New Zoo Revue

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.

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.

I remember watching The New Zoo Revue in the early 70s and thought was one of the best kids shows of the 70s. The "three delightful animals" Henrietta Hippo, Charlie the Owl and Freddie the Frog had "fun learning what we don't know" with their human friends Doug and Emmy Jo.

Over the show's three year run, many subjects were covered including fear, hate, getting along and courage. One episode I remember the most was when Freddie wanted to quit school and Emmy Jo sang a song with a message for him to to stay in school. He learned that school was important for him.

The heart of the show was Doug Momary. He co-created the show with Barbara Atlas, portrayed Doug, wrote the scripts and all the songs used in every episode. He was also married to the actress who played Emmy Jo, Emily Peden.

In the second season, two human characters were added, Mr. Dingle, the store owner played by Chuck Woolery before being best known as a game show host and neighbor Ms. Goodbody, portrayed by veteran actress Fran Ryan. There were numerous celebrity appearances in the third season, including Jim Backus, Jesse White, Richard Dawson and Jo Anne Worley.

The New Zoo Revue was an entertaining show for children to learn about the world around them. It also told young viewers in several episodes "Don't sit around and cry." In other words "Be happy." La la la la la la la la la la la la la la. I'll close with a line from the unforgettable theme song "It's the New Zoo Revue, coming right at you."

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.

Ah yes, who could forget Freddie the Frog, Charlie the Owl and Henrietta Hippo teaching wholesome values to us kids growing up in the 70s, with the help of their hippy-dippy human counterparts Doug and Emmy Jo! I actually saw an episode broadcast sometime over the Christmas holidays on a low-power Indiana tv station (picked up by AT&T Broadband cable for the Chicago area): it was the episode where Freddie broke Henrietta's window with a baseball and ate her special diet cookie (gasp!). They had a trial and everything! And let's not forget the musical numbers; Emmy Jo's singing voice was tinnier than I had remembered, but the 70s wardrobe (complete with go-go boots!) made up for that. Believe it or not, there are actually 3 or 4 DVDs now available of New Zoo Revue episodes; and if that isn't enough, do a search on eBay and you just might find (among other things), record albums, figurines and ViewMaster reels! Now all I'm waiting for is a NZR reference to pop up on "That 70's Show" (and if it does, I want credit for giving you guys that idea!!!)