Stephanie D’Abruzzo is our first Muppeteer. You Might Know Her From Avenue Q, Sesame Street, Elmo’s World, Oobi, Scrubs, and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Stephanie talked to us about training herself to become a Muppeteer, joining the Broadway community (and scoring a Tony nom) for playing Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut in Avenue Q, inheriting the iconic role of Prairie Dawn on Sesame Street, and playing Virginia Woolf-level darkness as Kimmy’s backpack Jan S. Port on Kimmy Schmidt. Plus, performing on the floor while Patti Labelle wailed the “ABCs,” phasing Betty Lou out, carrying the musical episode of Scrubs on her shoulders, and sorta playing Chita Rivera’s track in Jerry’s Girls. We love firsts 7and we loved getting to dig into the children’s television and the Muppet world. We just regret we did not bring up Pepe the Prawn. Enjoy! 

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Anne identities as Animal 

We circle back to our old friend, Pepe the Prawn

Sesame Street has more women characters than the classic Muppets: Abby Cadabby, Rosita, Zoe, etc

Avenue Q 

Classic Muppets (Disney), Sesame Street (Sesame Workshop), Fraggle Rock, Labyrinth/Dark Crystal (Jim Henson Co.)

Prairie Dawn originally done by legend Fran Brill

Stephanie’s website

Has performed a myriad of Sesame Street characters: Prairie Dawn, Elizabeth, Bert’s mom, Cookie Monster’s Mom, Elmo’s Mom, Lea Michelle muppet, 

Kevin Clash was the Muppet captain (and voice of Elmo)

Prairie Dawn vs Betty Lou. Some of the only early girl muppets. Where did Betty Lou go?

Arc as Kimmy’s backpack, Jan  (who Kimmy tries to drown)

Patty Miller on musical episode of Scrubs thanks to Debra Fordham

“There’s Fine Fine Line” from Avenue Q

*** Patti Labelle on Sesame Street ***

Played hand puppet, Uma on Oobi

Shari Lewis + Lambchop, Sid and Marty Krofft + H.R. PufnStuf; Wayland Flowers + Madame

Dennis Rodman’s autobiography, Bad As I Wanna Be

RIP The Astor Room, former mess hall for Kaufman Astoria Studios

“Minnie Driver is full of beans” -EW review of Conviction

Very Mary Kate

Annalynne McCord’s message to Putin (maybe Shenae Grimes made her do it)

Julianne Hough had energy pulled out of her ass

Hough compared JoJo Siwa to Joan of Arc