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JOHNNY AND THE SPRITES - MEET THE SPRITES
DVD release date: March 18, 2008
 “Johnny
and the Sprites” may be a part of Playhouse Disney, but it is no babyish
kids show. Every episode of “Johnny and the Sprites” is like a little
Broadway production for kids… and why shouldn’t it be? John Tartaglia
who plays Johnny and created the show was Lumiere in Disney’s "Beauty
and the Beast on Broadway" among other Broadway roles. Even the theme
song was written by Broadway and film composer Stephen Schwartz (who
also wrote the music for “Enchanted” with Alan Menken) and the songs in
the episodes are written by Broadway songwriters as well.
The educational messages in each episode relate to respect and
tolerance, such crucial messages that sadly are just not taught in
schools. Schools may teach necessary subjects, but learning how to exist
with others is typically not in the curriculum.
 “Johnny”
is certainly popular in our house, and the song “Make Someone Laugh”
which appears on this DVD is a perfect example why. My wife thinks
Johnny is cute, my kids love watching him, and for someone like me who’s
a big fan of the golden age of movie musicals, he’s the modern version
of Donald O’Connor with a few others mixed in. It's like a routine right
out of “Singin’ in the Rain” and is obvious some of the same dance moves O’Connor did in his “Make ‘Em Laugh”
number were intentionally incorporated.
John is tremendously busy and yet still finds time for good causes such
as bringing the “sprites” with him to Broadway for Broadway Cares/Equity
Fights Aids (http://www.broadwaycares.com).
I’m hoping to get an interview with John for you right here on Mouse
Clubhouse!
On television, each episode of “Johnny and the Sprites” is comprised of
two stories, and on this DVD you get five of those stories combined
together including the “What’s Up” number which is featured in every
television episode.
 If
you want to join in the singing fun, just go to the Bonus Features and
select
SING ALONG WITH JOHNNY AND THE SPRITES which will put
the lyrics on the screen during the program whenever the songs appear.
The other Bonus Feature is ORIGINAL SHORTS. When
“Johnny” first appeared on the Disney Channel, it was in the form of
five minute episodes, but its immense popularity soon prompted it to
become full half hour shows. On this DVD you get all of those “original
shorts!”
So heads up! Keep an eye out for this DVD! |
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