Spinney then alternated his two roles, to the amusement of the crowd.

Cerf said that working for Sesame Street is a cure for writer's block, since show creators and researchers give composers advice and fairly specific requests for songs.

"If it's a request for a 26-second song on the letter J with Cookie Monster and Reggae, it's easier [than without a subject]."

The goals of the show, and its architects, have recently expanded to include the international stage. Sesame Street is seen in 120 countries, but it also has 19 international editions, which are local adaptations of the show. For example, in Spain Big Bird is a porcupine.

Lesser said one of his favorite memories is the recent introduction of an international version of the show he helped engineer involving collaboration between Israelis and Palestinians. The show has two streets and aims to teach understanding and acceptance.

The original team members struggled with how to "create a fantasy world when the reality is so harsh." They almost had to scrap the project when Israeli Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin was assassinated the Saturday night before the first creative meeting for the show. While the staff predicted the arrangement would fail, each side felt the project was one Rabin would have supported, and the show went on.

Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized Lesser's pivotal role in the development of GSE and children's education.

"What Gerry has done is teach the world to sing," Charren said.