Muppet Madness Tournament 2011: FINAL ROUND!

Well, this is it, Muppet fans! After weeks of toiling and voting and campaigning and whatever else it is that we've been doing... the Final Round of this year's Muppet Madness Tournament is finally here! It's the matchup of the century between Super Grover and Statler and Waldorf--a matchup I've been predicting since Round 2! It's been a long, hard road for all of the contestants... but it all comes down to this. Will Super Grover crash into the winner's spot? Or will Statler and Waldorf heckle their way forward? Only time will tell...

Only until April 4th, actually, because that's when voting ends. But don't you worry, four days may not seem like a long time, but in actuality there are over 48 chances to vote! How is this possible you ask? Well, in the Final Round only, you can vote every two hours!! How crazy is that?! And believe me, it might be necessary. As of now there are only 35 votes separating the competitors. (Super Grover is winning, of course.) (Not that I'm picking favorites.)

So go! Vote! Now! Often! Again! Later! Oh, also... check out this GORGEOUS artwork from the one and only uber-talented demigod of Muppet fan art Dave Hulteen:

Cast your vote now at...
http://muppetfans.com/tournament






The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Upcoming Muppet Screening Events - Texas, New York, United Kingdom

Everyone's favorite documentary about Kevin Clash (that I still haven't seen), Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey is screening at the Dallas International Film Festival this Saturday, April 2nd at 12:30pm. Cost is only $10 to get in and see this fantastic film, so if you live in the Dallas, Texas area and haven't had the opportunity to see Being Elmo yet... why haven't you bought your tickets already?!

Speaking of the Longhorn State... the fantastic Jim Henson Legacy sponsored series Muppets, Music & Magic: Jim Henson's Legacy is showcasing several different screenings in the Austin, Texas area at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in the coming weeks. Click the link above for all the information on the various screenings between March 29th and April 10th. I've seen a couple of the screenings being shown, including Inside the Sesame Street Vault and Sesame Street at 40 and they're both wonderful gems that are sure to delight any Sesame fan (and I'm sure the other ones are too) so if you happen to be in the Austin area and you need more Muppet goodness in your life, be sure to check this out!

The Muppets, Music & Magic: Jim Henson's Legacy (pages 10-15 of the PDF) series is being showcased in the United Kingdom as well at The Filmhouse, home of the Edinburgh Film Festival. The screenings will occur from April 18th through April 27th (check the schedule in the PDF link above for specific screenings) and will feature appearances by Martin Baker on April 22nd, 23rd, and 24th at various screenings.

The Tribeca Film Festival in New York City is hosting a screening of The Muppets Take Manhattan on April 23rd at 8:15pm at the Tribeca Drive-In. This is a free screening of the film and it includes, what sounds like, a very fun pre-show with face-painting, Muppet trivia, sing-alongs, and "fuzzy surprise guests." One can only imagine what that might mean. But if you live in the New York area and you've got yourself a free night on April 23rd, why not stop by and witness Miss Piggy's hideous 80's afro on the big screen?

And, finally, for those Muppet fans who don't live near Dallas, Austin, New York City, or the United Kingdom (like myself)--and even for those of you that do--we have a new Super Grover video from Sesame Street to share with you all. It is, in a word Fantastic!









The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: Grover

Today's article was a joint effort between Michael Wermuth, Jr. and Ryan Dosier.

GROVER

Performed by...

Frank Oz (1969-present, sort of)

Eric Jacobson (1998-present)

First appearance...

Sesame Street, Season 1 (1969)

Most recent appearance...

Sesame Street, Season 42 (2011)

Notable quotes...

“Hello, everybody!!!!”

“It is I, your cute, adorable, lovable pal, Grover.”

“Hey, froggy babyyyyyy!!!”

WHO IS GROVER?

Grover is one of the furry blue monsters on Sesame Street. He often gives demonstrations (such as "Near and Far") and lectures, and sometimes assists others in their lectures as well (and often either gets them wrong or gets worn-out from doing them). Grover apparently still lives with his mommy, while his father is rarely even mentioned. Grover works a variety of different jobs that range from waiter to cowboy, has the superhero identity Super Grover, and also talks without using contractions.

The first Grover puppet was reused from Gleep, a gray green monster who appeared in a Christmas sketch with Art Godfried on The Ed Sullivan Show. During the first season of Sesame Street, Grover was more of a generic monster, though in many of his first season sketches he showed mannerisms that we all know him for today--such as getting things wrong and getting worn-out from certain demonstrations. In Grover’s first few years on the show, his voice also sounded a bit deeper and gruffer than it later would.

As stated in the book Sesame Street Unpaved, as well as an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Grover’s best friend is Kermit the Frog. Grover has often assisted Kermit in his demonstrations, and usually ended up a victim. In other sketches, Grover comes to Kermit’s house, usually as a door-to-door salesman (or a plumber), and in these instances it is Kermit who is the victim.

Grover has also appeared in many sketches paired with the likes of Elmo, Herry Monster, Mr. Johnson (though he wouldn’t consider himself Grover’s best friend), Big Bird, and Herbert Birdsfoot.


In recent years, Grover has become more and more prominent on the show and in merchandising. This all started with 2004's pseudo Grover revival that included the direct-to-video A Celebration of Me, Grover and starring roles for Grover in quite a few of Season 35's street stories, along with "Global Grover," which was a staple on the show for years. Most recently Grover was given his own, brand new short-form series in Season 41, "Super Grover 2.0."

GROVER'S JOBS

Grover has had many different jobs on Sesame Street, but his most frequent job is that of a waiter employed at Charlie’s Restaurant. His most frequent , both at Charlie’s and other various locations, is Mr. Johnson (aka Fat Blue). Grover’s service is the bane of Mr. Johnson's existence--although he almost always reacts in shock whenever he sees that Grover will be serving him wherever he goes.

In addition to being a waiter, other jobs Grover has had include...

• Elevator operator
• Plumber
• Salesmonster
• Exercise instructor
• Stagehand
• Actor
• Taxi driver
• Limo driver
• Mailman
• Farmer
• Flight attendant
• Game show host
• Photographer

GROVER'S ALTERNATE IDENTITIES

Grover has had a variety of different identities in addition to himself and his various jobs. His most famous alternate identity is Super Grover (whose true identity, in the context of “The Adventures of Super Grover” sketches, is Grover Kent), who often tries to help others with their problems in some ridiculous way. Usually this means that Super Grover is oblivious to the fact that the people he's trying to help normally figure out how to solve the problems on their own. In season 41 the Super Grover costume got an upgrade for a series of sketches called “Super Grover 2.0," though the classic costume is still used outside of those sketches.

Other alternate identities include Marshall Grover, who is often paired with his trusty companion Fred the Wonder Horse, Professor Grover, who sometimes taught The Spanish Word of the Day, and Global Grover, a world traveler.

GROVER SONGS
Grover has performed many songs in Sesame Street's 41 years. Here's a list of some of his most famous songs...

• What Do I Do When I’m Alone?
• Over, Under, Around, and Through
• I Stand Up Straight and Tall
• Me
• How Do You Do? with Lena Horne
• Sing After Me with Madeline Kahn
• Fuzzy and Blue with Cookie Monster, Herry Monster, and Frazzle
• My Furry Little Shadow
• Monster in the Mirror

MEMORABLE GROVER MOMENTS

One of Grover’s signature routines is his demonstration of "Near and Far," in which he keeps running near and far from the screen to show the difference, until he gets worn out and faints. Grover first performed this routine in the Season 1. Grover would later show the difference between near and far while riding on a surf board in a sketch from the 1990s.

Other Grover sketches include a three-part sketch where Grover wants to talk about the number 2, his favorite number, in another, Grover and Biff appear as cavemen who try to move a rock up a hill, Grover has also echoed on a mountain, conducted an off-screen stereo, hosted awards ceremonies, provided an Outrageous Makeover: Home Addition, and, most recently, he has smelled like a monster while riding a horse--erm... cow. 

WHY DOES SESAME STREET NEED GROVER?

Sesame Street needs Grover for so many reasons. Grover represents the tenacity within us all--the drive we all have to never give up and never surrender, no matter how difficult, trying, or exhausting something might be. Yes, no matter how far (or near) Grover has to run, he never gives up. Whether he is Super Grover attempting to turn off a light, Waiter Grover trying to serve alphabet soup, or Marshal Grover riding into the sunset, Grover is the most tenacious of anyone on Sesame Street and he teaches kids watching how important it is to keep going, no matter the odds.

Grover is also fun-loving, funny, adorable, hugable, eager, talented, untalented, loving, and one of the greatest teachers anyone could ever ask for. What more or a reason do you need to see why Grover is a core, unmovable part of Sesame Street? Still need something? Fine... take this and call me in the morning.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

News Update: September 16, 2010

NEWS UPDATE: September 16, 2010

\Cat Cora, Angelo, and Fozzie Bear appeared on CBS's The Early Show yesterday morning to promote The Muppet Kitchen with Cat Cora. On the show they made some hamburgers or something, but the real fun was watching Fozzie and Angelo completely run over the interviewer in true Muppet fashion. A truly hilarious appearance and I don't think I've seen Fozzie in better form in a long time!

Everyone's favorite super monster, Super Grover, posted a new video to Grover's Facebook page where he offers tips about what makes a super hero super. The video is completely charming and showcases Grover's cute and super sides. Season 41 of Sesame Street starts September 27th!

A rumor is floating around one of the Disney Parks forums that a Muppet Meet-n-Greet attraction may be in the works for Disney's Hollywood Studios. According to said rumor, the attraction will feature an actual, puppet-version of Kermit the Frog for fans and visitors to the Disney theme park to interact with. No word yet on how this will be accomplished voice-wise, but if they can have a human-sized Mickey Mouse talking to guests with his real voice, I don't think we should put anything past the Disney Imagineers.

And, finally, Dave Goelz and a "special guest" will be coming to the St. Louis County Library near St. Louis, Missouri on October 1st! Dave will be hosting Muppet History 101 as part of the Muppets, Music and Magic: Jim Henson's Legacy series put on by The Jim Henson Legacy. The event starts at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00) and goes until 9:00 PM. The event includes Muppet material you won't see anywhere else including early TV appearances, commercials, and much more. A question and answer session with Dave wraps up the evening. It's sure to be an amazing night and Ryan Dosier (yours truly) is going to be there! Let us know if you'll be there too or be sure to say hello when you see me!











The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Sesame Street Saturdays: The Top 5 Things to Look Forward to in Season 41

The Top 5 Things to Look Forward To In Season 41

Shane Keating - In case you haven’t seen it yet, Sesame Workshop has released their online press kit for Season 41 of Sesame Street, debuting September 27th (a day before my birthday!), complete with clips, descriptions and more! The season’s full of great things, but here’s what I think will be the most exciting.

5. MUSIC MAGIC
This looks like a very interesting episode, starring Elmo (I can hear you groaning at home). Elmo finds Abby’s wand that she left behind and starts making everyone sing instead of talking.  It’s almost like the Simpsons episode, “All Singing, All Dancing”, except this isn’t a cheesy clip show. Plus, it’s got Bob great singing voice! When was the last time we heard that? (Answer: 2007) If the whole episode is as catchy as the video clip, I’m gonna have one long music file on my iPod!

4. THE PARODIES
Every year, the show churns out some really great, funny parodies of what’s hot now and stuff from the past. Some of the more recent ones have been really popular online, including last season’s “Mad Men” spoof and season 39’s “Pre-School Musical”. This season’s got a lot of interesting looking ones. One is “True Mud” (a parody of True Blood) where a man orders mud, but gets things that rhyme with mud (Apparently, it’s got Jerry Nelson in it!). A parody of The Closer features literal cases getting literally closed. The one I’m looking forward to the most is a parody of “It’s Raining Men” titled “It’s Raining Cookies” sung by…who else? Cookie Monster! I can’t stop listening to the preview clip they uploaded! There’s also parodies of the Fantastic Four (the Furry Four), The A-Team (complete with Telly in Mr. T-esque jewelry) and Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold” (I was so thinking her song would be a good song to make about opposites).

4. THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT
One episode this season stars Telly, where a salesman named Mack (Get it?) sells him the “iPogo”, a fancy new pogo-stick. However, Telly finds that while it can perform many functions, like calling people, taking pictures and cooling Baby Bear’s porridge, it’s not good at actually being a pogo-stick. Sound familiar to you? This one sounds like a really funny episode with a very funny, satirical story.

2. IRON MONSTER
Any episode with Grover as the star is bound to be sheer excellence. In this one, his Super Grover cape needs to be washed, but when he sees everyone in the Laundromat needs help, he creates a new superhero to help them – Iron Monster. As usual, he’s not good at helping (or using his super suit). His costume looks awesome (he looks like something out of the animated movie “Robots”) and the story’s full of characters Grover “helps” (Bert, Cookie, Chris, Maria, Gina and Gabi). With Grover as the star, you can’t go wrong, but when Grover’s involved in anything, something’s bound to go wrong anyways.

1. SUPER GROVER 2.0
Starting with season 39, the show’s been adding some longer segments featuring main characters. We’ve got “Elmo’s World”, “Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures”, “Murray Has a Little Lamb” and “Abby’s Flying Fairy School.” But now, we’ve got “SUPER GROVER 2.0!” It’s about time! I’ve been asking for new Super Grover sketches and looks like I got my wish (to some extent). He’s got a whole new outfit, a new super car (Will he still crash land?) and new mission: helping everyone around the world with their problems. Since Global Grover got the metaphorical axe, it’s good that Grover gets a new segment. And did they go all out or what?!

So, tune into season 41 when it hits your TVs this September to see all this and more!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Sesame Street Saturdays: New Sesame Short Series

A few days ago, our good friends over at ToughPigs broke the news that starting this fall in Season 41, some new short-form series will be debuting within episodes of Sesame Street. These series are much like the series of shorts included in Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures and the CGI Twiddlebugs shorts that were originally developed for overseas markets, but are being brought to the US to entertain children of the homestead.

What are these series you might ask? Well, we might tell you! (If you behave yourselves.)

• "Goodnight Elmo" starring Elmo and his dad, Louie, as Louie attempts to get Elmo to stop being so hyper and go to sleep. This will feature them going through their regular bedtime routine--including bedtime stories that become Sesame Street Fairy Tales.
• "Count TV" starring Count von Count (not to be confused with the iPhone app of the same name) as he discusses the Number of the Day and showcases Muppet and cartoon number-related skits. (Are you sure it's not to be confused with that iPhone app?) Apparently each segment will end with animated versions of Bert and Ernie tap-dancing and singing about the Number of the Day.
• "Super Grover 2.0" starring none other than Super Grover, albeit with an updated costume, this series showcases problem solving skills as Super Grover outwits a different parody of a Marvel Comics superhero in each segment.

Obviously these three series are bound to be extremely exciting and fun--especially the new Super Grover--so keep an eye out for them as Season 41, debuting this September, comes to your TV!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier