Muppets in Moscow cover art

Muppets in Moscow

The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia

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Muppets in Moscow

By: Natasha Lance Rogoff, Gary Knell - afterword
Narrated by: Emily Lahey Shoov
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About this listen

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the timing appeared perfect to bring Sesame Street to millions of children living in the former Soviet Union. With the Muppets envisioned as ideal ambassadors of Western values, no one anticipated just how challenging and dangerous this would prove to be.

In Muppets in Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia, Natasha Lance Rogoff brings this gripping tale to life. Amid bombings, assassinations, and a military takeover of the production office, Lance Rogoff and the talented Moscow team of artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, and puppeteers remained determined to bring laughter, learning, and a new way of seeing the world to children in Russia, Ukraine, and across the former Soviet empire. With a sharp wit and compassion for her colleagues, Lance Rogoff observes how cultural clashes colored nearly every aspect of the production—from the show’s educational framework to writing comedy to the new Russian Muppets themselves—despite the team’s common goal.

Brimming with insight and nuance, Muppets in Moscow skillfully explores the post-Soviet societal tensions that continue to thwart the Russian people’s efforts to create a better future for their country. More than just a story of a children’s show, this book provides a valuable perspective of Russia’s people, their culture, and their complicated relationship with the West that remains relevant even today.

©2022 Natasha Lance Rogoff (P)2022 Natasha Lance Rogoff
Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Russia Celebrity Soviet Union

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Critic reviews

"In this thrilling debut, television producer and filmmaker Rogoff recounts her mission to bring Sesame Street to Russian audiences.... The resulting tale is one of perseverance and creativity that illuminates how even the most disparate cultures and perspectives can find common ground." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

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Interesting to learn about this important cross-cultural project and hear a bit about life in Russia in the early post-Soviet days

Great story and performance

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I never thought to check YouTube for episodes of the show until after I finished the book, but they’re there. Worth taking a look at the finished product that no doubt you’ll be invested in by the time you get to the end. It’s good insight into the Russian character in a time of great uncertainty.

Good insight into complex Russia.

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Enthralling, fascinating, entertaining and amusing, full of wonderful insights, fascinating people and drama both on a personal and national level from someone was really there. History from a unique angle, beautiful and enjoyable book 🙂

Enthralling, fascinating, and entertaining 🙂

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Very interesting story. Well read. Would recommend

(Audible where is the PDF with the photos from the book please?!!!)

Great story.

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