The Journal

Issue date: 9/6/07 Section: Lifestyle

Media Credit: PHOTO COURTESY OF VICTORIA RUDOLPH From left to right: "Sesame Street" characters Ernie, Zoe, Rosita, Cookie Monster (Victoria Rudolph), Elmo, Bert, Prairie Dawn and Telly Monster.

Before "Baby Einstein" and the LeapFrog learning game, "Sesame Street" taught children valuable lessons. New generations of youngsters still have "Sesame Street," but when the current college generation was growing up, †he show was the epitome of fundamental children's programming.

Victoria Rudolph, a Webster alumna, is fortunate enough to relive some of those cherished childhood moments every day as she tours the country performing with "Sesame Street Live." This live performance is based upon the popular children's educational program and features all of the main characters, including Elmo, Big Bird and Cookie Monster. The producers of the live show take the premise of the TV show - teaching children things like counting and sharing with others - and bring the lessons to life on stage with singing and dance numbers.

Rudolph was hired in July to perform as both Cookie Monster and Count von Count. The tour opened Aug. 24 in Rochester, Minn. She said she is very excited about her new endeavor and is looking forward to traveling across the United States.

"It is a lot of fun so far, and even though we are very busy rehearsing, it is a different lifestyle that is very enjoyable," Rudolph said.

The tour lasts for 10 months, ending in June 2008, and travels throughout North America. Although the tour will visit St. Louis, Rudolph will not be performing in that production. She said the tour will hit one or two new cities per week.

"I'm looking forward to seeing new places I've never been to before and seeing works of art across the country," Rudolph said.

Rudolph graduated from Webster University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance. She has already taught dance at several St. Louis locations to students ranging from ages 3 to 16. During her college career, Rudolph worked at Bath & Body Works. She also did choreography for Six Flags St. Louis during college and last summer.

Rudolph said the entire dance department at Webster was comfortable with one another, like a close-knit family.

She recalled one dance professor, Beckah Voigt, as being particularly inspirational. Voigt, an associate professor and head of the dance program at Webster, said she is delighted that "Sesame Street" has given her former student this new performance opportunity.

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