The 2014 Christmas concert was nothing short of magical. Santino Fontana, along with the Muppets® from Sesame Street®, were guests of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for the concerts. When we sat down with the puppeteers from Sesame Workshop® after the Christmas concert run, they were effusive in their praise of the Choir, the crew, and the entire organization.

Each day during rehearsals and shows, the guest artists, Choir, Orchestra, and crew pass each other in the large backstage hallways of the Conference Center exchanging compliments and smiles. The puppeteers at Sesame Workshop® were amazed at how quickly they were accepted as a part of the family, which includes a 360-member choir, 100-member orchestra, and a large staff and crew.

Jason Weber, head puppet wrangler, said, “It’s really been magical since we’ve come here. I am just awestruck by the generosity of spirit of all of the crew, from the producers to the stage managers that we work with daily. They’re so kind, they’re so honest, they’re so generous, they’re so eager to help, and we have felt supported at every step of the way.”

Peter Linz, one of the puppet performers, added, “Going back home trying to describe this experience to my friends, colleagues, and even my family, I just get overloaded with superlatives. It has been so moving—unexpectedly life changing. It’s been magical."

Watch this video for a behind-the-scenes look at the puppeteers from Sesame Workshop®. Pick up your copy of Keep Christmas With You on DVD on our shop page.