The historic (and Disney-owned) El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, on Hollywood Boulevard, where many scenes from The Muppets were filmed earlier this year, is hosting a special event this November through January to welcome the arrival of the first theatrical Muppet movie in 12 years. The event is being billed as The Most Sensational Muppet Party and takes place at The El Capitan and the adjacent Disney Soda Fountain and Studio Store. From November 23rd to January 5th, families can join The El Capitan for finger sandwiches, fruit salad, cupcake decorating, and "Wocka Wocka Wocka" fun for everyone. In addition, every guest receives a commemorative photo and and a special gift. The El Capitan is also stating that there will be a Holiday Sing-a-Long with Kermit and Miss Piggy LIVE on stage before every movie. If you're in the Los Angeles/Hollywood area, this sounds like an event you can't pass up! For more information, check out The El Capitan online.
As you all know, last week Animal and Miss Piggy appeared on The Tonight Show with OK Go. Unfortunately, in an egregious error we never posted a link to the video. Thankfully, our good friends over at ToughPigs did all the hard work for us so all we have to do is mention their name and show off the video. So... thanks for that.
Our good friends at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, Georgia are having an amazing auction to benefit the center and all the good it does to spread the magic of puppetry throughout the world. This is a fantastic cause that I whole-heartedly support, especially when they offer spectacular auction items such as the gorgeous Palisades Toys Jim Henson action figure signed by puppet designer Bonnie Erickson. This also includes a candid shot of Jim, Bonnie, and the Jim Henson Muppet, also signed by Bonnie. It's a wonderful piece, and you should bid on it!
Finally, the chronicles of our friend James Carroll, designer of our awesome main page header, and the Threadless Muppet contest have come to an oh-so-satisfying conclusion. His gorgeous and explosive "Muppetational Mosaic" t-shirt is now available for sale online! For 48 hours only, you can buy the fantastic t-shirt for just $10.00. So... go buy two or seven while they're cheap and while they're awesome. Well... I guess they'll always be awesome. But still. Buy one. And wear it. Everywhere. How often can you own a t-shirt with Thog, George the Janitor, and Angus McGonagle on it? Never, that's how.
The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com
TV ALERT: THE MUPPETS AND OK GO ON THE TONIGHT SHOW
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31st
Tomorrow night on NBC, the Muppets and the band OK Go will be performing the band's cover of "The Muppet Show Theme Song" from Muppets: The Green Album on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The show airs at 11:35/10:35 central time in the United States, but be sure to check your local listings anyway.
It seems fairly impossible for OK Go and the Muppets to recreate their hugely popular and expansive music video on live television, but it will be incredibly interesting to see what they do with it, which Muppets show up to sing along, and how awesome it is sure to be. Make sure you tune in for this exciting Muppet appearance... and, just because it's too awesome not to see again, watch the Muppets and OK Go's collaborative music video below!
The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com
Following a week of soul searching, beginning with an ebbing Moopet fandom, taken over by obsessive Muppet fans and count-downs, exploring the world if Muppet-tributes and then fastening on the works of the band OK Go...I have now returned full circle to a love of everything Muppety -- the humour, the randomness, the heart, the wacky mayhem, the explosions and the penguin throwing. If The Green Album perhaps focused too heavily on the deep soul of the Muppets (as Kermit explained to Robin once, “Sometimes the Muppets do things that arn’t funny,” to which Robin responded, “Yeah, but I figure that’s the writer’s fault...”) then this newly released Music Video more than makes up for it with full-blown explosive crazy which includes the triumphant return of the Muppet Sheep.
However, rather than focus purely on the fun, I intend to explore the Fun-demental (if you pardon the pun). I feel the need to delve into the deeper, artistic expressions of the images presented within this music video, to see what it is that they add to the overall message of The Muppets: The Green Album, OK Go’s The Muppet Show Theme. (To see my review of the music, see here.)
See the video here.
The first image presented is of a machine, described as a ‘music machine’ by Darren from the group. Reviewing previous OK Go videos in order to present a collected opinion on this latest offering from the group, it is clear to see that the performers of the OK Go band rely upon accuracy and choreography in order to present their view of the world, a world that functions with all the mechanics of a machine. If any timings were out in their previous videos, then the entire shoot would need to be reset and taken again from the beginning. Order and timing are paramount.
This reliance on order (and technology) has become ever more prevalent as the economies of the world have been rocked time after time. Individuals rely on limiting their lives to match their budgets, much as a machine cannot extend beyond its original purpose. Moths have been often used to represent a lack of money (even within Its a Very Merry Muppet Christmas, where a moth flutters from Kermit’s wallet). However, the Muppets have always found a way to overcome their limitations...without needing money or the machinery of world governments to help them.
In fact, it is the Muppets intervention in the OK Go order and function that causes an explosion of chaos to backfire into their past and (no doubt) their future.
The Muppet Show transcends the borders of the world that it was created as and becomes real in a way that can be felt (and foam!) because it exists inside of our world, under our skin, closer than we think. Within the Music Video this kind of meta-adjustment is represented through multiple awakenings (Are they in OK Go’s dream, are OK Go in their dream, or do they both live together in the world of ‘entertainment’.)
Ryan Dosier said to me the other day that he must be living in an elaborate dream, because he cannot imagine a reality in which Nigel and Uncle Deadly appear in Music Videos in 2011 and that a huge Cinema Movie is being released on the Muppets. Well, according to this video, it could be less that he is dreaming of The Muppets and more that The Muppets are dreaming of us.
Regarding the strong imagery of The Muppets as Puppeteers of The Performers, it is interesting to see how OK Go really let go and rock out during this scene here, finally releasing the ‘machine’ of their previous videos (and pervious lives) and letting the crazy fun take hold, regardless of what other problems they may have (such as exploding machines or being run off their treadmills!)
Really, there could not be a better time for a Muppet comeback. It is time we let them take the strings (or armrods?) of our worlds too.
Finally, if you would rather go and watch cat videos...feel free...I am sticking with The Muppets (sorry Moopets...yooou have have been forgooten).
The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com
Morning all. It is I, the British Correspondent. As you are no doubt aware, my loyalties are flexible. I have been prepared in the past (semi-recent past) to abandon my Muppet Passion for a Moopet Fandom. But now I have realised the error of my ways...
...and become a fan of OK GO.
BREAKING NEWS EDIT: The video is now here! Watch it, then see how it matches with the way I predicted it might play out (it doesn't).
--
While you are all eagerly clicking 'refresh' over at OKgo's Vevo page waiting for the Muppets video to drop, I felt that it might be a good idea to distract you with some early speculation and preliminary thoughts on the release of the The Muppets: The Green Album's OK Go Muppet Show Theme music video featuring The Muppets (try saying that three times, when I did that I tangled my tongue with my tonsils.)
Covers of Covers It will be interesting to see The Muppets collaborating with artists who are covering a song originally originated by themselves. This idea of The Muppets (theoretically) helping them by appearing in the music video when they are (theoretically) helping The Muppets by releasing the music video seems to be a theme that is explored within the video, as early shots show OK Go as themselves in recreations of their own videos with added Muppets, and them as The Muppets recreating classic Muppet scenes such as the Muppaphones with added OK Go.
Music Can Cause Pain
(we've all heard Piggy sing)
Full Steam Ahead
Full (of) Steam Ahead
Under the Covers
Unlike many fictional (?) properties, The Muppets have always existed in 'our' world as opposed to a world of their own (such as that inhabited by cartoons). By often appearing with real celebrities and by appearing in interviews as themselves they burst the bubble of their 'fictionalised' universe and become real within our reality.
The Muppets Do Not Exist Purely as a Dream (Except Muppet Babies) (Blame Miss Piggy for that)
Covering a Wide Range The Muppet world is not small. It encompasses many races, species, items and things. Compare this line up to the backing-dancer line up of so many music videos. You will likely not see such diversity any place else (except for Born This Way, perhaps...).
They Were Born This Way
(And Born a Second Time)
Not Covering All Bases
The Swedish Chef has yet to create a successful meal, but he has created (time and time again) successful entertainment. Is it important if the art you originally set out to create is not the art you result in presenting to the audience? Will the audience judge you on this basis alone? Would the audience exist/understand if the original concept were not presented as intention prior to artistic swerve? All questions raised by the strong imagery used herein.
He is Swedish.
He is a Chef.
Is this enough?
Covered in Grease Our lives are now encased in machinery. Here, even music is machine. Consider.
M.A.M.M.A had come a long way from her origin/al purpose
Covering Up Mistakes To make them laugh by not making them laugh, by existing as a failed performance. He is prepared to walk this line to keep the world in a state of smiling. Are you?
The Banana Sketch (Is)/(Is Not) Funny. Pick One.
Cavorting with History
The Muppets have come a long way since The Muppet Show, but therein lies the strength of everything which followed. Leif Erikson as represented by Miss Piggy? Where does your strength come from?
Viking? Vi-QUEEN.
Not Covered in the Manual Playing parts-of-a-whole, or Playing-Parts of a whole?
The Melody was THIS big, literally THIS big.
A Cover Up Does any of it exist when the camera stops rolling? If 'no' then where were the Muppets for 20 years? If 'yes' then where were the Muppets for 20 years? (Note: We fans are well aware that they have not dissapeared for 20 years, even if the 80's Robot disagrees.)
Readers and countrymen! And countrywomen! And countrybears and countrychickens and countrythings... I apologize for the rude and forceful M.O.O.P.E.T. takeover of my Moopet takeover. I know that so many of you wrote in asking, ney, demanding that I be allowed to regain control from the 'Muppet's Only' Online Petition for Ending Takovers because you so enjoy my wit, banter and generally flawless approach to bringing your Muppet/Moopet news on a day-to-day basis. Therefore, I have returned to you, my dear readers, and bring with me firm proof that being a non-Muppet Fan is JUST as cool and trendy as being a Muppet Fan (or something along those lines) with my review of The Muppets: The Green Album (available from the 23rd August, that's tomorrow and just 92 days till The Muppets' The Muppets!)
Green is the Colour of Spring
So, whilst the entire creative team and staff of Disney are away happily entertaining Ryan for the D23 Weekend (keep up with his adventures here), I managed to sneak onto the backlot wearing a Balaclava and Mickey Ears and rather than heading to the Disney Vault to rescue Song of the South, I managed to snatch a copy of The Green Album hot off the press and settled down for a good listen (which is when I was noticed by security and promptly requested to politely leave the building). Luckily they did not require me to removed my Mouse Ears (free advertising) or they may have noticed I had smuggled a couple of copies out with me inside of them...and so, here are some of my (free flowing) thoughts on the all-covers album.
The Muppet Show Theme Tune -- Ok, Go
Echo, electric memories of Muppets start out this album. Straight out of the gate, it reminds me that there were certain Muppet Show sketches that scared the daylights out of me as a child. The music is rather scary and reflects the monster-y elements of the Muppet Show, but also has some fun elements. I find it weird that they just go lyrically into it all, including the Statler and Waldorf stuff and “Introduce to you...” with no one in particular being introduced. There is an awesome "Flight of the Bumblebees” riff in the middle though which makes it worth the listen! It is indie rock and it does brings back a lot of Muppet Show memories but does not quite access the crazy ‘HAPPY!” feel of the real Muppet Show tune though. I gave it a slightly generous 7/10, with points deducted for creepiness and for direct lyric use, but points added for the retro feel and the bumble-bee rift. (And extra, bonus points added for the fact they are making a music video! I may have gone a little lower if I was judging purely on personal taste).
The first time I listened, I heard each song separately, but am now reviewing my thoughts while hearing it as a “whole” and certainly appreciate how the songs move into one another musically without any jarring, despite being a whole team of different artists. Well, so far. Between one and two.
Weezer’s Rainbow Connection has a beautiful outdoorsy feel to it. Loads of glittering rivers and HAYLEY WILLIAMS! Ooh, I love her voice on this tune. However, I have noticed by this stage that all the singers seem to be over pronouncing each word and syllable of the lyrics as if there are Disney executives with pointers watching over them to be sure they stay on track (pun intended). The song really builds though. But to what exactly? The feel for me is that they are singing it more as if they believe that the voice is calling Kermit, in the past, but not as if it is calling them, now. The instrumental is very very very nice though and it gets better with each listen. 6/10, with points deducted for the over pronunciation and not really believing the lyrics, points added for a couple of fun moments in the music and a nice, dreamy outro.
Mahna Mahna - The Fray
Jump and clap! The Fray are performing Mahna Mahna and it is actually awesome! Not only have they taken liberties with the lyrics, it has a fresh hand-jivey feel to it. I adore the way that the main singer is focusing on the “Mah”s more than the “nas”. Unique. I want/need to see a Music video for this one too. Or to see them performing it live. It kinda is how I would imagine Rowlf performing this song (I have a strange imagination). The piano is AWESOME! I cannot over emphasis how fun the piano is in this. 9/10 with points deducted because the 'Do do do's' are less ethusiastic, but points added for the awesome piano
The link here is fab. Really building from song to song. (I always enjoy albums more when they flow). You could say that the album is really:
Movin' Right Along - Alkaline Trio
Being British (and not at all Indie or modern-cool) I do not recognize many of these artists, but the album is building now, with a really laid back, rocky “Movin' Right Along” that I can TOTALLY see coming from a top-down 80s car spinning through LA. Uch...but yucky shout outs to band members... “This song is starting to sound better, Danny!” I hate shout outs of spoken word in songs more than I hate peanut butter (and I am allergic, little known fact. So is Ryan's cat as it turns out.). I do love this moment though: “Hey, I’ve never seen the sun come up in the WEST?!!” 8/10, with points deducted for spoken word and lyrical accuracy, but points added for FUN and HAPPY. Yup.
The next link brings us down, but without pulling us out of the music.
Our World - My Morning Jacket
Speaking of my morning jacket, has anyone seen my overcoat? I think I left it in a restaurant and it has perfect deep pockets for 'reviewing' as yet unreleased merchandise. But seriously, speaking of road trips, I could totally keep “Our World” spinning as I drive along the coast line. Something about all these tunes so far is that they have a “tinkle, bright, earthy” feel and this one is no different. I can practically feel the dew dripping from the grass below my heels as I walk along a riverbank. I really like that. Green Album? It is actually quite Ecological-feel-ish. Probably should not take it on a road-trip then or the carbon emmitions will undo all the work they put into it! I would not listen to this song very often, but when I did, I would love it. It is very Fraggle Rockish. 7/10, with points deducted only because it makes me sleepy and thoughtful rather than happy and bouncy, but points added because it is the first song on the album which sounds like something the artists themselves could have written, produced and released independently, not just a cover. Maybe that is because I don’t know the song so well though?
The links continue to be smooth, it is kinda like they all shared a few guitars and pianos throughout the album.
Mr Bassman - Sondre Lerche
Ooh, it’s Mr Bassman. The voice is very Scootesque which is a fun reference to this Muppet version. For some reason there seems to be a Warewolf howling at the moon in the background. NICE “Boom ba boom”ing though! Would LOVE to see this performed with a guest-star and Floyd or Clifford doing the 'ba booms'. Nice jiggling music here (and a train!????? Wait, what!? OH MY GOSH! Is he being attacked by ghosts!????? Halloween Bassman business...) Ultimately it is just a boy at his guitar though. 5/10, with points being very much deducted for the frightening and distracting background sounds, but points added for enthusiasm.
Halfway Down The Stairs - Amy Lee
Oh, but now the fear which started in the first track and oozed into Mr Bassman is truly back in charge as Amy Lee performs “Halfway Down the Stairs”. I kinda have a feeling that she is halfway down the stairs...to the cellar, surrounded by bats and spiders. I guess Uncle Deadly or The Count would love to be there with her! GAH! It really does pull you into it though. Thank goodness it 'isn't in the nursery, it isn't in the town' we wouldn't want to scare the children! 6/10, with points deducted because it sort of loses the point of the song (although argueably the point of the original song was "Small boy, Big World" and this song is 'Big Girl, Scary World') and points added because AMY LEE!
This one moves neatly into the next rocky song though. LIKE.
Wishing Song - The Airborne Toxic Event
I once started an airborne toxic event when experimenting with cheese and an electric fan, but it was promptly shut down by the health inspectors (and mice).
The semi-scary (but victorious) music continues with the Wishing Song. But this one is really awesome because it has a very husky rock-and-roll voice singing it. Now, I confess that I cannot remember the Wishing Song at all. Did someone actually sing it on the Muppet Show? Hmm...Gonzo apparently. This may be one of my favourite tracks on the album though because they have really taken it seriously and it sounds like a true realeasable song. 8/10 with points deducted for not using a particularly recognisable track but points added for uniqueness and smooth flow.
Night Life - Brandon Saller
Nightlife. Ooooh! So fancy. The voice is a little annoying though. It is very, very rock and roll. Do they have to play so loud? – Oh, how annoying. They included that line in spoken word. Tsk. -- Ooooh! Amazing break-out bridge. “Gimme gimme gimme my nightlife”. But for some reason there is loads of really creepy laughter following the track, including a baby giggle. The original Nightlife is one of my all time favourite Muppet songs, and I appreciate this version on a number of levels. 6/10 though, with points deducted for annoying chatty bit and the super disturbing laughter at the end, points added for DRUMS DRUMS DRUMS.
Sadly, said laughter does not really segue nicely into the drifting sounds of Being Green that follows it either.
Being Green - Andrew Bird
Being Green has some fancy funeral background music as the intro, which I dislike intensley. But the singing voice is so soft that it makes up for it from the moment it starts. Also, Mr Bird really understands that this is about identity, not ecology. And I love that! Ooh, he is really very awesome. Also, he changed “gold” to “Aquamarine” and I like that rebellion about him. When he sings that “Green is all you can be” you really believe it. Adorable. Whistling interval, and use of violin also really add to the track. I can imagine myself listening to this if I were feeling down and feeling uplifted for it. 8/10 with points deducted for the funeral music intro and outtro which totally takes you out of the song, but points added for the whistling and the lyric changes and the belief in the song from its artist.
I Hope That Something Better Comes Along - Matt Nathanson
I really love this track because the singer is making it his own (he even changed “Under your collar” to “Underneath your collar”). It is actually my all-time favourite track of the album. I feel as though he really sings deep from his own soul knowing the feel of living with/without something pretty well. The tune is very peaceful and dreamy and has SOUL. After all that fear and rock and roll it is like a cozy armchair to finish up in. 9/10 with points only deducted because the original had a little more Oompf, but points added for the lyric adjustments and the real DEPTH of the song.
I'm Going to Go Back There Someday - Rachael Yamagata
More ghosts...(aliens?) seem to take over the track for the finale, which is sung with considerable amounts of gravatas in her voice. All raspy and sexual. And there seem to be cute fairground references in the background which hint back at the balloons and adventure that started this song in the movie. Oooh, and there is some strange birdish flute. Oooh! But I get really wrapped up in the song and keep forgetting that I am reviewing. I like that about this song for sure. Oh! It happened twice, actually. Hmm...maybe its not as bad as the ghosts make it out to be. 6/10 with points deducted because it is quite alien and not at all inviting, and yet points added for making me forget I am listening to it and slipping under my skin.
Overall, I would rate the album 8/10. There is very little originality to the artists' covers (with The Wishing Song and Something Better as notable exceptions. I dislike the scary elements, but I do feel as though it reflects the 'soulful' aspect of the Muppets that was more evident during Jim's time than is now. We have perhaps grown too used to the Muppets being funny first, crazy second, edgy third and only soulful somewhere further down the list.
I would certainly recommend buying the album because it draws you in and sets your mind at peace (while frightening the bejeezus out of you) and occasionally rocking out!
Compare new to old with an old-school compilation of the originals here:
And get excited for tomorrows unveiling of Ok, Go's The Muppet Show Theme Tune Music Video feat. The Muppets (Go figure) by watching an exciting behind-the-scenes feature here (featuring Pigs in SPACE, Pops, Nigel, Uncle Deadly and a Purple Frackle!, amongst others) or here at Tough Pigs featuring Dr Tooth in a bed and a very fluffy Fozzie.
Stay tuned for our indepth, quasi-deep, insightful review of said Music Video tomorrow (assuming the video drops in time and I do not have to break it out of the Disney Vault...)
Peoople of the woorld, it is I the British Corespoondent. I have had a very important revelation that I need to share with all yoou wonderful readers of Ryan-blog, and it is this: I have moved on.
Yes, I know what you are thinking, you have moved on from being a blog-hacking investigative reporter that regularly hijacks Muppet people's blogs on the weekends? You have moved on to maturity and serious journalism?
No no no. Obviously not.
I have moved on from THE MUPPETS.
My new fandom of fandoms is: THE MOOPETS.
You know that amazing live band? I got a chance to see them in Reno and immediately fell in love with them. There was something so familiar about their lead singer Miss Poogy, their band manager Kermoot and the piano playing dog Roowlf. So familiar, and yet so new, so edgy and so exciting.
And so, let it commence. A week of the Inspirational, the Celebrational and the Moopetational! This is what we call The Moopet Mindset! Stay tuned as we explore the Woorld of the Moopets and investigate oother non-Muppet artists such as that "OOK, Goo" band, those girls on youtube who 'Doo doo, do, do, do' and the Green Album, and as I do my best to protect yoou from seeing any fascinating, interesting or exciting Twitter posts from that Ryan Doosier chap who used to run this blog, but is now cavorting around Disney Woorld!
A few weeks ago we mentioned that the Muppets were collaborating with alternative rock group OK Go on a music video for the band's cover of "The Muppet Show Theme" from the upcoming Muppets: The Green Album. Well, the fine folks over at Disney Music have released a teaser trailer for the music video. (A teaser trailer for a music video? Yes. Apparently.) But along with that we also got a confirmation on when and where we'll be able to finally watch the Muppets rocking around with OK Go: next Tuesday, August 23rd at 8:00am Eastern Time (coincidentally the same day that The Green Album comes out). Check out the cool teaser video below:
Keep your eyes on The Muppet Mindset next Tuesday for the full video when it drops!
The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com
Amazon.com recently released previews of all the cover tracks from Muppets: The Green Album, set for release on August 23rd. This means that now we can hear a snippet off every song on the album and get a good feel for what the song will sound like. I really enjoy most all of the songs covered--and of course a few stand out above the rest--but I think I'll just have to hear the whole album before I decide anything firm. So... in conclusion, bring on this album!
Speaking of bringing things on connected with Muppets: The Green Album, in a YouTube video posted the other day, OK Go's Damian Kulash announced that the band would be making a music video together with the Muppets centered around OK Go's cover of "The Muppet Show Theme Song" from The Green Album. This is hugely exciting news for many reasons: one, it's a brand new Muppet music video coming our way; two, it's OK Go, who, no matter what you may think of their music, make incredibly innovative and instantly-viral music videos; and three, putting the Muppets' power of instantly making music videos go viral with OK Go's means instant web sensation. No word on when the music video will be out, but a very reliable source (read: a Muppeteer) has revealed that filming for the video commenced this week.
After months of praise and adoration from the film-going public and critics alike, the highly acclaimed documentary chronicling the careers of both Kevin Clash and Elmo, Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey, is finally going beyond the film festival circuit and reaching public theaters all around the country in big cities including Los Angeles, Seatle, San Francisco, St. Louis, and many more. Starting on November 4th in three theaters and spreading to a total of 22 theaters by the end of its release run, Being Elmo should be coming to a theater near you. For a complete list of theaters and cities showing the film, click the link to Being Elmo's official Theatrical Press Release.
Our friend Matt James from Party Ideas By a Pro has sent us a link to the website where one of their latest blog posts is all about fantastic Elmo Birthday Party ideas, including food recipes that all look like Elmo (see right), party favors, decorations, party games, and more all themed around everyone's favorite furry red monster. If I had a little kid I know I couldn't keep myself from throwing him/her an Elmo-themed birthday bash... so now all of you readers with kids have to do it so I can live vicariously through you.
Awhile back we mentioned that the SpiritHoods company was making a series of Muppet-themed SpiritHoods (which are basically furry little hat-arm things). We have semi-exclusive pictures to reveal here for you featuring kid and adult SpiritHoods themed around Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and Animal. Check out the pictures below!
Gonzo Hood (Kid's)
Kermit Hood (Kid's)
Animal Hood (Kid's)
Animal Shawl (Adult)
Kermit Hood (Adult)
Miss Piggy Shawl (Adult)
These SpiritHoods obviously aren't for everyone. But we'd love to hear your thoughts on them!
Check back tomorrow for an exciting update on Sesame Street's 42nd season!
The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com
The historic (and Disney-owned) El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, on Hollywood Boulevard, where many scenes from The Muppets were filmed earlier this year, is hosting a special event this November through January to welcome the arrival of the first theatrical Muppet movie in 12 years. The event is being billed as The Most Sensational Muppet Party and takes place at The El Capitan and the adjacent Disney Soda Fountain and Studio Store. From November 23rd to January 5th, families can join The El Capitan for finger sandwiches, fruit salad, cupcake decorating, and "Wocka Wocka Wocka" fun for everyone. In addition, every guest receives a commemorative photo and and a special gift. The El Capitan is also stating that there will be a Holiday Sing-a-Long with Kermit and Miss Piggy LIVE on stage before every movie. If you're in the Los Angeles/Hollywood area, this sounds like an event you can't pass up! For more information, check out The El Capitan online.
As you all know, last week Animal and Miss Piggy appeared on The Tonight Show with OK Go. Unfortunately, in an egregious error we never posted a link to the video. Thankfully, our good friends over at ToughPigs did all the hard work for us so all we have to do is mention their name and show off the video. So... thanks for that.
Our good friends at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, Georgia are having an amazing auction to benefit the center and all the good it does to spread the magic of puppetry throughout the world. This is a fantastic cause that I whole-heartedly support, especially when they offer spectacular auction items such as the gorgeous Palisades Toys Jim Henson action figure signed by puppet designer Bonnie Erickson. This also includes a candid shot of Jim, Bonnie, and the Jim Henson Muppet, also signed by Bonnie. It's a wonderful piece, and you should bid on it! 
