Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — The residents of Sesame Street are making their way to the Conference Center just in time for Christmas.
The beloved Muppets will lend their voices to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for its annual Christmas concert series in December. Joining the choir and Sesame Street gang will be Broadway star Santino Fontana, the voice behind Prince Hans in Disney’s “Frozen.”
“This year’s concert is going to be unlike any other,” choir president Ron Jarrett said in a press release Thursday. “Joining Santino’s talents with the residents of Sesame Street will bring the childlike wonder of Christmas into our hearts and remind us of the true meaning of the season.”
One of Sesame Street’s most recognizable faces — Elmo himself — broke the news Thursday. He’ll be joined by many of his famous friends for the event, but just who those characters will be is still a surprise. A new member of the roster will be revealed each week on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s website.
- Thursday Dec. 11, 8 p.m. (dress rehearsal)
- Friday, Dec. 12, 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 14, mini-concert during 'Music and the Spoken Word'
The concert is free
Online registration for tickets: Oct. 18 at 12:01 a.m. - Oct. 27 at 11:59 p.m.
Phone registration: 801- 570-0080 for local numbers or 1-866-537-8457.
“Everyone has their favorite Sesame Street character,” Jarrett said. “Many of them will be participating in the concert. We recognize that the impact Sesame Street has had on many of our lives as young children is incalculable.”
Sesame Street’s executive producer, Carol-Lynn Parente, expressed her excitement over the announcement, noting that music has always been a big part of Sesame Street’s fabric.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this annual PBS holiday tradition and excited to sing with the world-renowned choir,” she said.
Sesame Street just launched its 45th anniversary season on PBS and has been nominated for 28 Primetime Emmys over the show’s duration. It also holds the record for most Daytime Emmys won at 159.
This will be the second time Fontana has teamed up with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The singer — who was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance as Prince Topher in Broadway’s “Cinderella” — received praises for his performance at this year’s Pioneer Day concerts in Salt Lake City.
“I’m thrilled to get to sing with the amazing Mack Wilberg and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir again, and to share the stage with my childhood heroes,” he said.
The concerts are set for the evenings of Dec. 11, 12 and 13. Fontana and the Muppets will also join the choir for a mini-concert and “Music and the Spoken Word” broadcast on Dec. 14. Since Sesame Street will be taking the stage, the age limit for this year’s concert has been lowered to include children 5 years old and up.
“This year’s concert is going to be unlike any other. Joining Santino’s talents with the residents of Sesame Street will bring the childlike wonder of Christmas into our hearts and remind us of the true meaning of the season.” -Ron Jarrett, Mormon Tabernacle Choir president
Tickets to the concerts are free, but always in high demand. Those interested can register online here or over the phone at 801-570-0080 or 1-866-LDS-TIKS beginning this Saturday, Oct. 18. Registration closes Monday, Oct. 27.
“We are always delighted by the response of the community to these concerts,” said music director Mack Wilberg. “It’s the reason why we make this extraordinary event available year after year.”
Tickets will be distributed randomly, with a limit of four per household. Those without tickets can try their luck with a stand-by line beginning at the north Temple Square gate before each performance.
The concerts are 90 minutes, and the Sunday performance is about an hour. Jessica Ivins is a content manager for KSL.com and contributor to the Motherhood Matters section.
