Jonathan Rockefeller is currently gracing Washington D.C.’s renowned Kennedy Center, where he is the book writer and director of “Sesame Street the Musical.”
The production is set to enchant audiences at the Terrace Theater through August 31st.
Rockefeller’s accomplishments in the theatre industry speak volumes—he’s earned the title of Best Documentary at the AMA Awards, garnered two New York Times Critics’ Picks, and received multiple nominations for Drama Desk and OBA awards, among various Broadway World accolades.
His company, Rockefeller Studios, has created global sensations with stage adaptations of beloved stories including Disney’s “Winnie the Pooh,” “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show,” and, of course, “Sesame Street the Musical.”
Shows produced by Rockefeller Studios have reached audiences in 14 countries, captivating millions and bringing joy from major cities like New York and Tokyo to Sydney and London.
In an era where many children’s shows lack the charm and creativity associated with classics like “Sesame Street,” Rockefeller aims to revive that nostalgic magic with his current production.
The essence of childhood joy from Joe Raposo and Jeff Moss’ timeless songs, alongside the relatable Muppets created by Jim Henson, is now being experienced live, thanks to the vision of Rockefeller.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a new viewer discovering the wonders of “Sesame Street,” this musical promises to entertain all age groups.
Jonathan Rockefeller is living his theatre life to the fullest through artistic expression at Kennedy Center, inviting everyone to ‘Sing, sing a song’ until the end of August.
Rockefeller’s journey in the arts began at the tender age of five when he expressed a desire to be an artist—not as a career path but as a profound proclamation akin to declaring a favorite dinosaur.
By the time he reached fifteen, he was already in charge of a camcorder, directing films and casting friends and family in roles, completely focused on becoming a filmmaker.
He often reflects that he stumbled into theatre by accident, yet acknowledges it has been an incredibly rewarding detour in his artistic journey.
Rockefeller received his formal education in directing and producing at the Victorian College of the Arts Film School in Melbourne but emphasizes that true learning never ends.
He believes that the essence of his work relies on innovating and pushing boundaries by constantly asking what hasn’t been done before.
He highlights the unique challenge of directing puppets, a skill acquired through practical experience rather than formal instruction, emphasizing continued growth through collaboration with talented individuals in the field.
Reflecting on his early ventures, he shared that his first professional arts job was working as an assistant for the renowned Baz Luhrmann.
This opportunity arose from his youthful admiration, leading him to take extraordinary measures—submitting handmade pop-up books with his showreel—until he successfully landed a position under Luhrmann’s wing.
The years spent as Luhrmann’s assistant provided him with invaluable insights into the industry, the creative process, and how to navigate chaos in artistic endeavors.
The journey toward creating “Sesame Street the Musical” took a significant five years of brainstorming its initial concept following the success of Rockefeller’s adaptation, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”
What began as a hopeful notion of combining the Muppets with musical theatre became a reality in early 2022 when they had a six-month timeline to bring the show to life.
This period proved to be intense, requiring them to write, compose, record, design, and rehearse all within a compressed schedule, yet the opportunity to collaborate with the Muppets fueled their determination.
Rockefeller and his team approached the project by asking what a Sesame Street musical would look like without relying solely on nostalgia.
They recognized that today’s audiences possess a different relationship with the show, necessitating a fresh yet respectful blend of historical and contemporary elements in the production.
The outcome? A production where the Muppets essentially put on the show themselves, filled with energetic performances, including a standout dance number from Elmo, ensuring that the script showcased beloved characters across generations.
At the musical’s core is an amalgamation of classic songs like “Rubber Duckie” and “C is for Cookie” that resonate with audiences, layered with new compositions from Broadway talents, contributing to a fresh yet familiar score.
Despite the exhausting work schedule that kept them awake for months, the opportunity to create something truly special with the Muppets outweighed the challenges of insomnia.
Unlike previous adaptations, Rockefeller emphasizes that “Sesame Street the Musical” represents the authentic essence of Sesame Street itself, featuring the real Muppets that fans have cherished over the years.
In contrast to productions such as “Sesame Street Live,” which lean heavily on entertainment elements, this musical is an authentic portrayal where Muppets bring their distinctive charm and quirks directly to the stage.
The show exemplifies a collaborative effort with Sesame Workshop, whose involvement ensured authenticity from inception to execution.
Rockefeller highlighted that each character’s authentic voices are performed by the same talented individuals from the TV series, allowing a transition of familiar energy and spirit from screen to stage.
While the production did consider the possibility of actors from the TV series performing live during its New York run, scheduling conflicts led them to rely on pre-recorded performances instead, maintaining the integrity and sound of Sesame Street.
The final content of the show was ultimately approved by Sesame Workshop, which ensured that character depictions aligned with their educational mission and values, all the while allowing Rockefeller’s team to infuse their creative vision into the live format.
Rockefeller acknowledged the necessity of honoring sesame characters while exploring new and inventive storytelling methods that engage audiences of various ages.
Critics have long underestimated the quality of children’s theatre, equating it to cheap, loud entertainment; however, Rockefeller’s productions challenge this notion by investing the same artistry and quality typically reserved for adult audiences.
Being at the helm of productions like “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” for over a decade, Rockefeller demonstrates that children’s theater can be enduring, captivating, and profound.
He stresses the importance of treating young audiences with respect and nurturing their engagement, as they represent both the current and future of theatre as a whole.
When queried about his favorite Sesame Street character, Rockefeller reflected on his childhood affinity for Ernie and expressed a newfound appreciation for Oscar the Grouch, who takes on a quirky role as a theatre critic in the musical.
The show weaves in fan-favorite characters while cleverly intertwining whimsical cameos for dedicated Sesame aficionados to discover throughout the performance.
After over 56 years, Rockefeller believes that the enduring appeal of Sesame Street stems from its groundbreaking approach—welcoming children into a colorful world filled with genuine humor, empathy, and chaotically whimsical moments.
Sesame Street managed to provide educational insights through its diverse characters while capturing the imagination of viewers in meaningful ways, allowing something as simple as a rubber duckie to provoke deeper emotional responses.
With songs that continue to resonate and jokes that remain amusing, Sesame Street remains a cherished bonding experience for parents and children alike, fostering shared laughter and life lessons without boring anyone in the audience.
In a time when kindness and joy are needed more than ever, Rockefeller advocates for the importance of preserving the underlying message of Sesame Street—its ability to entertain while instilling valuable lessons and building connections between generations.
Rockefeller expresses immense gratitude to Sesame Workshop, acknowledging their pivotal role in helping shepherd this production successfully to the stage.
image source from：broadwayworld
