In a vibrant tribute to a quarter-century of educational fun, “Sesame Street” marked its 25th birthday with a delightful special set in the heart of New York City’s iconic Central Park. This musical extravaganza, aptly titled to celebrate the Sesame Street 25th Birthday Celebration, transforms the park into a stage for song and dance, echoing the classic spirit of Mickey and Judy putting on a show. Big Bird, Telly Monster, and Prairie Dawn, inspired by the lively atmosphere, decide to create their own performance, setting the stage for a medley of memorable Muppet moments.
The special’s charm lies in its simple yet effective premise: Telly and Prairie set off to gather talented singers, dancers, and musicians, while Big Bird takes charge of recruiting the “La-la-ers.” This quest seamlessly weaves in special musical appearances, notably from the soulful En Vogue and the globally acclaimed Ladysmith Black Mambazo. These guest performances add layers of richness to the musical tapestry, before the show transitions into a joyous compilation of classic Muppet music.
The musical journey revisits beloved tunes, including a medley dedicated to Ernie’s enduring affection for his Rubber Duckie, showcasing the best of Grover’s monster hits, and imaginative animated segments paired with songs featuring humans and animals. Even the Count makes a cameo, numerically enjoying the clips, while his magician cousin, Mumford, playfully transforms the “La-la-ers” into quacking ducks, adding a touch of Sesame Street’s signature humor.
While the storyline might be described as lighthearted and straightforward, it serves as a perfect backdrop for the real star of the show: the music. The special is packed with enough musical numbers to easily overshadow any narrative thinness. Naturally, Kermit the Frog’s poignant “It’s Not Easy Being Green” is included, presented in a vintage clip where Kermit’s appearance playfully nods to his earlier, more lizard-like design from “Sam and Friends,” offering a nostalgic wink to long-time fans.
Grover’s “Monster in the Mirror” number, while missing the celebrity cameos from its early nineties iteration, still retains its infectious fun. A minor disappointment for keen-eyed fans might be the brief absence of Frazzle’s part in “Fuzzy and Blue,” but the focus remains generously on the core cast, with Elmo’s presence thoughtfully limited to a single song, ensuring a balanced showcase of characters.
As the celebration progresses, the musical selections deepen, culminating in the unifying message of “We Are All Earthlings.” Fan-favorite Yip-Yip Martians make a delightful surprise appearance, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo returns, enriching the finale. The entire Sesame Street ensemble unites for a grand rendition of “Sing a Song,” creating a heartwarming and inclusive conclusion. A humorous absence is noted with Don Music, the Guy Smiley-esque character known for his piano-head-banging moments of lyrical frustration. His absence is a nod to his past removal for not being the best role model, a funny detail for adult viewers familiar with Sesame Street lore.
For those interested in exploring further, Muppet Wiki notes two versions of this special. The initial home video release in October 1993 featured all the classic Sesame Street songs highlighted, while a subsequent PBS broadcast in 1994 placed greater emphasis on music specifically from Sesame Street’s season 25 celebrations. Regardless of the version, this Sesame Street 25th birthday celebration special remains a joyful testament to the enduring appeal and educational impact of Sesame Street’s musical legacy.
