Archives for October 13, 2019

The rebirth of interest in Fred Rogers, which includes an upcoming Tom Hanks film, inspires a unique musical tribute that celebrates a special side of the man known as “America’s Favorite Neighbor.” A newly recorded collection of Fred’s songs, Thank You, Mister Rogers: Music & Memories, will be available wherever music is sold or streamed on October 25th.

Providing delightful listening for the whole family, the album embodies unforgettable performances by award-winning artists performing re-imagined renditions of Fred Rogers classics as well as uncovered gems from his 200-plus catalogue of songs. The cast includes Kellie Pickler, Vanessa Williams, Rita Wilson, Lee Greenwood, The Cowsills, Jaci Velasquez, Jim Brickman, Jon Secada, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., Micky Dolenz, Tom Bergeron, and Sandi Patty. Significantly, Wilson joins her husband Tom Hanks “in the Neighborhood,” by way of singing a Fred Rogers song on this album. Hanks portrays the children’s television pioneer himself in the upcoming biopic.

The album’s arrival also ushers in “Thank You, Mister Rogers Month” – a time set aside to honor Fred’s legacy by encouraging people to act on his simple but eloquent message, “Be kind.” Nashville, Tennessee, where much of the album was recorded, is the first city to proclaim November as a time to “Be Like Fred.”

Fred Rogers wrote more than 200 of the songs made popular on his PBS television show, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Two-time Grammy winner Dennis Scott produced the album, observing, “Fred was a gifted songwriter and understood how music could serve as an effective way to teach and share important life lessons. We hope that both adults and children familiar with Fred’s songs will enjoy hearing how well they lend themselves to a variety of musical styles and genres.”

The album includes some surprises, including Spanish lyrics put to the tune of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” which features a heartfelt performance by Cuban-born pop artist Jon Secada. And TV spokesperson Tom Bergeron, best known for hosting “America’s Funniest Home Videos” and “Dancing with the Stars,” makes his singing debut with a jazzy rendition of “Some Things I Don’t Understand.” It’s also the first-time audiences will experience his talent as a gifted whistler. 

Actor, songstress Rita Wilson delivers a touching performance of “Sometimes People Are Good,” a sentiment also reflected in Tom Hanks’ on screen portrayal of Fred. Wilson aptly observes, “Mister Rogers’ melody and lyrics are beautifully integrated together. His words of kindness, acceptance, and peace are a classic message.”

David Newell, who portrayed Mr. McFeely on the show, describes the eclectic and joyful nature of this album: “Each song in this collection is different from the other…and each singer has made it their own. Fred would be delighted to know that his music lives on to new generations.”

Perhaps the talented and lovely Vanessa Williams describes the audience for Thank You Mister Rogers best, “As a child, you appreciated the songs but as an adult, you really appreciate his music.”

In the words of Fred Rogers, “It’s such a good feeling” to know that Thank You, Mister Rogers – Music & Memories will be available on CD and all digital platforms soon. Pre-release singles will launch on September 27th and October 18th. Mister Rogers fans are invited to submit their own happy memories of the show and Fred’s music at: http://www.thankyoumisterrogers.com. Fans may keep up to date on the #ThankYouMisterRogers release on Facebook and Twitter via@thankyoumisterrogers.

I had the opportunity to preview this CD and highly recommend especially to those who grew up watching Mister Rogers!

Credit: I received a preview CD and information and image were also provided. Thank you to Sugar Mountain PR.

A girl finally finds her moment to shine when she inadvertently lands an out-of-this-world job to babysit an unruly group of very important extraterrestrial children who are hiding out on Earth with their families, disguised as everyday kids. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Milika L., comments, “Gabby Duran & The Unsittables is entertaining! The transformation between alien and human is unpredictably funny. The green Gorman had me anticipating the next alien. I am ready for the next episode.” See her full review below.

Gabby Duran & The Unsittables

By Milika Lomu, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, 11

Gabby Duran & The Unsittables is entertaining! The transformation between alien and human is unpredictably funny. The green Gorman had me anticipating the next alien. I am ready for the next episode.

The story is based on the novel by Elise Allen and Daryle Conners. Kirby Buckets’ Mike Alber and Gabe Snyder serve as showrunners as well as executive producers alongside Just Add Magic’s Joe Nussbaum.

The series focuses on 12-year-old stylish and confident Gabby Duran (Kylie Cantrall) who constantly feels like she’s living in the shadows of her lucrative mother and brainy little sister. Gabby lands an out-of-this-world job as a babysitter to a group of peculiar, extraterrestrial aliens who are hiding on Earth disguised as everyday kids. Resourceful Gabby steps up to the challenge to protect these aliens and their secret identities. She proves to be the best sitter ever.

I was committed to the visual effects waiting to see what Jeremy, played by Callan Farris was going to morph into. Without giving too much away, whatever Jeremy eats he turns into. No doubt my favorite character is Gabby Duran played by YouTube sensation Kylie Cantrall. She is definitely setting trends in this episode. Her outfits from the neon orange distressed jacket to the aloha knee-length shorts give a 90’s vibe most definitely. One of my favorite scenes is when Gabby meets Jeremy for the first time and beats him up with a rake. There were so many funny scenes, but you will have to watch it. 

Besides the message that I need some knee-length purple camo shorts in my life… having a good attitude is crucial. Making the best of where you are is a game-changer. It’s emphasized the importance to always be yourself, because the right people will like you. I give this series 5 out of 5 stars and recommend this for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. My mom actually enjoyed watching this and she laughed along with me. Be sure to watch Gabby Duran & the Unsittables beginning October 11, 2019 on the Disney channel.