Smithsonian Celebrates 40 Years of “Sesame Street”

The Smithsonian Associates will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the educational children’s television show “Sesame Street” in a family-friendly event Sunday, Nov. 15, at 1:30 p.m. in Lisner Auditorium at The George Washington University. The event will feature Muppet favorites Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Zoe and Prairie Dawn; film clips from past and present episodes; talks about the show’s history; a sing along; an opportunity to meet the Muppets; and a book signing.

“Sesame Street” executive producer Carol-Lynn Parente and Sonia Manzano, who played one of the show’s original characters, Maria, join the Muppets—Elmo (performed by Kevin Clash), Abby Cadabby (performed by Leslie Carrara-Rudolph), Prairie Dawn and Zoe (both performed by Fran Brill)—to talk about the show’s 40 years of fun and learning. They share clips from the first season in 1969 and scenes from new episodes. Audience members are then invited to join in a sing along, followed by a “meet and greet” with all program participants.

The anniversary book “Sesame Street: A Celebration of 40 Years of Life on the Street” is available for purchase and signing by Parente and Manzano. Children are invited to sign birthday cards for the 40th birthday celebration.

Tickets for the Smithsonian event are $18 for general admission and $15 for members. For tickets and information, call (202) 633-3030 or visit www.smithsonianassociates.org.

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SI-481-2009