Soi Sesame
As the famed children’s show prepares for its latest season, we learn Elmo has a taste for Thai food
Ryan Dillon knows tables around the world intimately. “There’s usually a lot of gum,” he says from under a table at the Siam Kempinski’s business centre. The American muppeteer was sitting on the floor under the table with his arms raised — a position where he spends most of his time as the performer of
Sesame Street’s red furball Elmo. Recently in town last month, Dillon and Elmo were out and about in Bangkok to promote the new season of
Sesame Street, which airs on MCOT Kids every weekend on 8am.
The three-year-old Muppet will have his own brand new segment called Elmo The Musical, while there will also be spoofs and new animations in store. The other highlight is the new segment called Cookie’s Crumby Pictures, which is a five-minute learning session focusing on critical self-regulation skills that are crucial for preschoolers and school readiness.
Considered more important by kindergarten teachers in the US, skills such as being able to follow directions, stay on task and regulate emotions are viewed as something more essential than academic ones, such as counting or recognising alphabets. Poor development of self-regulation is linked to aggressive behaviour, low academic achievement and delinquency in the long term, but fortunately, these skills can be taught during preschool and is taught so in a hilarious manner in this segment.
While Bert and Ernie are the more popular favourites in Germany, there is no denying that Elmo’s popularity in Thailand is as strong as other far-flung countries like South Africa, Japan and Bangladesh. If you’re also a fan of this infectious muppet, there’s Dillon to thank for bringing the puppet to life.
The New York-based artist was first asked to join the cast of Sesame Street during his senior year of high school and has been performing as Elmo since 2013. Behind the magic of one of the most-watched children’s shows of the world, Dillon, along with other puppeteers, are usually sitting on the floor on cushions with wheels. The wheels make it easier to give the illusion that puppets are walking around, but the reason you don’t get to see their legs is because it’s all arms holding the puppet up under the top half of the body. This was also the case as Elmo sat down at the business desk for a quick chat with Life, as we ask the preschool Muppet about some of his fun experiences on the longest street in the world.
How do you like Thailand so far?
Oh Thailand is really, really cool! And the people are really nice too. Elmo loves it here!
How is Thailand different from Sesame Street?
Well, the food is different and it’s really yummy. Elmo had curry and it was spicy. Hahaha! So you can eat spicy food, Elmo?
Yes, Elmo loves spicy food. Elmo likes wasabi too, that’s why Elmo has no eyelids.
Is there anything you want to see in Thailand?
Elmo’s really excited because Elmo’s going on a boat tomorrow and we’re going to go to the flower market and see the palace. Elmo can’t wait!
You’ve met so many people on Sesame Street. Who did you enjoy meeting the most?
We’ve really had many good friends on Sesame Street. Elmo’s favourite was Usher. We sang a song about the alphabet. He was really cool. And he can dance well too.
What do you like about going to school Elmo?
Elmo loves going to school! Elmo’s in preschool. And Elmo learns lots of things. And Elmo loves to draw in school too. Elmo loves art.
How do you think kids should behave in school
Elmo thinks it’s very important in school and everywhere to be kind to people. Elmo’s mommy and daddy said that you should treat others the way you would like to be treated. So it’s very important to be kind to people.
Who do you usually like to hang out with the most?
Elmo has lots of friends on Sesame Street. We all like to hang out together. Elmo likes to play with Big Bird and Abby Cadabby and Elmo even loves to play with Oskar the Grouch! He doesn’t like it, but Elmo does, hahahaha.
What’s your favourite memory on Sesame Street?
Elmo’s favourite memory on Sesame Street was when Elmo got to play with Miss Whoopi Goldberg. She’s really cool. And we talked about how we had different skin colours. Miss Whoopi has a very pretty brown skin and Elmo has red hair! And it was really cool, she’s wonderful.
There’s a lot of problems for children today — child refugees being one of them. What do you think is one of the biggest problems for children today?
Elmo got to visit a refugee camp recently and Elmo got to meet lots of really wonderful kids. We got to sing and play, they were really, really nice. And Elmo just wishes that they could all go to school like Elmo. It’s very important.
If you could have one wish, what would you wish for?
Elmo would wish that everybody in the entire world felt love and happiness. To spread the kindness and fun like Elmo, share your moments on social media with the hashtag #ShareTheLaughter. Their campaign has just launched and encourages fans to tell jokes in short videos and to show gratitude to all of those around us.
Elmo loves spicy food. Elmo likes wasabi too, that’s why Elmo has no eyelids