This week brings us episode 6 of the Jim Henson Hour, titled “Monster Maker.” Along with Muppet trivia and news, we’ll be focusing on a story that was very attractive to Jim: a famous creature maker, somewhat of a loner, takes a talented youngster under his wing and teaches him the skills of his craft, and advises him not to make the same mistakes he’s made in life.
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!
Don’t forget, 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.
Fans who plan on attending the Sesame event at WPU can read and participate in this discussion going on at the Muppet Central Forums. Maybe we can all meet up somewhere during that weekend!
The newly revamped Electric Company makes its debut on PBS this week! Read all about it in this article from the LA Times.
Sesame Workshop has received four CINE Golden Eagle awards. One for an episode of Northern Ireland’s Sesame Tree, and three for its Educational Outreach Initiatives: Here For You, Let’s Get Ready!, and Talk, Listen, Connect: Deployments, Homecomings, Changes.
The historic 40th season of Sesame Street will have an overarching theme focusing on nature and the environment. A great deal of research goes into everything the Workshop produces, and much of that research is done directly with youngsters who watch the show!
The 2008 Jim Henson Honors were recently announced, and Shigeru Miyamoto, GM of Nintendo Entertainment is the top recipient, receiving the Jim Henson Celebration Honor. Other honorees included the Center for Puppetry Arts Distance Learning Center (Creativity Honor), artist Shepard Fairey (Community Honor), and the video game Spore (Technology Honor).
The JHC also announced recently the relaunch of its Consumer Products division. This group, lead by newly appointed Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Products Melissa Segal, will manage all product development and licensing for Henson Company products once the existing agreements with HIT Entertainment expire early this year.
Brian Cronin posted an opinion article from “John Seavey’s Storytelling Engines” on GoodComics.com talking about what made the Muppets continually fresh and funny. Good analysis of Muppet characters and humor.
Thanks for downloading and listening to the podcast! The MuppetCast couldn’t continue to produce new weekly episodes without the continued support of listeners like you.
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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