My family and I attended the 7pm performance of Sesame Street Live at Rupp Arena on Friday night, and I’m most pleased to report that my son (who just turned five) really enjoyed the program, as did my wife, along with our 5 month old baby in tow (who was mesmerized by the colorful production and never let out a squeal). After yet another week lost to the stresses of the workplace and rushing from points A to B, how refreshing it was to watch the pure delight on our child’s face as his favorite characters came to life on stage! Tonight was true quality time together and a memory we will hold onto for years to come.

This live stage show of the iconic TV program has an amazing 30 year run, and what really connected me was remembering that 35 years ago in 1974, I was a five year old watching these same characters and singing many of the same songs! The messages are timeless; love and support your friends and family, work together to achieve a common goal, believing in the power of your dreams and wondering what you might like to be when you “grow up” (great question that I actually started to ponder while sitting in the audience at age 40!) ……I’m glad a new generation of kids are hearing this, and that my son was one of them in the audience!

The show was about an hour and a half, with a 15 minute intermission, so it was just right for little attention spans (both young and old!) Hardcore Elmo fans will not be disappointed, as he has a breakout in the program of the essential “Elmo’s World” styled exactly as the TV program. Newer characters like Abby Cadabby, Telly Monster and Baby Bear mix in seamlessly with veterans Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Ernie and Bert and Oscar the Grouch, who shows up like a crusty old friend from the past to steal the show.

Here’s hoping that “Sesame Street Live” tours for another 30 years and thanks to Rupp Arena for bringing them to the children of Lexington and the Bluegrass! If you are looking for a great family activity this weekend for the Kindergarten and under crowd, you really can’t go wrong with Sesame Street Live! The best part of all is that today I’m a hero with my 5 year old for taking him to the show…typically, I have to do something really cool (like catching fireflies on a summer night) to warrant such a title. What a great start to the weekend!

Guest Blogged by: Doug High
Photos by: Doug High