MJFF – Shari & Lamb Chop
Shari & Lamb Chop
Lisa D’Apolito, USA, 2024, 92min
Language: English
Enter the enchanting world of a groundbreaking artist, Shari Lewis, and her beloved sock puppet companion, Lamb Chop, whose boundless creativity and timeless joy have left an indelible mark on children’s entertainment. Hailing from a Jewish Bronx family, Shari Lewis rose from playful beginnings in the ‘50s with her engaging children’s variety shows, leading to the debut of iconic Lamb Chop on Captain Kangaroo.
Over the course of her extraordinary career, she amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including 13 Emmys and a Peabody, and authored 60+ children’s books, becoming an adored star recognized for her sundry talents as a ventriloquist, singer, dancer, and even a magician. In a male-dominated industry, Lewis, a spunky perfectionist, transformed children’s television with an innovative, empowering style, and through Lamb Chop, voiced new notions for the women of her time. Despite setbacks, including the cancellation of her NBC shows and health challenges, Lewis demonstrated resilience and enduring relevance.
Produced in collaboration with Lewis’s estate, this fascinating biography melds archival footage, TV clips, and interviews, including insights from daughter Mallory (who continues performing with Lamb Chop), exploring the bond between performer and her puppet. Sure to awaken cherished childhood memories, this heartfelt mix of nostalgia and showbiz insights honors a visionary spirit, kindling the imaginations of dreamers and storytellers across generations.
