Last weekend our family attended the Sesame Street Live performance of “Make a New Friend.” This brings back memories of the early 1980’s watching “Sesame Street” on Channel 50 of our black and white television. When the tube would get fuzzy, just a quick wiggle of the antenna and the picture is back into view. I was a child who grew up on Sesame Street, I knew every song and character. After all these years, the true values of Sesame Street are intact. Making friends, being a good friend, exploring different cultures and experiences, all the while incorporating good old fashion academics of letter recognition and counting.
Of course, nothing compares to a live performance. We have taken the family to Sesame Street Live three times. Our first time was six years ago, when our son was turning two. Then a couple of years later we visited the glorious Fox Theater for another performance when our second child was around the same age. Our youngest daughter and third child, aged 3 had her first experience last weekend. Our macaroni’s, aged 8, 6, and 3 all enjoyed the show. The colorful characters, brilliant effects from the confetti cannons to the balls kept them entertained. The performance was long enough to tell the story, but not too long to lose the attention of squirmy toddlers or easily bored older children. Also the children delighted in the characters going up and down the walkways and getting up close and personal with some of the children. My husband who traveled to India half a dozen times enjoyed when Chamki, Grover’s friend from India came to the scene. The Indian culture was portrayed realistically and at a level that children could comprehend.
Celebrating 25 years as Detroit’s family favorite tradition at the Fox Theatre, Sesame Street Live “Make a New Friend” will be at the Fox Threatre through Monday, February 16. Tickets ($15, $25, $35 Gold Circle and $65 Sunny Seats) are on sale now and can be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy (without service charge) at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. Groups of 10 or more receive a discount by calling 313-471-3099. For additional information, call 313-471-6611.
Performance Schedule:
Saturday, Jan. 31 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 1 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 4 11 a.m.**
Thursday, Feb. 5 11 a.m.**
Friday, Feb. 6 11 a.m.** & 7 p.m.*
Saturday, Feb. 7 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 8 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 12 11 a.m.**
Friday, Feb. 13 11 a.m.** & 7 p.m. *
Saturday, Feb. 14 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 15 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 16 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.
A limited number of $35 Gold Circle seats and $65 Sunny Seats are available. The Sunny Seats package features premium show seating and a pre-show Meet & Greet photo opportunity with two Sesame Street Live friends, including Elmo! Sunny Seats are not available for the Kids Matinee shows.
*Family Night (7 p.m. performances), all seats (excluding Gold Circle and Sunny Seats) are $10.
** Weekday Kids Matinee -- $8 Schools/Daycares and $10 general public.
*** Detroit Public Television’s Benefit Performance: Saturday, January 24 at 5:30 p.m. For more information, please call 800-859-9887 or visit DPTV.org.
For information online, please visit www.sesamestreetlive.com. Become a fan of Sesame Street Live on Facebook.
