Excuse us, but where the hell has Grover been? You know, the blue Muppet with the big round head, skinny body and limbs, and unidentifiable accent. A popular fixture on the kiddie show Sesame Street for many years, Grover, overshadowed by newbies like Zoe, Rosita, and the third-person-obsessed Elmo (a wussy red Grover ripoff), suddenly was nowhere to be found. Had he become an anarchist and gone underground, or maybe taken up an "alternative" lifestyle and shacked up with Oscar the Grouch in his garbage can? For eons, Grover has been a goner. Lately, though, we've noticed his gentle reintroduction. He's back transformed into Global Grover, traveling the world to introduce tykes to tolerance and understanding. Nevertheless, despite 90 minutes of Muppets featured in the musical Sesame Street Live 1-2-3 ... Imagine, we're sad to report our favorite blue bon vivant is absent. Instead pragmatic lessons about counting, other cultures, and the boundless power of the imagination are presented by the usual suspects, including Ernie and Bert, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and Count Von Count. Now that's creative. -- By Nina Korman
Sesame Street Live 1-2-3 ... Imagine runs from Thursday to Sunday, September 18 through 21, at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-522-5334 for details.
SUN 9/21
Scooby Slam
Tennis spawns fun fest
The last time you played tennis with a dog, chances are you got back a soggy felt ball covered in dog spit. At the Cartoon Network Tennis Club Carnival, Scooby Doo promises to hit some zingers back without the slobber. Kids' tennis, an obstacle course, rock climbing, and more will fill the day with fun activities for young ones and adults, all to benefit the Greater Miami Tennis Foundation. Tennis pros will be on hand to help with strokes and time serves with a speed gun. The fest starts at 2:00 p.m. at the Biltmore Tennis Center, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables. Admission is $5. Call 305-460-5360. -- By Juan Carlos Rodriguez
