Big Bird Creator Caroll Spinney to Speak at U of U Screening of I AM BIG BIRD Documentary

UtahPresents brings a beloved Sesame Street character to Salt Lake, with a screening of the acclaimed feature-length documentary I AM BIG BIRD. The film chronicles the life of Caroll Spinney, who has been Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since 1969... and at 80 years old, he has no intention of stopping. After the film, Spinney will be live on stage in conversation with KUED's Ken Verdoia.

I AM BIG BIRD will be screened at Kingsbury Hall on Friday, January 29 at 7:30 PM, with a live Q&A with Caroll Spinney immediately following the film. Tickets are $19-$39, with a $5 ticket for U of U students and a $10 ticket for non-U students, and are available at 801-581-7100 or utahpresents.org.

If you think you know everything there is to know about Sesame Street, you may be surprised to find that you probably don't. You might know that Frank Oz turned down an offer to play Big Bird, but you probably don't know that until a last minute change of heart by NASA, Big Bird was supposed to go to space aboard the Challenger. Or you may know that Oscar the Grouch got his voice from a cantankerous cabbie, but you'd be surprised to learn that a fire in his trash can almost led to Caroll's untimely demise. Caroll's stories are the stuff of legend. He has been a constant presence in our lives for over 40 years, his path weaving through American history like that of Forrest Gump. His time inside the Bird has taught him about the world and about himself. I AM BIG BIRD will peel away the instances in Caroll's life that inspired his creation of characters that influenced generations of children. And, as the yellow feathers give way to grey hair, it is the man, not the puppet, who will steal your heart.

Watch a trailer for the film below!

For the curious who want to experience artistic creativity pushed beyond the stage, UtahPresents ignites dialogue, explores issues and ideas, catalyzes innovation, and connects us. Creativity Connected. View the full season at utahpresents.org.