by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
Sesame Street Live has been wowing kids (and their parents) for 28 years with their high-energy, education-disguised-as-fun stage shows. More than 50 million people have attended these productions over the years and one of them is Dani Cohen, a Nashville actress who is now a performer for Sesame Street Live. Cohen was kind enough to speak with EU from the road about the show, her role and what it’s like to hang out with Muppets.
EU: What’s “Ready for Action” about?
Dani Cohen: “Ready For Action” is a show that teaches children and parents about the importance of healthy habits for life... Elmo teaches the children about hygiene and that even red furry monsters need to take baths, wash their hair, and brush their teeth- oh, and “don’t forget to floss” he says! The audience and Cookie Monster learn that it’s okay to eat cookies, but in moderation because cookies are a “sometimes” food. Plus it’s fun to eat your colors like green broccoli, yellow peppers, red strawberries, and oranges, too! They also learn that getting proper rest and naptime is a necessity for energy to play. Finally, we teach the kids to get on up and exercise!
EU: How is this show different from other Sesame Street Live shows?
DC: This show was created in 2005 in response to the growing childhood obesity crisis. Current research shows that more than 30% of American children are “at risk” or are overweight and may suffer from psychological stress, poor self-esteem and poor self image. The preschool years (ages 2-4) are a crucial time to foster lifelong healthy habits.
EU: What can families expect?
DC: It’s not only a Broadway style show, but a Broadway quality show with high tech lighting and sound. It’s a fantastic way to introduce your children to theater. We have familiar songs that the parents grew up with, such as ‘Sunny Days,’ ‘Twinkle, Twinkle,’ ‘Old McDonald,’ and ‘I Feel Good’ the soulful James Brown hit with an educational Sesame Street twist to it! They can also expect a lot of audience participation. We highly encourage the children to sing and dance with us! All of your favorite characters will be there including Big Bird, Elmo, Zoe, Bert, Ernie, Cookie Monster, and Oscar.
EU: How did you become part of Sesame Street Live?
DC: I auditioned for Sesame Street Live when they played my hometown of Nashville. My mom had always taken me to see Sesame Street Live as a child and I knew it was something that I wanted to be a part of. It was my first live theater experience as a child and I remember how much joy it brought me.
EU: What part do you play?
DC: I am the “small understudy.” I play the character Roxy Marie. I am also a Lamb in Old McDonald’s farm and a dancing strawberry in the Healthy Foods dance number.
EU: What is a “small understudy”?
DC: As “small understudy” I understudy characters in the height range of 4’11-5’4. The characters I understudy are Elmo, Zoe and Ernie. We also have a medium understudy who is the character Grundgetta and a tall understudy who is the character Green Honker.
EU: What’s the best part about being on tour?
DC: I absolutely love being on tour! It has been the best experience and just keeps getting better. Because of the tour I have grown extremely fond of traveling. I love discovering places I have never been. I also love being part of a company that entertains and teaches children. Another great thing we do is go into the community and visit hospitals and schools for kids with special needs. Some of those kids can’t even leave the hospital to come to our show, so we go to them and give them a big hug and make them feel better. I went to a hospital as Elmo once and a little girl ran up to me shouting “Elmo, Elmo I’m cancer-free!” She was so excited to see Elmo. Her mom showed us the Elmo blanket she slept with every night and said the Elmo blanket made her feel better when she was sick.
EU: What is it like to be part of a show with such iconic characters?
DC: It is really surreal because I grew up with these characters. One day I was on stage and I looked up and thought “I am dancing with Big Bird. THIS IS SOOO COOL!” It’s also a huge responsibility playing some of the most loved and recognizable characters of our time! The children know their Sesame Street characters. You have to study the characterizations and portray the characters precisely. Not only is it a challenge and responsibility, but it’s my honor to play these characters.
You can catch Sesame Street Live “Ready for Action” at the Time-Union Center on Friday, December 14 through Sunday, December 16. Tickets range in price from $12 to $26. For more information, visit sesamestreetlive.com.
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