Sesame Street Live Visits NSA Naples

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Felicito Rustique, Navy Public Affairs Support Element–East Detachment Europe

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- The Sesame Street Live children's show performed two free shows at the community center gym aboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, July 22.

The Uniformed Services Organization (USO) and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) aboard the facility organized the shows to entertain children and their parents while addressing military family concerns such as separation during deployments and being a new student at school.

"The USO's core mission has always been to support the troops until everyone comes home, and this Sesame Street show give us the ability to reach beyond that and serve the families of our troops as well," said Lonne Cooper, USO tour manager with Sesame Street Live.

The performances featured a pre-recorded video message by first lady Michelle Obama and second lady Dr. Jill Biden

"When one family member goes to serve, the entire family is serving, and we feel it's really important to be able to give support to that entire family," said Cooper.

Following the video message, music began and one by one, starting with Elmo, six Sesame Street characters came out on a set stage to dance, sing, and spread their messages aimed at bringing cheer to the target audience of military children and their parents.

Cooper said tying Sesame Street together with the military in Italy has been a three-year project.

"Nobody does education and entertainment together better than Sesame Street," said Cooper. "It's just worked out so well, and it's a natural fit."

In addition to stage performances by the life-sized Sesame Street characters, audience members were also treated to free handouts, toys, and photo opportunities afterward.

Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Aaron Isaac brought his wife and children to the show.

"My daughter loves Elmo, so I figured we'd come and bring her out to see if she'd have fun and she actually did," said Isaac. "I used to watch Sesame Street when I was a kid, and it's a good feeling to see my daughter dancing with all the other kids, having fun to the same thing I used to watch also."

This year's Sesame Street Live was the second time the show has come to NSA Naples.

For more information about Sesame Street Live and its upcoming schedule, contact your local USO.