| Johnny and the Sprites | |
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| Created by | John Tartaglia |
| Written by | Louise Gikow (head writer) |
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| Theme music composer | Stephen Schwartz |
| Opening theme | "Johnny and the Sprites Theme Song" |
| Country of origin | United States |
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| Production | |
| Executive producers | John Tartaglia Vanessa Amberleigh |
| Producer | Deborah Mayer |
| Production location | Kaufman Astoria Studios |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Playhouse Disney |
| Release | October 9, 2005 – April 19, 2008 |
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Johnny and the Sprites is an American children's musical television show that aired every weekend on the "Playhouse Disney" block on Disney Channel. The show was created by, produced by, and starred John Tartaglia. The show's theme song was written by Stephen Schwartz. Each episode of the show features a musical number, many of which are written by various notable Broadway composers such as Gary Adler, Bobby Lopez, Laurence O'Keefe, Michael Patrick Walker, and others. The Sprites and all of the other creatures that inhabit Johnny's world were designed by Michael Schupbach. The set was designed by Laura Brock.
The series premiered on October 9, 2005, with five 5-minute-long shorts, which continually played on Disney Channel's programming. However, due to extremely positive audience reaction, the show was renewed for half-hour shows in 2007. The current episodes can also be viewed on the Disney Channel's official website. The show was then renewed for a second season of half-hour episodes, which were filmed in fall 2007 at Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens, New York City (the same studio as Sesame Street). The second season premiered on January 19, 2008.
The show follows Johnny T (Tartaglia), a songwriter who moves into a house given to him by his great-uncle. There, he discovers little magical creatures called "sprites," who introduce him to their fantasy world. In return, Johnny shows the sprites, named Ginger (Leslie Carrara-Rudolph), Basil (Tim Lagasse), Lily (Carmen Osbahr) and Root (Heather Asch) what it is to be human, teaching them lessons through song, dance, and entertainment.
In October 2007, Disney-MGM Studios presented a live version of the show as part of the Playhouse Disney in Concert shows.[1]
In the Spanish dubbed version of the program, Johnny's voice is dubbed by the host of Playhouse Disney Latin America, Diego Topa.
Beginning on March 23, 2012, the show reran on the Disney Junior channel and was removed on September 3, 2013.
- ^ "'Preschool Palooza' Featuring Dan Zanes and Friends, The Doodlebops, Johnny and the Sprites Returns During Little Ones Travel Time Aug. 26-Oct. 28". Walt Disney World News. Archived from the original on 2007-11-06. Retrieved 2007-10-23.