I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I was when I found out I would be interviewing someone from Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE! If you grew up in the 1980s like I did, there's a good chance those colorful, fuzzy little creatures hold a special place in your heart.

I grew up watching Fraggle Rock on HBO with my family, especially my sisters. I remember waiting for Monday nights when a new episode would air. No streaming. No binge-watching. Just waiting an entire week to see what Gobo, Red, Wembley, Mokey and Boober were up to next. Gobo and Red were always my favorites, and can we talk about those edible constructions the Doozers built? I always thought they looked like crystals and imagined they tasted like rock candy. Anyone else?

Beyond the colorful characters and underground adventures, Fraggle Rock was one of my earliest introductions to caring for the environment, accepting people who are different from us and understanding how connected we all are. And the music! Oh, the music. So when I learned that Fraggle Rock was coming to Walton Arts Center as a live musical, I was extra excited.

I also had about a million questions for them. How do those puppets work? What are the costumes like? How in the world do you choreograph dancing Fraggles? Thankfully, I got to ask someone who knows firsthand.

I recently had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Trinity Harvey, associate director, dance captain and performer for Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE! Before we even started recording, we discovered a fun connection: Trinity had performed in A Christmas Story, a production my daughter has also been part of. We immediately had something to talk about!

Originally from New Orleans, Trinity grew up dancing competitively before studying musical theater in New York City. After performing with Disney Cruise Line, an audition for Fraggle Rock led to helping build the show from the ground up, touring nationally and taking the production Off-Broadway.

Trinity originated the role of Red Fraggle in the live production, and the connection was immediate. "She is me in a puppet," Trinity laughed, describing Red's energetic, fiery and sometimes hard-headed personality.

Even more meaningful was meeting Karen Prell, the original puppeteer and voice of Red Fraggle, who has brought the character to life since the 1980s. Karen's voice is still used for Red in the live production, and Trinity described learning from someone who worked alongside Jim Henson as life-changing.

This might have been one of my favorite parts of our conversation. The production features approximately 36 puppets, including five large, walk-around Fraggle characters. And while they look effortless onstage, what's happening inside those costumes is fascinating.

Performers operate the characters' mouths using a cable mechanism connected to a handle resembling a bicycle brake. Every movement must coordinate with recorded dialogue, choreography and everything happening onstage. Imagine dancing, acting and remembering choreography while operating a puppet's mouth! Trinity told me one of the hardest skills to master was simply clapping while making the puppet talk.

And those costumes? They're heavy, hot and physically demanding. The Jim Henson Creature Shop has worked to make them lighter and more breathable, but Trinity says performing the show is essentially 90 minutes of cardio. Suddenly, dancing your cares away sounds like a serious workout!

As much as I loved learning about the behind-the-scenes magic, our conversation kept coming back to something deeper. Fraggle Rock has always been about more than entertainment.

Trinity explained that what surprised her most was the humanity of the characters. Red struggles with confidence and wanting to be perfect. Gobo feels pressure to be a good leader. The Fraggles disagree, make mistakes and sometimes frustrate one another. Sound familiar?

We talked about how difficult growing up can be, especially when children are navigating friendships, differences and the pressure to fit in. "Understanding and accepting differences is so important," Trinity shared, describing the Fraggles' ability to work together despite their very different personalities. And isn't that something we could all use a little more of?

One of the most touching things Trinity shared was how deeply these characters connect with audiences. She's met adults who grew up finding comfort in Fraggle Rock, including a Make-A-Wish guest whose childhood birthday celebration had been Fraggle-themed. Getting to meet the characters in person was an emotional experience for everyone involved.

Trinity remembers seeing Wicked on tour when she was just six years old and realizing that theater was what she wanted to do. Now she's the performer inspiring children in the audience, which is a pretty incredible full-circle moment.

Her advice for young artists in Northwest Arkansas? "Know that it's possible and know that you can make a living out of it." She encouraged kids to pursue their passions, practice and create their own opportunities rather than waiting for someone to give them a chance. "You can create your own path," she said. I absolutely loved that.

In Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE!, Gobo, Red, Mokey, Wembley and Boober embark on an adventure to find the lost Celebration Stone, which has the power to bring everyone together. Along the way, audiences can expect the friendship, humor and music that have made these characters beloved for generations.

But this isn't your typical sit-back-and-watch performance. Trinity described the show as a highly interactive experience, with characters communicating directly with the audience, props being passed back and forth and plenty of surprises. And parents, this isn't one of those shows you simply sit through for your kids. Trinity emphasized that the story was written for all ages, with plenty of humor, heart and meaningful moments for adults, too.

I can't think of a better way to come down from the sugar rush of Halloween the night before than spending a Sunday afternoon with the Fraggles. For those of us who grew up singing along, it's an opportunity to revisit a little piece of childhood. And for our kids? It might become one of those magical memories they carry with them for decades.

I know I can't wait.

Dance your cares away, worries for another day!

What: Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE!

When: Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 3 p.m.

Where: Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville, Arkansas

Tickets: Visit Walton Arts Center for tickets and show information

Bring your kids. Bring your sisters. Bring someone who remembers the Fraggles as fondly as you do. This is one family outing that just might give you all the warm fuzzies.