Puppetry is a captivating art form that has delighted audiences of all ages for centuries. From ancient shadow puppets to modern animatronics, the art of bringing inanimate objects to life holds a unique charm. When we think of puppetry in popular culture, one name immediately springs to mind: Sesame Street. For generations, Sesame Street has been a cornerstone of children’s television, renowned for its educational content and its unforgettable cast of Muppet characters. These characters, brought to life by incredibly talented puppeteers, have become beloved icons.
This brings us to an intriguing question that many fans, especially those new to the world of Sesame Street, might ask: Is there an elephant on Sesame Street? While Sesame Street is famous for its diverse array of creatures – birds, frogs, monsters, and everything in between – an elephant character isn’t immediately recognizable in its core cast. However, the connection between elephants and Sesame Street runs deeper than you might initially realize, and it’s beautifully illustrated through productions like “Aanika’s Elephants.”
“Aanika’s Elephants” is a theatrical production presented by Feisty Elephant Productions, Pam Arciero Productions, and Little Shadow Productions, in association with the Center for Puppetry Arts. This production, while not directly featuring a literal elephant on Sesame Street the television show, is deeply interwoven with the spirit and talent of Sesame Street. Many of the key individuals behind “Aanika’s Elephants” are veterans of Sesame Street, bringing their Emmy-award winning expertise and passion for puppetry to this new project.
Let’s delve into the incredible team behind “Aanika’s Elephants” and explore their significant contributions to the world of puppetry and, in many cases, to Sesame Street itself:
The Creative Minds Behind Aanika’s Elephants: A Sesame Street Pedigree
The strength of “Aanika’s Elephants” lies not just in its captivating story but also in the remarkable team of creators who have poured their heart and soul into bringing it to life. Many of these individuals have spent years shaping the landscape of children’s television and puppetry, with significant ties to Sesame Street.
Annie Evans: Weaving Tales from Sesame Street to the Stage
Annie Evans, the writer and producer of “Aanika’s Elephants,” is a name synonymous with quality children’s television. With an impressive 25-year career, Evans is best known for her contributions to Sesame Street, where she earned a staggering 13 Emmy Awards. Her writing credits extend beyond Sesame Street to include shows on Nickelodeon, PBS, Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, and Animal Planet, showcasing her versatility and talent in crafting engaging narratives for young audiences. Evans’ expertise isn’t limited to television; she’s also an accomplished playwright with productions staged around the world, including in prominent New York City theaters. Her work on Sesame Street co-productions in Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia further highlights her global impact on children’s education and entertainment.
Pam Arciero: Directing Puppetry from Hawaii to Sesame Street and Beyond
Pam Arciero, the director and producer of “Aanika’s Elephants,” brings a unique multicultural perspective shaped by her Hawaiian upbringing. A true multi-hyphenate talent, Arciero directs for live theater, television, and film, while also being a seasoned performer and producer. Her long-standing relationship with Sesame Workshop is particularly noteworthy. She choreographs and directs the large-scale walk-around puppet shows for Sesame Street in diverse locations worldwide, spreading joy and laughter through puppetry. For over 30 years, Arciero has been a puppeteer for Sesame Street and the Muppets, lending her voice and artistry to iconic characters like Grundgetta Grouch, Oscar the Grouch’s girlfriend, among many others. Her passion for puppetry is infectious, and she shares her knowledge and skills by teaching puppetry workshops globally. Arciero also serves as the Artistic Director of the prestigious National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, nurturing the next generation of puppeteers.
Jean Marie Keevins: Producing Excellence in Puppetry, Rooted in Sesame Street
Jean Marie Keevins, performer and producer for “Aanika’s Elephants,” is an Emmy-nominated puppet artist and producer whose work spans film, television, and stage. Her film credits include “The Muppets,” demonstrating her connection to the broader Muppet family, and television credits include “Helpsters” and “The Muppets: A Letter to Santa,” both projects with Sesame Workshop ties. Through her production company, Little Shadow Productions, Keevins champions original productions and provides educational opportunities through its academy and Lil’ Talks series. Her dedication to puppetry extends to her role as Associate Artistic Director of the National Puppetry Conference and the Tony Award-winning Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, alongside Pam Arciero. Keevins’ background and collaborations further solidify the strong Sesame Street connection within the “Aanika’s Elephants” production.
Martin P. Robinson: The Master Builder Behind Mr. Snuffleupagus and More
Martin P. Robinson, the production designer and builder for “Aanika’s Elephants,” is a true legend in the world of puppetry. Broadway audiences know him for his work on “Little Shop of Horrors” and “The Frogs,” but to Sesame Street fans, he is instantly recognizable as the puppeteer behind the beloved Mr. Snuffleupagus, Telly Monster, Slimey the Worm, and numerous other characters for over 41 years. His film credits include iconic Muppet movies like “Muppets Take Manhattan” and “Follow That Bird,” as well as “Elmo in Grouchland.” Currently, Robinson continues his Sesame Street legacy by playing Mr. Primm on the Sesame Street/Apple TV show “Helpsters.” His involvement in “Aanika’s Elephants” as production designer and builder guarantees a high level of artistry and craftsmanship in the visual elements of the show, deeply rooted in the Sesame Street tradition of puppetry excellence.
Paul Rudolph: Composing the Sounds of Sesame Street and “Aanika’s Elephants”
Paul Rudolph, the composer and musician for “Aanika’s Elephants,” is the musical heart behind many beloved children’s shows, most notably Sesame Street. As a composer, arranger, instrument builder, and vocal music director/recordist for Sesame Street, Rudolph has received 3 Emmy nominations for Music Direction and won 3 Emmys for music editing. His musical talents have graced Sesame Street across various platforms, including television, web content, live shows, and apps. Beyond Sesame Street, Rudolph’s credits include music for “Nature Cat” (PBS), projects with the Jim Henson Company, and collaborations with other Sesame Street veterans. His musical contribution to “Aanika’s Elephants” brings a familiar sense of warmth and whimsy, reminiscent of the iconic Sesame Street sound.
The Supporting Team: Stage Management, Lighting, and Production Expertise
The production team is rounded out by talented professionals in stage management, lighting design, and production management. Monét C Morris (Stage Manager), Andre C. Allen (Lighting Designer), Montana Kern (Associate Lighting Designer), and Carly Levin (Production Manager) bring their expertise from Broadway, regional theater, and television to ensure the smooth and visually stunning execution of “Aanika’s Elephants.”
The Cast: Bringing Puppets to Life with Sesame Street Talent
The cast of “Aanika’s Elephants” is equally impressive, featuring performers with significant experience in puppetry and children’s theater, including individuals who are currently part of the Sesame Street family.
Jimmica Collins and Latoryah Alexander: Sesame Street Puppeteers on Stage
Jimmica Collins, a Principle Performer in “Aanika’s Elephants,” is an actor and puppeteer with a passion for Children’s Theatre. Notably, she is a puppeteer on Season 53 of Sesame Street, directly bringing the magic of Sesame Street puppetry to this production. Similarly, Latoryah Alexander, another puppeteer in “Aanika’s Elephants,” performs the role of Kayla on Sesame Street. Alexander is also part of the Sesame Street Workshop Puppeteer Mentorship Program, highlighting her role in training the next generation of puppeteers. Having two current Sesame Street puppeteers in the cast of “Aanika’s Elephants” underscores the deep connection between this production and the beloved children’s program.
Jared Brodie, Bradley Freeman Jr., Leila Ghaznavi, Cedwan Hooks, and More
The rest of the cast, including Jared Brodie, Bradley Freeman Jr., Leila Ghaznavi, Cedwan Hooks, Zuri Nkosi Terrell, and musician Gordon Robert Price, bring a wealth of experience in acting, puppetry, and music to “Aanika’s Elephants.” Bradley Freeman, Jr. even participated in a Sesame Street workshop for puppeteers and voices the new Sesame Street character Wes, further cementing the Sesame Street DNA within the production. Cedwan Hooks has worked on other Sesame Workshop projects like “Helpsters,” demonstrating the interconnectedness of the puppetry world and Sesame Street.
“Aanika’s Elephants”: A Celebration of Puppetry and Sesame Street Spirit
While there might not be a prominent, named elephant character who is a main resident of Sesame Street itself, the influence and spirit of Sesame Street are undeniably present in “Aanika’s Elephants.” The production is a testament to the incredible talent pool within the puppetry world, with many of its key players having dedicated years to bringing joy and education to children through Sesame Street.
“Aanika’s Elephants” can be seen as an extension of the Sesame Street legacy, carrying forward the tradition of high-quality puppetry, engaging storytelling, and a commitment to enriching the lives of young audiences. It showcases the interconnected web of talent within the puppetry community, where Sesame Street serves as a central hub, nurturing and inspiring artists who then branch out to create new and wonderful projects like “Aanika’s Elephants.” So, while you might not find a Snuffleupagus-style elephant strolling down Sesame Street on your television screen, the heart of Sesame Street puppetry – its creativity, expertise, and dedication – beats strongly within “Aanika’s Elephants.” This production is a vibrant celebration of the art form and the people who make the magic happen, many of whom have shaped the very Sesame Street we know and love.
