"Can't Stop Singing" is based on a "Sesame Stree" episode called "Music Magic."
"Sesame Street Live" is coming to the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield on Wednesday for two performances.
They may live on Sesame Street, but Bert and Ernie, Elmo, and Cookie Monster will be singing and dancing on Main Street when they bring the production “Can’t Stop Singing” to the MassMutual Center on Wednesday.
The “Sesame Street Live” production from Vee Corporation – known for providing a learning experience for children as part of an interactive musical theater performance – focuses on the show’s breakout star, Elmo, who armed with Abby Cadabby’s magic wand, gives the audience music, music and more music.
Jessica Gray of Massapequa, NY, is cast in the dual roles of Ernie and Baby Bear. A graduate of Adelphi University, she trained at the Body Language Dance Studio in Massapequa. During her senior year in college, Gray performed in the university’s production of “Steel Magnolias,” and has also appeared in “Island of Lost Conceits” and “Family Portrait.”
Gray took time out between changing costumes to answer several questions about Wednesday’s shows, her interest in children’s theater, and the challenge of performing on stage in costume.
What brought you to Sesame Street Live?
I actually auditioned for “Curious George Live” and “Barney Live,” which are also VEE Corporation productions. I attended the New York City auditions and immediately felt at home there. I remember talking to the people at the table (now my bosses) and thinking, “They’re so funny! I really want to work for them.” I was called back the next day to read for some of the characters, but was also asked to sing a song for one of the “Sesame Street Live” shows. This was the first audition I ever went on where I knew I had aced it. On the train back to Long Island, I called my mom and just said, “I got it.” In the summer of 2010 I was offered a role with VEE, but unfortunately had to turn it down due to a prior commitment. But destiny is destiny and I received another call in November 2011, which cast me as Sam the Mail Carrier in “Sesame Street Live: 1,2,3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends.”
How familiar were you with “Sesame Street?”
I did not watch “Sesame Street” as a child, but I was a huge fan of “The Muppets.” Now that I have become more familiar with “Sesame Street,” I wish I had watched it when I was younger, because I feel like it is such a great program for teaching kids. It not only helps kids learn their letters and numbers, but also teaches children about social interaction, current events, and manners. A big factor for me is also getting children involved in the arts, which “Sesame Street” contributes to greatly.
Why do you enjoy performing for children?
I did a lot of children’s theater before coming to Sesame Street Live. In my opinion, it’s the best kind of theater there is. Kids believe that everything they see is real. They don’t sit there saying “Those costumes are really great!” or “What good characterization those performers have!” All they can think about is how their favorite character is right there in front of them singing and dancing. There is nothing better than seeing their faces light up with excitement when we come out on stage.
How challenging is it to perform on-stage wearing a costume?
As a performer, any show you do with costumes will take you out of your comfort zone. They’re meant to. It is our job as performers to leave ourselves behind and become the characters we play. In this production of “Can’t Stop Singing,” I play two characters - Ernie and Baby Bear. The first question most people ask is, “Isn’t it difficult to play two different characters?” I wouldn’t say difficult, but rather exciting. This is what I love to do. I get to work on bringing two different characters to life, and the costumes really help with that.
What do you like about this year’s story?
I love that this show not only teaches kids about how good it feels to sing, but also about the different ways you can use your voice. You can change your voice to sing high and low, fast and slow, loud and soft. “Can’t Stop Singing” really helps get kids involved in musical dynamics, but does it in such an exciting way.
What type of audience interaction is there for kids in this year’s show?
Our set for the show was built to include as much audience interaction as possible. Apart from the actual stage, we have two miniature stages that sit in the audience on the floor. Throughout the show, some Sesame Street friends will be dancing right in front of audience members, as well as walking and dancing through the audience. There are also a few numbers in the show that encourage the kids to get up and clap their hands, stomp their feet, and respond to questions the characters might be asking them.
Tell me about some of the songs in the show?
“Can’t Stop Singing” is based on a “Sesame Street” episode called “Music Magic.” We open the show with “Sunny Days,” which, of course, everybody knows. There are also songs such as “It’s Raining Men” and “Shout” which have been tweaked, and other titles that everyone will know such as “Music in Me,” “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” and “You Can’t Stop the Music.”