Fred Rogers holds Henrietta Pussycat and X the Owl during an interview. Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images
Fred Rogers' legacy will take center stage this Friday in Bloomfield as puppeteers, producers, and longtime collaborators come together to discuss the Pittsburgh icon's influence on today's kids.
Zoom in: David Newell, known to generations as Mr. McFeely on "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," will join Ellen Doherty of Fred Rogers Productions and PBS Kids' "Donkey Hodie" puppeteers Haley Jenkins and Frankie Cordero to explore how spinoff shows like "Donkey Hodie" and "Daniel Tiger" keep the Neighborhood alive.
The public is invited to attend the free, family-friendly event in person or watch it via livestream.
The discussion will be moderated by our own Ryan Deto.
The intrigue: Panelists will dive into Newell's time on set with Rogers and share stories from his years as the famous "Speedy Delivery!" man.
Zoom out: It's all to mark the Aug. 11 premiere of "Daniel Tiger Visits Someplace Else," the first live-action crossover episode between "Daniel Tiger" and "Donkey Hodie," and Daniel's first return as a puppet since he was on Mister Rogers.
If you go: The conversation will be held at White Whale Bookstore, 4754 Liberty Ave. in Bloomfield