Foster Joins Tartaglia for Disney's Johnny and the Sprites

Attention all Sutton Foster and John Tartaglia fans!!!  You can fill your need to see these two Broadway dynamos by setting your TV to the Disney Channel this weekend. John Tartaglia's new Disney TV show, "Johnny and the Sprites" will feature guest star Sutton Foster in an episode premiering this Saturday, January 20 (10:0 a.m. ET on Disney Channel).  The original song for this episode, "It All Adds Up To My Sister," was written for the episode by Gary Adler.

"Johnny and the Sprites" is the story of singer/songwriter Johnny, who moves to the country and discovers a portal in his backyard leading to an enchanted world of magical creatures known as the Sprites: Ginger, Basil, Lily and Root.  Together, they share lessons on getting along with others, accepting people's differences, and respecting the environment and world around them. John Tartaglia stars as Johnny, a singer/songwriter who moves out to the country after inheriting a family home. He discovers a portal in his backyard leading to the enchanted world of the Muppet-like characters called the Sprites: Ginger, Basil, Lily, Root, and Sage. Together, they share valuable lessons about getting along with others and respecting the world around them.

The series features a virtual "who's who" of theater names.  Every episode showcases an original song written by one of Broadway's most-celebrated contemporary composers including Stephen Schwartz; Gary Adler, who in addition to composing is also the show's musical director; and Mark Hollmann, just to mention a few contributors.

In addition to the music, Broadway is represented by Donna Drake (from the original cast of "A CHORUS LINE") as the show's choreographer - working with both the humans on the show and the Sprite puppets and Michael Shupbach (AVENUE Q, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS) as the puppet designer.

Tartaglia, who is currently strutting his stuff appearing as the effervescent Lumiere in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and Foster, who is still knocking them dead over at the Marquis in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE,  took time out from their busy schedules to talk with me about Johnny and the Sprites and what they have been up to.

TJ: OK, John, tell me about the show and your role in it.

TARTAGLIA: Well, I play Johnny, who's the "human" character on the show and he's a songwriter tha moves to his uncle's house in the woods, and comes upon the sprites! I also perform a Sprite named Sage, who's the oldest and wisest sprite in Grotto's Grove, which is where the Sprites live. I'm also one of two executive producers on the show and one of the original creators...so, I wear a lot of hats!!

TJ: And what is a "Sprite"?

TARTAGLIA:A sprite is a mythical, magical creature that tends to live somewhere in wooded areas. There are three kinds of sprites- air sprites, earth sprites and water sprites.

TJ: What type of messages does the show send to its audiences?

TARTAGLIA: Well, I really believe that there are plenty of shows for children on TV that teach letters, numbers, colors, dance, etc. And that's great. But, I really wanted to create a show that promoted understanding of one another and tolerance and mutual respect. I think those qualities are valuable no matter how old you are or where you live.

TJ: How did you get involved with the show?

TARTAGLIA:Well, I was performing in AVENUE Q on Broadway- we had just opened, and I received a really lovely note from Rich Ross, who's President of Disney Channel Worldwide backstage saying he'd like to meet with me. So, we did and he was very complimentary of my performance, and essentially asked me to create a show for him. The nicest compliment he gave me was when he said that he thinks I have the creativity and ability to be the next Jim Henson- that just about knocked me out!

TJ: Most people know you from the wonderful work you did in AVENUE Q. Do you get to use your puppetry skills at all in the show?

TARTAGLIA: Thank you for saying that! I do, when I play Sage. I also played a number of the fuzzies (little fuzzy creatures) that live in my backyard on the show.

TJ: This must be very exciting for you, especially with original music from such great people like Stephen Schwartz, etc?

TARTAGLIA:Oh, it's amazing! I mean, Stephen is not only one of the most amazing composers in the world, but one of the most kind and down to earth people I know. Not to mention having such wonderful talents like Mark Hollman and Bobby Lopez and Michael Patrick Walker and Gary Adler and Marcy Heisler and Zina Goldrich and Lawrence O'Keefe...I could keep going.  We're so blessed with talent on this show!

TJ:Did you envision your career in the arts taking this direction towards television? 

TARTAGLIA: Well, I always wanted to do both television and theatre, so I've been really lucky to have worked so much in both. I started on Sesame Street at age 16, so TV is in my blood just like theatre.

TJ: How did you become involved in puppetry?

TARTAGLIA: When I was about 7, I started watching the television show Fraggle Rock, and I was hooked. I became completely obsessed with the Muppets and all kinds of TV puppetry. I was so impressed that with a puppet you could make someone laugh endlessly, but also make them believe that your puppet is real enough to make them cry. Puppets are a really powerful art form.

TJ: So, Sutton, tell me…what is your role for this episode on the show?

FOSTER: I play Johnny's sister Tina who comes to visit him.

TJ:Did you get along with the Sprites?

FOSTER: Tina can't actually see the Sprites so didn't have any scenes with them... BUT we did hang out in between takes and that was amazing. I grew up watching the Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, Sesame Street and it was a dream come true to be hanging out with them for a day.

TJ: How did you get involved with the show?

FOSTER: My agent called one day telling me about this show and this part and I went in and auditioned. I was so excited, because children's television is something I am really passionate about.

TJ:        How was it to work with John?

FOSTER: John is amazing and made me feel totally comfortable and at ease. He is so loved and respected on set and is such a leader. The environment was incredible.

TJ: Had the two of you ever worked together before Johnny and the Sprites?

FOSTER: NO! We knew of each other and have met through different events etc... it was so great to finally get to work with him.

TJ:  Do you think we'll be seeing you make an encore appearance on the show?

FOSTER: I HOPE SO!

TJ: OK, John, what was it like to work with Sutton?

TARTAGLIA: It was an absolute blast! We had done a few concerts and benefits together, and I have always been a huge fan of her work, so I jumped at the chance to have her play my sister, Tina. She's got one of the best voices I've heard and couldn't be more fun. We really would love to have her back again next season!

TJ: Hey Sutton, maybe they can do a spin-off for you from the show, huh??

FOSTER: Let me say that would be awesome, but even if it was just the one day with Johnny and the Sprites, it truly was a dream come true.

TJ: Will you be singing and dancing on the show?

FOSTER: Yes! Johnny and I sing a song called 'It All Adds Up To My Sister.."

TJ: John, any other special guest stars coming up on future episodes that you can share with us?

TARTAGLIA: Well, Natalie Venetia Belcon, who was the original Gary Coleman in AVENUE Q with me plays Gwen, who's my friend that lives nearby. She's in quite a few episodes.  What's so much fun about her character is that her mantra is "you never know what you can do until you try out something new". So whenever she shows up she's doing something different- a delivery person, a dance teacher, a yodeler, etc...also, she has no idea the Sprites exist...Sutton's character Tina doesn't know either, so a lot of the show is me hiding them from her!

TJ: Now, John, you are also currently performing on Broadway as Lumiere in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. How has that been going for you?

TARTAGLIA: I love it! It's a complete blast playing Lumiere and the cast and crew couldn't be more wonderful and supportive. They all came in last week after Johnny and the Sprites came on and just raved about it! I mean, we're all so crazy and busy and the fact some of these people woke up early on Saturday and Sunday just to watch was really touching..it really is a little family at the Lunt Fontanne.

TJ: The costume looks like it must be pretty heavy. Does it give you a good workout during the show?

TARTAGLIA: Absolutely! This is definitely the hardest show I've ever done from a physical sense! My fantastic dresser, Billy Hipkins, always calls the scene leading into "be our guest" the matterhorn..and it is! It's ten minutes of none stop singing and dancing, and I'm always completely outta breath! But, it's so much fun, too. The costume isn't so much heavy, but awkward. There's solid pieces of vacuform plastic strapped around your chest, which makes it hard to breathe, and there are two butane packs strapped to your back, and you have giant plastic gold boots on, so it's a little crazy! The candles aren't too heavy, but are strapped to your arms, so it's definitely a challenge! I certainly don't have to worry about getting cardio in at the gym!

TJ: How long are you with BEAUTY AND THE BEAST?

TARTAGLIA: Right now I'm contracted through April, but I'm having a blast, so I may stay a little longer...I'm sad that the show is closing, because I think it's such a wonderful show, but I suppose all good….make that fantastic things must come to an end..

TJ: Now, you are still dancing and singing into the hearts of audiences in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE on Broadway. How many performances has it been for you so far?

FOSTER: EGAD... not sure... I think we are over 300!!!

TJ: I saw you in the show and you were fabulous. You must be exhausted after each performance. Where do you find the stamina?

FOSTER: Well, thank you. I try to take care of myself. Eat well, exercise, sit on my couch, watch bad tv etc... Honestly though, it is such a great part and Casey Nicholaw has put together such incredible numbers and an amazing cast that it isn't too hard to get excited about going to work. I can honestly say I've never been happier.

TJ:  How long are you with CHAPERONE?

FOSTER: My contract is up beginning of April...

TJ: Any future plans or appearances coming up beyond CHAPERONE? TV? Movies? New Broadway show? Solo Album?

FOSTER: I have a couple of things in the works but nothing is set yet...

TJ: How about you, John? Any future plans or appearances coming up beyond BEAST and Sprites?

TARTAGLIA: Honestly right now I'm still trying to catch up to both of those! But, there are some things on the horizon, so we'll see.

TJ: OK, now let's find out a little bit more about both of you by asking for five of your favorite things. Here we go ….FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR?

FOSTER: Christmastime. I just love New York during the holidays... seeing the Rockefeller tree for the first time every year...

TARTAGLIA: It's a tie between summer and fall...I love the t-shirt/pool summery thing, but also love the change of seasons too!

TJ: FAVORITE CITY?

FOSTER: Probably San Diego, CA

TARTAGLIA: Are you kidding?! New York City!

TJ: FAVORITE FRUIT?

FOSTER: Grapes

TARTAGLIA: Blueberries..I can eat like twelve cartons of them in one sitting!

TJ: FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

FOSTER: Ruth's Chris Steak House! :)

TARTAGLIA: Hmm, that's a hard one...I love Pietrasanta on Ninth Avenue, but 44 1/2 is absolutely amazing and has the best brunch ever!

TJ: FAVORITE PASTTIME ACTIVITY?

FOSTER: Playing video games

TARTAGLIA: Spending what little time i have with my family and friends...I know that sounded cliche but it's true! A close second would be playing rollercoaster tycoon 3…I am completely obsessed!

TJ: Thanks, Sutton and John!!  The best to both of you and looking forward to seeing you on Johnny and the Sprites.

Wow, that was amazing. Don't you forget to watch  "Johnny and the Sprites" featuring these two amazing talents in an episode premiering this Saturday, January 20 (10:0 a.m. ET on Disney Channel) and find out more about the show at http://adisney.go.com/disneychannel/playhouse/johnny. And check out their stage antics …. Sutton in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE at the Marquis Theatre and Tartaglia in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the Lunt Fontanne.  For now, I bid you adieu and remember, theatre is my life!!