Applegate, Messing, van der Pol & More To Star In 'Shalom Sesame' Mini-Series

The Associated Press reports that screen and stage stars Christina Applegate, Debra Messing, Anneliese van der Pol and Cedric the Entertainer are among those lined up to star in Sesame Street's "Shalom Sesame".

The new 12-part series is aimed at preschoolers, and features the Muppet Grover, who will explore Jewish identity and traditions, allowing young children to have exposure to Jewish culture. The series will film on location at several Israeli sites, including the Western Wall.

The program, which is expected to debut around the Hanukkah holiday in December 2010, will also feature Greg Kinnear, Jake Gyllenhaal and more.

"Anneliese van der Pol, a Broadway actress and star of Disney Channel's "That's So Raven," had never been to Israel before arriving Wednesday to film her scenes with the Muppets.

"I think it's really important to educate children in a fun way and a not too confusing way," said the 24-year-old musical star, who is Jewish and is named after teenage Holocaust victim Anne Frank."

"Shalom Sesame" was first produced in 1986, selling more than 1 million copies on video and DVD. The new incarnation will tackle more issues of diversity for Jewish children and be accompanied by an interactive Web site and other outreach materials.

To read the complete AP article, click here.