In 1986, CBS aired The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years, a special where all of the Muppets threw a huge party and talked about how great they were. Later that year, Sesame Street threw itself a smaller party: The Sesame Street 17th Anniversary Celebration!
It was a smaller party because nearly all of the puppeteers were busy that day. Jim Henson, Frank Oz, and Kevin Clash were filming Labyrinth. Richard Hunt, Camille Bonora, David Rudman, and Marty Robinson were forging a new legacy on Little Muppet Monsters. Fran Brill was guest-starring on an episode of Kate & Allie. Caroll Spinney was at home playing with Muffet, Jesse, and Ben.
As it turned out, only Jerry Nelson was free. Fortunately, Jerry played dozens of iconic characters, so the special still feels packed to the gills. Even more fortunately, he’s also the announcer, so he was able to keep the show moving along. Here are just a few of the highlights of this beloved special:
The Count gets the party started by counting to 17 and then laughing while lightning flashes.
Without Grover around to pester him, Mr. Johnson eats a pleasant meal with no problems of any kind.
In a touching flashback sequence, we see how Kermit the Forg, Kermit the Gorf, and Kermit the Grof made their way to Sesame Street from their homes in the swmap, the wsamp, and the sawmp.
Herry Monster enthusiastically does 17 jumping jacks, causing the set to fall down.
Sherlock Hemlock enthusiastically solves the mystery of what caused the set to fall down.
Mumford the Magician enthusiastically restores the set with a magic spell, opening a portal to other dimensions in the process.
Floyd brings the house down with a killer version of “It Feels Good When You Sing a Song.”
Lew Zealand buys all the fish at Hooper’s Store and then – get this – he THROWS THEM.
The Trash Heap pops out of Oscar’s trash can, and the studio audience loses its mind.
Pa Gorg shows up, and it’s just nice to see his Majesty getting out to see other parts of his kingdom.
There’s a whole lot more, but I don’t want to spoil all the fun. Watch it for yourself, and thrill as each iconic character shows up!
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by Anthony Strand
