This week brings us back to the Jim Henson Hour, to continue the series we started back in 2008. Fans have really enjoyed revisiting this short-lived series since it’s never been released to home video, and this time we tackle the episode “The Ratings Game“.
Check with our friends at the Center for Puppetry Arts to see what’s new for 2009. Subscribe to their email newsletter and mention that you’re a MuppetCast listener when visiting to receive some special discounts!
The MuppetCast is sponsored by Bell, Book & Comic. Life should be more fun!
On January 30, William Paterson University will be hosting “Sesame Street at 40: A Night of Celebration and Discovery with the Legendary Cast“. This special evening’s panel discussion will feature Frank Oz, Kevin Clash, Caroll Spinney, Marty Robinson, Fran Brill, and David Rudman. Also on the panel are Sonia Manzano, Bob McGrath, and writer Tony Geiss. Author Michael Davis will be the evening’s moderator. Tickets are still on sale, call 973-720-2371 or email boxoffice@wpunj.edu to reserve your seats.
Along with the Jim Henson Hour, we remember beloved Muppeteer Richard Hunt this week. Richard passed away January 7, 1992 and fans are sending much love to Richard and his family through the Richard Hunt Lover’s Club (RHLC) on the Muppet Central Forums.
The Jim Henson Company moves forward with another science readiness program for preschoolers (along with Sid the Science Kid) with the new show Dinosaur Train. This 3D-animated show, which to my knowledge doesn’t use the HDPS puppetry system, is slated for PBS KIDS in fall 2009.
The JHC is also still delighting adult audiences with their live improv show Puppet Up! Uncensored. Brian Henson talked with LAWeekly.com about how they approach puppetry in that show.
Actor Pat Hingle passed away on January 3 at age 84. Muppet fans will remember him as Gen. Luft from 1999’s Muppets from Space. He also played Commissioner Gordon in multiple Batman films.
Do you own a cell phone? Chances are you do, since according to a new study more than HALF the world’s population owns one (boy did you get into the wrong buisness). The Joan Ganz Cooney Center is now looking at ways to harness mobile technology to promote learning. Just as Sesame Street brought new learning opportunities to children via TV, mobile learning is naturally the next platform, and the next target for Sesame Workshop.
The new Electric Company debuts on PBS on January 23. MySanAntonio.com gives us an inside look at one of the actors in the new series.
If you’re looking for a copy of Christmas Eve on Sesame Street on DVD, I think listener Sean W. found it for you. The DVD gift set Happy Holidays from Sesame Street contains 3 Sesame holiday specials: Elmo’s World: Happy Holidays, Elmo Saves Christmas, and of course Christmas Eve on Sesame Street.
Listener April sent two photos from a recent book signing event for “Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street” in Lincoln Triangle, in NYC. VIPs included author Michael Davis, Roscoe Orman, Christopher Cerf, Caroll Spinney, and Sonia Manzano. Check out the MuppetCast Flickr Page for the photos!
David Q. has an extensive YouTube channel featuring himself and the puppets of the David Quesal Puppet Troupe. The newest addition: “Hey, A Movie!“, starring everybody and David. Kevin Williams and his friend Muley the Mule also have quite a series going. How crazy does Muley get around Christmastime? See for yourself.
Listener Don sent a link to German singer Mary Roos (pronounced in English as “rose”, I later realized) and the Electric Mayhem from the German Die Muppet Show.
Questions/Comments about the Muppets or The MuppetCast can be emailed to me@muppetcast.com, or called in to the voice line at 614-364-4270. Even better, stop by the Muppet Central Forums and discuss this and many other episodes with Muppet fans worldwide.
Have a great week!
-Steve
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