Oobi was a series of two-minute interstitials co-produced by Sesame Workshop, Nickelodeon, and the Jim Henson Company for Noggin. The shorts were developed from 1997[1] to 1999 and aired in 2000. It was the only series created by Noggin before the Jim Henson Company sold its 12.5% controlling interest in the network to EM.TV in February 2000.
The main characters are four bare hand puppets with eyes and accessories. They were called "furless" Muppets in promotional statements from Tom Ascheim, a former EVP for Sesame Workshop and Noggin.[2] The show's concept is based on a technique used by Muppet performers learning to lip-sync and operate Muppets, in which they use their hands and a pair of ping pong balls in place of a full puppet.[3]
The series was created by Josh Selig, with puppets designed and built by Martin P. Robinson. Selig originally had the idea to create Oobi while watching performers audition with their bare hands for the Polish co-production Ulica Sezamkowa.[4]
In 2003, the short-form series was adapted into a half-hour program of the same name.[5] The half-hour show featured numerous creative changes and ran for two seasons. It had no involvement from Henson, having been produced and distributed by Sesame Workshop and Nickelodeon's joint company, Noggin LLC.[6]
Cast
- Tim Lagasse - Oobi, Taro
- Stephanie D'Abruzzo - Uma, Inka
- Noel MacNeal - Kako, Chauncy, Frankie, Fred
- Tyler Bunch - Grampu
- Kevin Clash - Randy, various
- Matt Vogel - Angus, various
- Jennifer Barnhart - Mrs. Johnson, various
- Frankie Cordero - Mamu, Papu
- James Godwin - Maestru, Kitty, Nick
- Cheryl Blaylock - Frieda the Foot
- Heather Asch - Moppie, Sophie, Little Girl
- Lisa Buckley - Bella, Dr. Rose
- Pam Arciero - various
Crew
- Creator: Josh Selig
- Producers: Lisa Simon, April Coleman, Tom Ascheim (former EVP of Sesame Workshop)
Directors: Josh Selig, Pam Arciero, Scott Preston, Tim Lagasse
Editors: John Tierney, Ken Reynolds
Writers: Chris Nee, Adam Rudman, Craig Shemin, Natascha Crandall
Puppet Designer: Martin P. Robinson
Set Dresser: Melissa Creighton
Set Decorator: Paul Hartis
Production Designer: Lyndon Mosse
Production Assistant: Jane Pien
Sound Effects: Dick Maitland
Photographers: Richard Termine, John E. Barrett
Taping Studio: Kaufman Astoria Studios
Notes
- In 2002, Play with Me Sesame and Oobi appeared in commercials together. One series of promos featured Grover singing about the types of things that viewers could see on Noggin. A clip of Oobi and Uma appeared behind him, raising their pinkies.
- When Uma Thurman visited the cast of Avenue Q backstage in 2004, she revealed to Stephanie D'Abruzzo that she was familiar with Uma from Oobi. D'Abruzzo briefly performed Uma, without the eyes, and took a photo of "Uma and Uma" together.[7]
Sources
- ↑ Martin P. Robinson Resume. 2016.
- ↑ "For Young Viewers: Out of the Mouses of Babes". The New York Times. April 6, 2003.
- ↑ Tim Lagasse: Oobi.
- ↑ "Oobi Does It". MSN News. October 1, 2004.
- ↑ "Noggin Introduces Oobi". March 25, 2003.
- ↑ "Noggin Terms". September 11, 2000.
- ↑ "Corrections - Stephanie D'Abruzzo." 2004.