, "that's what someone does for a sore throat -- goggles with mouthwash!" "You mean gargles," Bert says. They continue through gurgles, girdle, griddle, riddle and wriggles, finally coming back to giggles.

The Honkers start squeaking their noses, and Big Bird asks what they're trying to tell him. Bert and Ernie observe that the Honkers are reminding them it's time to go home. The cast bows, and waves goodbye to the audience.

The Perils of Miss Prairie (1994)[]

The Perils of Miss Prairie was a stage show presented at Sesame Place in the summer of 1994. The Sesame Street characters star in a musical show in which Oscar the Grouch threatens to take away Prairie Dawn's ice cream parlor. Elmo helps save the day. The show title was a nod to the 1914 silent film serial The Perils of Pauline.

Songs include "Gonna Raise a Ruckas Tonight," "The Grouch Song," and "Ragtime Cowboy Elmo."

Bert and Ernie's Island Vacation (1994)[]

Bert and Ernie's Island Vacation ran during the mid-90s and starred Bert, Ernie and friends as they put on a play about the duo's adventures taking a cruise ship to a Caribbean island. In addition to Bert and Ernie, the show featured Big Bird, Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster, Prairie Dawn, the Count and Oscar.

Songs included the "Sesame Street Theme," a medley of "One Banana" and "Day-O," "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You," "Yellow Bird," "Limbo Rock," and "Hot, Hot, Hot."

The show was revived years later to be performed in SeaWorld parks, now titled "Bert and Ernie's Island Holiday." Prairie Dawn's role is replaced by Zoe, and Grover replaces the Count. "One Banana/Day-O" are re-recorded by Eric Jacobson (though the Count's voice is still heard in the chorus), while Frank Oz's original vocals are heard through the rest of the show.

Makin' Music, Makin' Friends (1996)[]

I Can Do It Revue (1996-1997)[]

The I Can Do It Revue introduced Zoe to the park.

Ring in the Fun (1998-2003)[]

This show is a 25 minute version of the Sesame Street Live show Let's Play School with Professor Grover in the role of teacher. Songs included "Let's Play School", "Whatta Whatta Name Game", "Safety Signs" and "Come on and Count".

You and Me at Sesame (1998-2003)[]

You and Me at Sesame is another "musical review" show like the original "Big Bird & Company" shows. The show features Big Bird, Elmo, Prairie Dawn, Cookie Monster, Ernie, Bert and Super Grover, with audio recorded by Caroll Spinney, Kevin Clash, Frank Oz, Steve Whitmire and Fran Brill.

The show begins with Big Bird singing "Hello, How Are You?" As the song goes on, he introduces Elmo, Prairie Dawn, Cookie Monster, Ernie and Bert.

At the conclusion of the number, Super Grover tap dances up to the stage, and Elmo gets excited, saying, "Elmo can do that!" He does a couple tap dance steps, and then bows for audience applause. Super Grover says that he can do "super silly dances," and demonstrates. Elmo follows along, singing "I Can Do That!" Prairie Dawn and Cookie Monster join in for a high-kicking finale. (The audio for this number is taken from the 1989 Sesame Street Live show, Silly Dancing.)

Ernie and Bert do "A Very Simple Dance", and then Cookie Monster runs into the audience for a high-energy number, "Me Feel Great". The song ends with the rest of the cast joining Cookie Monster to dance on stage.

Ernie says the last song was "square", so Bert sings "It's Hip to Be Square". The rest of the cast dons sunglasses to dance along. At the end of the song, everyone says goodbye to the audience.

David Jack's Jungle Adventures (2000)[]

Children’s recording artist David Jack was featured alongside a Honker, who is trying to photograph a rare jungle butterfly.

Elmo's World Live! (2001-2014)[]

Elmo's World Live!, based on the popular Elmo's World segment from Sesame Street, opened at Sesame Place in 2001 in Sesame Studio. The show replaced the Sesame Studio show, The Amazing Adventures of Elmo and Zoe.

In the first version of Elmo's World Live! (2001-2006), Elmo explored the concept of dance -- what can and cannot dance, and especially the many different types of dance. Selected guests in the audience were able to join Elmo on stage with his friends Dorothy and Mr. Noodle's Nephew. As of 2005, there had been over 3,500 performances of the show. [1]

In 2007 the show was revamped, with a new script and theme: Fish. This version ran until 2010. The show returned to the original Dancing theme from 2011-2014.

Oscar's Big Game Show (2002-2005)[]

Oscar's Big Game Show is a stage show at Sesame Place that stars Oscar the Grouch in an interactive game show. "Oscar's Big Game Show" features contestants chosen from the audience to compete on stage in various games. Also appearing are Big Bird and Sal the Trashman (played by a live-actor).

The show opened in 2002 and was held daily at the Paradise Theater on Sesame Island.

Big Bird's Beach Party (2004-2009)[]

Big Bird's Beach Party was a stage show presented at Sesame Place during the summer season at the Big Bird Theater, until 2009. The Sesame Street characters, along with their human friend, Jamie, decide to go to the beach for an impromptu party. While there, Telly faces his fear of the water. The show included more characters than any other show in the park. The show first opened in the summer of 2004.

The show is currently being performed at SeaWorld.

Gotta Dance (2005-2006)[]

Gotta Dance is a music and dance performance show held in the Paradise Theater on Sesame Place's Sesame Island.

Children’s recording artist David Jack appeared in the show with Big Bird and Zoe. Jack and the Sesame Street characters get visitors to join them in dancing to different songs while teaching viewers new dance moves and styles.

Abby Cadabby's Treasure Hunt (2007-2011)[]

Abby Cadabby's Treasure Hunt is a musical show which premiered in May 2007 at Sesame Place.

In the show, Abby Cadabby and her friends — Elmo, Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover and Oscar the Grouch — search for the key to a magical talking treasure chest. Along the way they encounter many strange and magical items — including a singing tree, a rhyming rock, and a shouting toucan.

The show premiered at SeaWorld in 2008 under the title "Elmo and Abby's Treasure Hunt."

Elmo Rocks! (2010-2016)[]

Elmo Rocks! opened at Sesame Place in 2010. The show starred Elmo, Zoe, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie. The musical show, features the transformation of the Sesame Street cast into "The Rockin' Elmo Band." For this show, the Big Bird Theater was renamed as the Monster Rock Theater.

The show was replaced by The Magic of Art.

Songs: "Sesame Street Theme", "Rubber Duckie", "C is for Cookie", "Elmo's World Theme", "Hip to Be Square", "Sing After Me", "Move it Like This", "R-O-C-K in the USA", "I Can't Get No Satisfaction", "Girls Just Want to Have Fun", "Don't Stand so Close to Me", "Rock This Town"

Let's Play Together! (2012-2018)[]

LetsPlayTogether-Logo

Let's Play Together opened at Sesame Place in 2012, and played in Abby's Paradise Theater. The show stars Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, Grover, Rosita, Bert, and Ernie.

Show description:

Come and have a play date with your Sesame Street friends, when you see our brand new show—all about Friendship! Our new show will be full of fun times—and will always bring back fun memories—especially when the audience gets into the action! In this show, you’ll join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Rosita, Bert, Ernie, and of course Abby Cadabby, as they play, sing, and dance while learning all about the wonderful things that friends do together.

Songs: "The Elmo Slide," "Elmo's Got the Moves," "Shake Your Head One Time," "Muevete," "A Very Simple Dance," "Rhyme Time," "Friendship"

Let's Play Together! is also performed at Busch Gardens Tampa.

Elmo the Musical - Live! at Sesame Place (2014-present)[]

ETMLive-logo

Elmo the Musical - Live! at Sesame Place!, based on the segment Elmo the Musical from Sesame Street, opened at Sesame Studio in May 2014. The show stars Elmo, Cookie Monster, Velvet, and a couple of chickens.

Imagination, math, and music add up in Elmo the Musical—Live at Sesame Place! Join Elmo as it's time to raise the curtain and light the lights, when this brand-new show takes over the Sesame Studio at Sesame Place! Elmo likes to use his amazing imagination to put on new musicals! So when Cookie Monster’s very favorite cookie goes missing, he needs Detective Elmo and his musical investigative ways to help him out—by putting on a musical using math to solve the mystery! In order to help Elmo and Cookie Monster achieve their goal, they get some assistance from Elmo’s friend Velvet, the talking theatrical curtain, some members of the audience, and a couple of fun-loving chickens! (Yes, we said chickens…)

The show was written and directed by John Tartaglia, with musical direction by Michael Shawn Lewis.[1]

Songs: "Imagine That," "Me Lost Me Cookie," "I Get Around," "One Little Star"

The puppet for Velvet was created by Monkey Boys Productions (Marc Petrosino and Michael Latini). The puppet allows one performer to operate her, forming specific vowels and her blinking eyes.[2]

The Magic of Art (2016-present)[]

The Magic of Art premiered on April 30, 2016 at Sesame Place, in the newly-renamed Sesame Place Neighborhood Theater. The show stars Abby, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Telly and Grover.

With help from her friends Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover and Telly she learns that art comes in all shapes and sizes! From paintings to stories and even sculptures, Abby’s friends inspire her to use her imagination to create her own magical masterpiece. That’s when Abby learns that the magic of Art is in your heart!

Songs: "Magic of Art", "The Power of Yet", "Elmo's Ducks", "Me Want It (But Me Wait)", "ABC Hip Hop", "Don't Give Up", "Magic of Art" (Reprise) and "Make Your Own Art"

Elmo and the Bookaneers (Annually 2017-2018, 2021-present)[]

Elmo and the Bookaneers Logo


As part of Elmo's Springtacular, one of the themed weekends is Elmo's Pirate Weekends and features Elmo and the Bookaneers which was originally performed at SeaWorld Orlando in 2007 and SeaWorld San Antonio in 2011. This show is performed specifically on that weekend only starting in 2017, with the exception of 2019-2020 in Abby's Paradise Theater.

Join Elmo and his friends as they are bombarded by two goofy, book-loving pirates, the Bookaneers, who try to steal their beloved books. The furry friends set out on a high seas adventure to prove that they too can be Bookaneers and attempt to pass the Bookaneer test!

Songs: "Sesame Street Theme" "Pirates Who Love to Read" "Rubber Duckie" "Doin' the Pigeon" "Finding Words that Start with F" "Do the Squid" "Pirates Who Love to Read Reprise"

Welcome to Our Street (2022-present)[]

Welcome to Our Street began exclusively at Sesame Place San Diego, which opened in March 22. The show was directed by John Tartaglia.[3] In addition to the costumed characters, Tango appears as a puppet.

Elmo, Abby, Grover, Rosita, and Cookie Monster want to put on a show to welcome their new friends to Sesame Street but can’t decide what kind it should be. From a dance show to a magic show to a cookie show, everyone has a different idea of how to welcome their friends. With the help of DJ Dani, our Sesame Street friends realize that by working together, they can put on the biggest, most spectacular welcome show of all!

Songs: "Hello Hello Song," "You've Got a Body, So Move It," "Quiero Ser Tu Amigo," "C is for Cookie," "Magic Everywhere," "Welcome!"

Welcome to the Party (2023)[]

Welcome to the Party is a version of Welcome to Our Street that started at Pennsylvania's Sesame Place on June 24, 2023. It is shown at Abby's Paradise Theater.

Elmo, Abby, Grover, Rosita, and Cookie Monster want to put on a show to welcome their new friends to Sesame Street but can’t decide what kind it should be. From a dance show to a magic show to a cookie show, everyone has a different idea! With the help of some new friends, like Elmo’s adorable puppy Tango, our Sesame Street pals realize that by working together, they can put on the biggest, most spectacular welcome show of all!

The Count's Halloween Spooktacular stage shows (seasonal only)[]

Countdown to Halloween (2005-2013)[]

Countdown to Halloween is a Halloween show that premiered in 2005 as part of Sesame Place's annual Halloween event, Count's Halloween Spooktacular! Countdown to Halloween is a show about an unusual Halloween night with Count von Count. Audiences are treated to seeing classic Sesame Street characters singing and dancing about pumpkins, bones, and having a party. Johann Sebastian Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor is heard when the show is about to start. This show was discontinued in 2018.

Elmo's World Live! - Halloween Show (2009-2013)[]

For Halloween 2009, as part of "The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular," Sesame Place introduced the Elmo's World Live! Halloween Show. According to the Sesame Place website: "Today Elmo is thinking about Halloween! Join Elmo, Mr. Noodle and Dorothy as they explore this fun, fantastic holiday. This interactive show encourages audience participation as children will pretend to be a ghost, help Mr. Noodle decide what Halloween costume to wear this year and join Elmo as he learns all about scarecrows. Filled with songs, surprises and special effects, Elmo’s World Live – Halloween Show will transport Sesame Place guests into Elmo’s world of make-believe."

The Not-Too-Spooky Howl-o-ween Radio Show! (2010-present)[]

Not too spooky

The Not-Too-Spooky Howl-o-ween Radio Show! was introduced in 2010. In the Halloween-themed show, Count von Count serves as the master of "scare-emonies" on an old-time radio show. With help from his Sesame Street friends — Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, Zoe, Grover, Oscar and Elmo — The Count produces a not-too-spooky Halloween radio show. The WSME Howl-o-ween show features, song and dance numbers, comedy sketches with Elmo and Oscar, magical surprises from Abby Cadabby and a cooking segment with Cookie Monster that goes awry. The show ends with a special performance of Michael Jackson's “Thriller.”

Since 2018, The Not-Too-Spooky Howl-o-ween Radio Show! is also performed at Busch Gardens Tampa. In the Busch Gardens Tampa version, Oscar appears in walk-around form (as the show had debuted prior to his transition to walk-around).

Who Said Boo?! (2014-present)[]

Elmo, Abby, Zoe, Telly and Cookie Monster are on their way to a Halloween party at The Count’s Castle, and they’re looking forward to a really great time! But just when they all assemble together and enter the castle gates, they hear an eerie “Boo!” sound. No one knows what or who said “Boo!”

Songs: "The Batty Bat", "Somebody's Watching Me" (by Rockwell, removed in 2015), "Doin' the Zombie" (by Chubby Checker), "Six Little Ghosts", "You Spin Me Round" (by Dead or Alive), "Shake" (by Otis Redding), "Having a Party" (by Sam Cooke)

Elmo the Musical—Halloween! (2014-present)[]

ElmoTheMusicalLive-Halloween

Elmo is so excited to create a musical about Halloween with YOU! At this time of year, Elmo loves the trick or treating, and the costumes, of course. Most of all, though, he loves the magic! This year, he wants to create a musical where he can be a magician and perform amazing tricks!

When a white rabbit enters with a miniature hat, he needs Magician Elmo’s magical help. He accidentally made the hat way too small with a magical mistake, and now this bunny’s blunder is going to ruin “The Great David Cluckerfield” annual Halloween Magic Show. If only one of Elmo’s friends knew anything about magic, maybe the show won’t be ruined!

Music, magic and mayhem are everywhere at the Sesame Studio Theater, and the audience gets to be part of the action, along with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Velvet, Abbot the Rabbit, The Great David Cluckerfield, and of course, some very silly feathered friends.

A Very Furry Christmas Shows (Seasonal Only)[]

A Sesame Street Christmas (2009-2019)[]

This show premiered at Big Bird Theater (renamed Monster Rock Theater in 2010), as a shortened version with a human host during the Season Pass Member Holiday Parties in 2009 and 2010. The full version of the show premiered when it was moved to Abby's Paradise Theater in 2011.

Growing up in Fairyside, Queens Abby is not familiar with the celebrations and traditions of the Christmas season. Her Sesame friends share with her their favorite things about the holiday. After singing Christmas carols, learning about Santa, reindeer, jingle bells and gift giving, Abby discovers that the spirit of Christmas doesn’t have to be on just one day, but it can be every day.

Songs: "A Sesame Street Christmas Overture" "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" "Deck the Halls" "Jingle Bells" "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" "Let it Snow" "Keep Christmas With You" "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

Elmo's World Live! Christmas (2010-2014)[]

Sesame Place Christmas Elmos World

Elmo's World Live Christmas is a show that originally premiered at the 2010 Season Pass Member Holiday Party.

Elmo is trying to think of the perfect Christmas gift to give his best friend Dorothy! Santa encourages Elmo to think and use his imagination. Elmo soon discovers that the best kind of gift to give is the one that comes from the heart.

Elmo's Christmas Wish[]

ECW Logo

Elmo's Christmas Wish is a show that premiered at the Sesame Street Theater in 2011, this is notably the only version of the show to include Murray.

At Sesame Place San Diego, the show is performed without Murray.

Join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Zoe, and Rosita as they sing and dance about their favorite holiday and talk about what each of them wants for Christmas. Murray even joins the cast, asking audience members about the "Word on the Street", and getting confused when he hears that people have NOT been saying "Murray Christmas." At the end of the day, Elmo ends up with the best wish of all as everyone brings the Christmas spirit to Sesame Street.

Songs: "Christmas Means to Me My Love" "All I Want for Christmas is You" "Jingle Bells" "Run Run Rudolph" "Hot Chocolate" "We Wish You A Merry Christmas/Santa Claus is Coming to Town/Up On the Housetop"

Elmo the Musical Christmas (2014-2019)[]

ETM Christmas logo

This show replaced the Elmo's World Happy Holidays show in 2014.

Rosita and Grover deliver a special (and mysterious!) Christmas message from Santa to Elmo, telling him to “…keep a lookout for a very special gift…it comes in all shapes and sizes and is the most wonderful gift of all.” Right then, a very tired and over-worked Package Delivery Monster (Grover) begins delivering all of Elmo’s gifts, helping Elmo learn something that makes this Christmas extra special!

Songs: "We Need a Little Christmas" "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" "Feliz Navidad" "Jingle Bells" "True Blue Miracle/Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas/We Wish You A Merry Christmas"

A Very Merry Sesame Street Sing Along (2020-present)[]

Very Merry Sing Along Logo

The show is a scaled down version of A Sesame Street Christmas which premiered during the pandemic due to the amount of characters in A Sesame Street Christmas. This show is also performed at Sesame Place San Diego.

Join Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and their friends for a fun, festive sing-along as they share their favorite parts of the holiday season. Full of your favorite holiday songs and heart-warming moments, this show is certain to remind us all what the holiday season is all about.

Songs: "A Sesame Street Christmas Overture" "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" "Deck the Halls" "Jingle Bells" "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" "Let it Snow" "Keep Christmas With You" "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

Sources[]

  1. Gables Grove Productions page
  2. "Sesame Place", Monkey Boys Production.
  3. @johnnytartags Instagram Story, accessed on March 26, 2022

See also[]

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