Disney Channel finds 'Bunnytown'

Preschool puppet show to debut in November

By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

'Bunnytown'

The Disney Channel has greenlit its first major international production, the preschool puppet show "Bunnytown."

Series is in production in the U.K., where it bows on Nov. 3; show will then bow on the cabler in the U.S. on Nov. 10 at 11 a.m.

"Bunnytown" revolves around a fully functioning town consisting of the furry critters who take on various roles, with superheroes, inventors, rock stars and students. Original music explores a wide variety of styles, from hip-hop and disco to country and jazz.

Characters on the show, which will air during the channel's Playhouse Disney block, include Louise, Melvin, Super Bunny, Li'l Bad Bunny and Disco Pirate Bunnies. The characters will begin to pop up on Playhouse Disney starting Oct. 8.

Jim Henson Co. vets Martin Baker and Pete Coogan are behind the show, along with "Jack's Big Music Show" creators David Rudman, Adam Rudman and Todd Hannert.

Hannert and Terry Fryer are overseeing the music as co-musical directors and composers. On the show, the Bunny Band -- a group inspired by Earth, Wind and Fire and Sly and the Family Stone -- will supply the music.

Music-themed shows have started to dominate the preschool marketplace; Disney's lineup, for example, includes "Little Einsteins," which showcases classical composers, while Nickelodeon's fare includes "The Backyardigans" and the hipster hit "Yo Gabba Gabba!"

Baker Coogan is producing the show in the U.K., while the Rudmans and Hannert created "Bunnytown." David Rudman was an Emmy-nommed performer on "Sesame Street," where Adam Rudman earned an Emmy for writing.