In a special TV presentation of "Today's Special," Jodie, Muffy, and Sam prepare for a live theatre performance. However, Jeff faces a problem as his magic hat won't function outside the store, preventing him from joining them. Undeterred, he sneaks into the costume box bound for the theatre. Upon arrival, Muffy is late, prompting Jodie and Sam to begin the show without her. Meanwhile, Jeff, trapped in the box, finds himself turned into a mannequin without his magic working. With Waldo the Magnificent as their only hope, Jeff's fate hangs in the balance, hoping for a miraculous rescue.
1985-01-19
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Main Cast
Movie Details
Production Info
Production:
TVO
Key Crew
Stage Director:
Jeff Hyslop
Choreographer:
Jeff Hyslop
Locations and Languages
Country:
CA
Filming:
CA
Languages:
en
Main Cast
Jeff Hyslop
Jeff Hyslop is a Canadian musical theatre actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, and director. His most famous roles were as Jeff the mannequin in the children's show Today's Special and as the title role in the Canadian travelling production of The Phantom of the Opera. Hyslop is married to Vancouver-born singer and actress Ruth Nichol. They have one daughter, Gemma Nichol Hyslop, born in 1976. In 2003 Jeff Hyslop moved to Campbell River on Vancouver Island, to find peace and to be able to spend more time with his family. He has been doing weekend musical theatre workshops with as many as 32 children. His sister, Sandra Bailey, manages his career.
Nerene Virgin, a Canadian TV trailblazer, embodies resilience and advocacy. From battling childhood bigotry to championing positive representations, her diverse career as a journalist, educator, and performer breaks barriers. Her iconic role as "Jodie" in "Today's Special" made her a global role model, shaping perceptions of Black women. Despite facing discrimination, her impactful journey, including a successful stint on "Newsday," amplifies her dedication to inclusivity, inspiring others to overcome adversity. Nerene's unwavering commitment cements her influence as a beacon for diversity in Canadian television.
Perhaps best known as ‘Muffy’ on Today’s Special, puppeteer Nina Keogh was involved in many of the most beloved shows that span the evolution of children’s television here in Canada—from The Polka Dot Door, to The Friendly Giant to Mr. Dressup. The daughter of puppeteers Linda and John Keogh who worked in the earliest days of Canadian television (John was Howard the Turtle on CBC's Razzle Dazzle), her many years of exposure to this industry has allowed her unique access to its history.
Janelle Hutchison boasts over 35 years of diverse arts experience across the United States and Canada. Prior roles include serving as an Associate Casting Director at the Canadian Film Centre and a Senior Casting Associate at Stephanie Gorin Casting. She has instructed musical theatre audition techniques at the Randolph Academy and conducted On-Camera audition seminars, along with private coaching. Hutchison previously held roles at Toronto’s O’Keefe Centre for the Performing Arts and worked with the Stratford Festival of Canada.
Her acting career features a prominent role as Mme. Thenardier in Les Miserables' original Canadian production, spanning over 1,500 performances. Hutchison has an extensive theatre background, including performances in productions like White Christmas, Company, Gypsy, Oliver, Isn’t It Romantic, Crimes of the Heart, and Anne of Green Gables. Her work in television and film spans across networks such as ABC, NBC, SOAPnet, CBC, CTV, Global, TVO, and CBS. A graduate of the Canadian Film Centre’s 2004 Alliance Atlantis Film Resident Programme, Hutchison is an award-winning screenwriter currently focused on crafting a collection of short stories.
Bob Dermer, an entertainment professional, embarked on his acting career at the age of 8, going professional at 14. He has showcased his talent across various locations, including Canada, London (at the Royal Court Theatre), Los Angeles (working for Hanna-Barbera), and Broadway in "42 Seconds From Broadway" alongside Henry Winkler.
Dermer's prominent roles encompass lead roles in CBC TV series like "Hi Diddle Day," "Pencil Box," "Guess What?," "Mr. Dress-Up," and others. Additionally, he held lead roles in TVOntario series such as "Readalong," "Two Plus You," "Bookmice," and "Today's Special," among others. In animated series, Dermer has ongoing roles, including characters in "Evergreen Racoons" and the "Care Bears," showcasing his versatility and lasting impact in the entertainment industry.
Nikki Tilroe, renowned for portraying the Mime Lady on Today's Special, was a versatile utility player on the show. She performed various roles, from additional puppet characters to providing voices and embodying large costumes. Notably, she portrayed Wanda Willoby in "Babies" (1984) and "Letters" (1985) and voiced Hazel in "Butterflies" (1984). Tilroe brought life to the magic dragon in the story "Byron the Grump and the Magic Dragon." Her most notable role was inside the Blue Cow costume in "Live on Stage" (1985) and "The Blue Cow" (1986), animating Emily the Blue Cow.
Regrettably, Nikki Tilroe passed away on September 1, 2005, following a battle with liver and kidney ailments, leaving behind a legacy of memorable contributions to the show.
Gemini- and Emmy-award winning children’s television producer Cheryl Wagner has entertained generations of children around the world. She is best known as the creator of The Big Comfy Couch, which airs in Canada, the United States, Mexico, South America, Australia, Britain, Turkey, South Africa, Singapore, the Middle East, Israel, Africa, and Indonesia. Earlier in her career, Wagner contributed as a performer and puppeteer on the much-loved series Fraggle Rock alongside Jim Henson, Mr. Dressup alongside Ernie Coombs, Today’s Special, and Sesame Street Presents Follow That Bird. She is the President of Periscope Pictures, Inc., a Charlottetown-based production company that creates original, screen-based entertainment, including the web series Bunny Bop! A member of the Writers’ Guild of Canada, she sits on the board of the Women in Film and Television (WIFT) – Atlantic, and is a recipient of the WIFT Wave Award for her contributions to Canadian film and television.
