Shari Lewis - who incidentally has written 61 children's books, released 17 children's home videos, conducts symphonies, did four command performances for Queen Elizabeth II and has appeared before former first ladies Nancy Reagan and Rosalyn Carter - said her favorite part of the job is any particular thing she is doing at the moment.
"As long as I'm doing it well," said the spunky voice during a telephone interview from her family's cabin in New York.The world-reknowned sock puppeteer and her wooly companion Lamb Chop and friends Charlie Horse and Hush Puppy will perform Friday and Saturday, March 4, at the Capitol Theater. Both evening shows will begin at 7 p.m., with a special Saturday matinee at 2 p.m.
The Salt Lake audience is guaranteed to have a wonderful time.
"There will be a lot of participation and magic," she said. "I will also do the entire opera of "Carmen" in five minutes and 45 seconds. So that will be exciting."
Lewis, best known for pioneering family-oriented entertainment, said she has always been around show business.
"My father was the official New York City magician and my mom was the Board of Education music coordinator," she explained. "My dream was to be a dancer, but my father was wise and told me by the time I turned 25, my dance career would be finished. So I turned to performing."
During those formative years, Lewis created Lamb Chop and got her first break on the "Captain Kangaroo Show" in 1957. She also appeared on stage productions of "Damn Yankees," "Bye Bye Birdie" and "Funny Girl." From 1968 to 1976, Lewis captained her own British TV series on BBC-1.
She's won numerous awards, including seven Emmy's, four Parent's Choice Awards and a Peabody for her participation in child development, entertainment and education.
But it was the Public Broadcasting Service that brought Lewis face to face with a new generation of fans. In 1992, PBS premiered "Lamb Chop's Play Along."
The show, now in its third season, features songs and activities that stimulate youngsters who will then become "anti-couch potato," according to Lewis.
And with all the legislative rhetoric surrounding Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and the cancellation of PBS, Lewis said she has faith that legislatures across the land, especially here in Utah, will make their voices heard.
"Your mayor and governor are avid PBS supporters, and I really believe those excellent politicians will stand up to Mr. Gingrich. They know what PBS contributes to the arts, education and well-being of all those who watch. Salt Lake is known for its rich abundance of families."