Review: "Johnny and the Sprites: Meet the Sprites"

“Johnny and the Sprites” is a musical TV series geared for preschoolers that airs on Disney Channel’s “Playhouse Disney.” This DVD, “Johnny and the Sprites: Meet the Sprites,” was released March 18, 2008. It’s 56 minutes long and rated G.

The show revolves around Johnny (Johnny Tartaglia), a songwriter who moves into a house given to him by his great-uncle. Once there, he discovers magical creatures called “sprites,” who introduce him to their fantasy world in Grotto’s Grove.

In return, Johnny shows the sprites what it’s like to be human. It’s the usual preschooler messages about friendship, accepting each other, and working together to solve problems. But it never gets old, and this show is a fresh take on those  important lessons, much of it told through song and dance numbers written by notable Broadway composers like Gary Adler, Bobby Lopez, Laurence O’Keefe, and Michael Patrick Walker.

More after the jump, including a video clip!

The show premiered in October 2005 with five 5-minute episodes, then morphed into full 25-minute episodes in January 2007. The sprites include Ginger (Leslie Carrara), Basil (Tim Lagasse), Lily (Carmen Osbahr), Root (Heather Asch), and Sage (Tartaglia). Gwen (Natalie Venetia Belcon) is a recurring character who always has a different job. “You never know what you can do, until you try on something new!” Johnny’s sister, Tina (Sutton Foster) is also a recurring character.

A cheery setting, colorful characters, and world-class songs make this a fun show for little ones.

Episodes on this DVD include: “Ginger’s Antenna Dilemma”; “Root’s Dadoots”; “Where’s the Water, Lily?”; “Basil’s Band”; and “The Sprites & The What?” Also featured is the “Heads Up” music video, as well as original shorts and a “Sing Along With Johnny” feature.

Check out the music video:

Image: Johnny and the Sprites, Disney Channel, 2008