Johnny and the Sprites

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Johnny and the Sprites
Genre	Children's television series
Running time	5 minutes / 30 minutes
Starring	John Tartaglia
Country of origin	United States
Original channel	Disney Channel
Original run	October 9, 2005–present
No. of episodes	5 / 13
Official website
IMDb profile

Johnny and the Sprites is a musical television show aimed for preschoolers that airs daily on the "Playhouse Disney" program of The Disney Channel. The show was created for, is produced by, and stars John Tartaglia. Each episode of the show features a musical number, many of which are written by various notable Broadway composers. The show's theme song was written by Stephen Schwartz. Other songs were written by Gary Adler and by Michael Patrick Walker among others.

The show premiered on October 9, 2005 with five 5-minute-long episodes, which continually play on The Disney Channel's programming. However, due to extremely positive audience reaction, the show has been renewed for 13, half hour shows for 2006-2007. The current episodes can also be viewed on the Disney Channel's official website.

The show follows Johnny T (Tartaglia), a musician who moves into a house left to him by his late-uncle. There, he discovers little magical creatures (brought to life through puppetry) called "sprites," who introduce him to their fantasy world. In return, Johnny shows the sprites, named Ginger (Leslie Carrara-Rudolph) and Basil (Tim Lagasse), what it is to be human, teaching them (and the viewer) an important lesson through song, dance, and entertainment.

[edit] Full Series

Johnny and the Sprites premieres as full half-hour series on January 13, 2007 at 10 A.M. eastern. The series will feature more elaborate sets, such as a reflecting pond and the Sprites' home in Grotto's Grove. Two new Sprites have also been added --- Lily, the water Sprite and Root, "a budding earth Sprite."

[edit] 5 minute Episodes Guide

Who's on First? - Ginger wants Johnny to play ball. Basil wants johnny to read his favorite book... Johnny finds a fun, musical way to show the Sprites that taking turns is the way to go!

Laugh, Basil, Laugh - When Basil comes down with a cold, Johnny discovers the way to make any Sprite feel better is to make him (or her) laugh.

Leave a little Lettuce - When Seymour the Schmole takes all of the lettuce in Johnny's Garden, Ginger sings a song to demonstrate the advantages of sharing.

Yes You Can! - Basil has lost another flying contest to Ginger, and he's feeling pretty low. Then Johnny (and Ginger) help him remember all the great things he can do.

Waiting for the Stars - Ginger and Basil are about to see the stars for the very first time, but they just can't wait...literally. It takes all of johnny's patience and a special song, to convince them that sometimes, wonderful things are worth the wait!