Hansel and Gretel (Sesame Street)

Hansel and Gretel, of the famous Grimm fairy tale, have made recurring appearances on Sesame Street over the years. The Sesame versions of the characters are eccentric Anything Muppet children dressed in lederhosen and speak in thick German accents.

In their earliest appearances, Hansel and Gretel would occasionally make statements in unison with an accented clap (e.g. "We just want to throw *clap* breadcrumbs!"), referencing Hans and Franz's "pump you up" catchphrase from Saturday Night Live. Like in the fairy tale, they often leave a trail of breadcrumbs to find their way back home. They note how full-proof their plan is, not realizing that a bird is close by munching on their trail.

Hansel and Gretel first appeared in Episode 4093 (season 36), where they are seen attending the Storybook Community School along with Baby Bear and other famous literary characters. The duo also appeared in a Healthy Storybook Moment in season 37. The segment departs from the normal story in that they favor eating their own breadcrumbs rather than the witch's house of sweets. In Episode 4303, Hansel and Gretel arrange a playdate with Big Bird, but they become preoccupied with leaving a trail extending from the subway station to Big Bird's nest so they can find their way back.

Performer History

 * Peter Linz and Noel MacNeal • (2005, episode 4093)
 * Heather Asch and Noel MacNeal • (2006, episode 4110)
 * Matt Vogel and Leslie Carrara-Rudolph • (2006, "Healthy Storybook Moment")
 * Matt Vogel and Stephanie D'Abruzzo • (2009-present)

Featured appearances

 * Episode 4093
 * Episode 4110
 * Episode 4125 ("Healthy Storybook Moment")
 * Episode 4269 ("The Word of the Day")
 * Episode 4303
 * Episode 4309 ("The Word of the Day")
 * Elmo and Abby's Birthday Fun!

Book appearances

 * Abby Cadabby's Rhyme Time (2007)