Sesame Street Live “Elmo's Super Heroes!” starts up in Pittsburgh this Friday January 13. The performers arrived in Pittsburgh Tuesday afternoon after being delayed, due to bad weather in Mexico, their previous stop on this tour. Last night, Angelo Williams took time to talk with C-M-W Macaroni Kid. Our interview was pushed back due to this travel delay. I thank Angelo for being understanding amongst the chaos in the background! Since traveling caused all these delays, we started off talking about traveling, Angelo's performing background, and why he loves this role.
Speaking of travel and missed flights is this a drawback to the job or do you like the travel? I love traveling. I get to catch up with an old friend who is “retired” from Sesame Street while in Pittsburgh. It is so fun.
In your bio I see you were with Disney before joining the Sesame Street Tour. How do they differ? At Disney, I had so many different roles. I could be Goofy in the morning or Mr. Incredible or the Queen of Hearts the next day. The roles always varied and I may have learned them months ago and never performed them but you have to perform. With Sesame Street I am Telly and I like that.
How long have you been with Sesame Street Live and what role do you play? Seven years. I played big bird for two years and Telly for five.
Do you have a favorite of these two roles? Did you watch Sesame Street growing up? I love Telly. Telly was always my favorite as a child. Yes, I watched Sesame Street as a child and I still watch it. And no, I don't have any kids yet.
What is your favorite part of this show? When four Muppets turn into super heroes. Telly turns from Telly into Triangle Boy with a cool super hero cape!
What can parents expect at this show? Great music you'll recognize. It is upbeat and keeps you moving and dancing around. The audience gets to participate in the show. I don't want to give too much away, but it is a surprising show.
Tell us more about your start in performing. When did you decide to become a career performer? I was five! I performed for my parents company. My mom put me in dance classes at five. I did gymnastics and was a cheer leader. It took me a long time to love ballet but ballet is the root of everything.
It sounds like you are living out a childhood dream. Is this still your dream or do you have more dreams and goals for the future? I am a double major in college in Dance Ed & Bio Chem. They are two totally different fields and there is no way to do them together. I want to go into the chemical field when I am done with performing. I love math and science.
What is the best way for our “little performers” with musical, dancing, acting talents to break into performing? NEVER GIVE UP! Push harder through the rocky moments. It is a lot of work. When you don't feel like you want to practice you have to push through.
That sure is some great advice for the little ones in the audience. To catch Angelo aka Telly and all his pals in action, catch one of the shows this weekend at CONSOL Energy Center. Find the link here for the discount code and more details about the show.
