Disney Channel has ordered a second season of San Francisco's Wild Brain Prods. the learning-focused Playhouse Disney hit HIGGLYTOWN HEROES, a CG-animated, song-filled series. In 2004, the show (daily, 8:00 a.m.) was the second highest rated original Playhouse Disney series, averaging a 3.7 rating among kids 2-5.
Celebrity voice recording is underway for new episodes of the series, which since its premiere has attracted a remarkable list of guest stars to play the hero of the day and sing the hero song in the episode. They include Sharon Stone, Naomi Judd, Trace Adkins, Serena Williams, Raven, Katey Sagal, Susan Lucci, Smokey Robinson, Cyndi Lauper and Kate Pierson (of The B52s). The main title song is written and performed by They Might be Giants.
The main characters are four Higglytown kids Eubie, Wayne, Kip and Twinkle and their wise and worldly friend Fran the Squirrel. Together they encounter day-to-day dilemmas that are inevitably solved by a local member of the community ("the hero") whose job or special skill saves the day.
Nancy Kanter, svp, original programming, Disney Channel, said, "We are delighted that Eubie, Wayne, Kip, Twinkle and Fran will continue to entertain and enlighten preschoolers as they discover the everyday 'heroes' in the world around them, average people who provide the framework for a community whether it's the mail carrier, the grocer, the librarian or the veterinarian."
Kid actors Rory Thost, Frankie Ryan Manriquez, Taylor Masamitsu and Liliana Mumy provide the voices for the core cast along with Edie McClurg as their friend, Fran the Squirrel.
The exec producer is Jeff Fino. George Evelyn, Denis Morella, Holly Huckins and Kent Redeker are co-executive producers. The series is a Wild Brain Production in association with Disney Channel.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
