This article appears to contradict the article Barkley (Sesame Street). Please discuss at the talk page and do not remove this message until the contradictions are resolved.(March 2011)
The special features only three of the Sesame StreetMuppets: Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird, and Barkley the dog. Barkley is played by gymnast Toby Towson. The puppet used for the special was different from the one used for the series, making him five feet tall, or higher, at times in the special. Mr. Hooper, David, Bob, and Maria are the only humans from the regular cast to make appearances, while most of the regulars are replaced by a large, somewhat all-star cast.
The special was mainly produced for CBS not by the Children's Television Workshop (now Sesame Workshop), but by Bob Banner Associates, notable for Perry Como's Christmas specials. The producers paid CTW for the use of the set, some of the adult characters, Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, with everything else, including the script and the Barkley costume, provided by Banner staffers.
This program was nominated in the 31st Annual Emmy Awards (1979) under the category of Outstanding Children's Program, losing to Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. Both
specials are now available on DVD.[1]
A Muppety Christmas[permanent dead link] Overview of the special. Site also includes many other specials, movies, videos, albums and assorted cards and ornaments.
