New Zoo Revue

I may as well get in on this New Zoo Review wagon and here are my thoughts of that show. I used to watch it when it aired on WUTV which is now Fox from Buffalo which may had aired on a Saturday afternoon and the first episode I saw was when Emmy Jo was stubborn for some reason I can't recall. In any case Emmy Jo was quite a lady back in her day and 30 some years later she may have Grey hairs right now. The New Zoo Review was a very interesting program that may had one of the most weirdest animal characters in TV history and the that winner goes out to Freddy the Frog. This Frog person in todays politically incorrect fad would be labeled retarded to today's kids but back in the day he was another animal character of a children's television that no one would judge on. He may have been the most focal character on the show besides Doug & Emmy Joe that had the most color personality on screen. I'm sure every child seem to like Freddy because he was the most fantasized favorite every kid like to be with. Besides Freddy's antics you got Charlie the Owl & Henrietta the hippo that also brought values and beliefs to the show which at times it need to be serious on various issues. It's also great to know that the show is now available on DVD which every parent may watch with their child to take you back to a different era when Children's programs were something to watch that made sense.

I just purchased the 6-DVD Season One of New Zoo Revue and I am thrilled! New Zoo Revue and oatmeal were how I started each day as a child. We weren't glued to the television the way kids are today, but we were allowed to watch NZR each morning before school. My parents dressed like Doug and Emmy Jo... shoot my dad even resembled Doug.

While I've read things all over the internet bashing NZR, I love it! Not just for the nostalgia, but for the positive, uplifting messages it gave me (and continues to give as it's still played in different markets across the USA). I learned how to be polite and a good friend. I learned about the seasons and how to think. I learned so much from NZR that has helped shape the person I am today.

I've already watched two of the six DVDs (containing 59 episodes). My two-year old nephew came into the room and stood there thrilled at the music and life-sized animals. I don't have a problem with him watching this show... unlike other shows with large talking/singing animals (Barney, HR PufNStuff, etc.).

I highly recommend this show for anyone who enjoyed it as a kid, missed it as a kid or who knows a kid.

I grew up in the 1950s and 60s, and by the 70s was wearing hair down to my shoulders, a Fu Manchu mustache and smoking a bit of pot. I also wore shirts with very large collars and loud, wide ties that one could use for a lobster bib if one were so inclined. NEW ZOO REVUE understandably was nothing I was watching. At one point, I got rid of my TV and did not get another one until several months later. My first child was born in 1977, my last two in the late 80s. Suffice it to say I have caught up with NEW ZOO REVUE in fairly recent years. It runs every morning on a local channel. It is fascinating to watch in small doses. I am not sure what message it is delivering, but I doubt it has anything to do with drugs and everything to do with manners and behavior. It is not CAPTAIN KANGAROO or BARNEY or THE WIGGLES or even MR. ROGERS, but it is oddly fascinating -- in measured doses. Mainly because of Doug, I think. That hair! Those clothes! And the way they all clumsily dance around at the opening to that horrible theme song! And that frog! Has there ever been such a frog? It vaguely reminds me of a show from way back when that featured two pretty women (Carol and ?) who sat on swings and taught simple messages and occasionally sang in sweet harmony. Quiet lessons for the very young.

The cast and crew of this children's show was first rate in my opinion. In fact, I sometimes catch it occasionally. It was one of the funniest and best shows of that time. I remember watching it when I was a child. I loved Henrietta Hippo and Freddy the Frog and the smart Owl. They were joined by human counterparts like Emmy Jo and the guy and Fran Ryan as Ms. Goodbody. The show was never that much of a hit but among kids like myself who watched it years later. I always enjoyed the silly costumes, the seventies hair and make-up, costumes, and set design. It wasn't anything like it is today as it is with technology but the place was friendly and warm and a memorable part of my childhood.

As a kid my ear for singing in key and rhythm was not trained and I appreciated the musical and educational themes of the show because it was about everyday life but honed into experiences I could relate to not overly dramatic and heroic episodes of fantasy escapism. Nor was it overly dry educational silliness and warbling as in Seasame Street. Reviewing the show as an adult I see the weakness of the performances at times but the characters are like seeing old friends and I don't really mind much that they aren't professional level musicians. The energy and tone of the show is still one of the most wholesome of any that have ever been on TV. I'm trying to find out more about the music and songwriters and if it's possible to cover any of the songs for a modern release. Any knowledge to this end would be greatly appreciated if shared with me.

I was unable to find any trace of authorship for the music or lyrics on the show so I just transcribed two of the songs from Season 1, episodes Spring "Song of Life" and Time "Take the Time" which I think are beautiful songs and performed very well. It's probably no coincidence that they come toward the end of the season and toward the end of each episode. I suspect there was a little stage fright which will put a slight shrill in any performance that was slowly overcome as the show progressed. I don't think it's anything a normal child would object to as few children can sing in key without formal training and/or musical talent in their own households.

Most children will see the show as a fun way to make noise, dance around, have some silly laughs, and learn something new about themselves, others, and life consciously or subconsciously. I remember singing along and dancing around whenever there was a repeat on because I had already paid attention the first time and learned my lessons. For all you cynical adults out there who missed this show or still don't "get it", it'll do you good to watch the program even if it makes you uncomfortable in the beginning. The fun will grow on you, too! Please don't deprive future generations of this lovable show, despite it's flaws, by being closed-minded. Let the kids be kids and try being one again yourself once in awhile.