To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:35:35 GMT
Subject: [Puptcrit] Muppet Special/family shows vs kid shows


I was away from any TV set so missed the Muppet Special. But the comments are of interest, especially regarding shows aimed ONLY at young chilren instead of all ages. Sesame Street seems now to aim the Muppets at a younger demographic, so I don't watch it anymore. It used to be multi-levelled, just as culure should be---and adults (parents, caregivers, teachers) got something worth watching too. It is how kids REALLY expand vocabulary and understanding---by hearing words & sentences they might not yet fully understand, but will figure out over time.

This approach PRODS kids to learn. It is NOT based on some ephemeral current education gobbledygook theory which will be replaced next year by another crackpot theory.

I recall a time at Virginia Austin Curtis' charming Puppet Theater in Sierra Madre
CA, when Terry Ryder's Punch & Judy  show was co-billed with Bruce D. Schwartz' show and Parents & kids BOTH got something from BOTH shows. Ironically both performers began with unwarranted trepidations, only to be rewarded with genuine laughter & applause.

The jokes & action were multi-levelled.

Something else was at work too. Kids like to laugh. Even when they don't get a joke, if the parents laugh, so do the kids. That is also how kids develop a sense of humor.

How do I know this and "educatonal consultants" don't?

Because I REMEMBER what it was like being a kid, and apparently the "experts" forgot.

Jerry Juhl was accutely tuned into multilevel scripts, and Jim Henson sure was.

Each Muppet character had INDIVIDUALITY, a unique personality, even a different rythmn.

There seems to be more uniformity and mechanical-looking movement now. It has been formulized to some extent, which it never was in the beginning. I hope the subtleties can be rediscovered----the subtle things are all on videotape to learn from again. 

ALAN COOK


_______________________________________________
List address: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Admin interface: http://lists.puptcrit.org/mailman/listinfo/puptcrit
Archives: http://www.driftline.org