On Tuesday, Jan. 31, “Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music” came to Columbia to put on a show. Although the characters and stories are usually geared toward children, that didn’t keep high school students such as senior Jordon McGaughey from attending and reminiscing on their childhood.
The reason I went is actually a funny story. When I was four years old, my aunt told me she would take me to see Elmo. Well, it never happened, and this year at Thanksgiving, I made a smart comment about how she didn’t even love me enough to take me to Elmo as promised – joking, of course. Then for Christmas I got tickets to go to Sesame Street Live. Basically she did it half as a joke, half as a bonding moment filled with laughs.
Who is your favorite character?
My favorite character is Elmo. Well, obviously, I’m 18 now but he was just always my favorite as a child. I liked Elmo because when I was younger I didn’t have as many friends outside of school. I never lived by anyone and I was an only child. I just loved Elmo’s World – it always knew how to make me laugh.
What songs did you hear and which one was your favorite or most memorable?
I heard many songs, but my favorite, as always, was “Rockin’ Robin.” The entire show was memorable because I had a blast making a fool out of myself with my aunt who I love so dearly. The little girl [I was with] was too scared to dance when it came on so I started dancing with her.
How did you feel watching Sesame Street as a kid and why did you stop watching?
I only remember dancing around the living room pretending I lived on Sesame Street. I stopped because I grew out of it, as does every kid, which I honestly can’t tell why after [Tuesday night] because I’m 18, and I still had a blast.
What was the atmosphere like to you now that you are older?
We were on the right side, and it was filled with little kids. I guess you can say the atmosphere was filled with children’s joy. I’m not going to lie; I was a tad bit embarrassed but at the same time it was a bonding moment with me and my aunt before I go off to college. It’s different because as a kid I would be excited because it’s Elmo but now that I am older it’s more about the goofiness and everything.
By Alex Walters