News Update: June 19, 2014

JUNE 19, 2014

The biggest news this week is that Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy will be appearing on PBS's annual A Capitol Fourth special celebrating the 4th of July. Kermit and Piggy will perform "Rainbow Connection" with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Jack Everly. The appearance will be in conjunction with the promotion for Muppets Most Wanted on Blu-ray and DVD August 12th. A Capitol Fourth airs at 8:00pm EST on PBS on July 4th!

The O'Neill Puppetry Conference is one of, if not the most important puppetry conference and gathering of puppeteers. The Henson family, especially Jim and Jane Henson, were and are integral parts of the conference and have been since its inception. In honor of that, and Jim and Jane's influences on puppetry, The O'Neill Puppetry Conference will erect a new building named in honor of Jim and Jane Henson. According to our friends at ToughPigs.com, The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut is currently constructing a new building to dedicate to the Hensons, set to be unveiled in 2015.

Last week, we reported that The Muppet Movie and The Great Muppet Caper had been added to Netflix instant streaming. We also said that they should add the other Muppet movies to Netflix... and lo and behold, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island were added this week! Now, The Muppets, Muppets From Space, and Muppets Most Wanted are the only remaining Muppet features not on Netflix. Hopefully we'll see those and other Muppet productions will be added soon. But for now, you have no excuse not to watch Muppet movies!

As part of the promotional run for I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story, The LA Times profiled Caroll in a wonderful new article. The article shows, once again, how truly incredible Caroll is, stating that there's no way his final season performing on Sesame Street is coming anytime soon. "If you rest, you rust," Caroll says in the article. The article also sheds more light on Caroll's understudy for Big Bird, Matt Vogel, and has more info on the documentary that Muppet fans are dying to see. Be sure to give the exceptional article a read.

Yesterday Sesame Workshop announced an exciting new development for the future of Sesame Street. For their 45th season, Sesame Street will air both 60-minute and 30-minute versions of the show daily on PBS. The 60-minute show will continue to air in the mornings, with the 30-minute show airing in the afternoon. This allows Sesame Street to be watched by kids at home both in the mornings and afternoons. Below is some info from the official press release:

Furthering a commitment to using the power of media to educate and entertain America’s children, PBS KIDS and SESAME STREET will introduce a bonus half-hour program this fall on-air and on digital platforms. Starting Monday, September 1, the additional half-hour program will air on weekday afternoons on PBS stations, complementing the one-hour series that airs weekday mornings (check local listings). For the first time, selected full episodes of the 30-minute show will also be available for free online at pbskids.org/video, on the PBS KIDS Video App and on the PBS KIDS Roku channel.  By offering this bonus half hour of SESAME STREET in an additional timeslot and through a growing number of digital services, PBS KIDS hopes to reach even more children with one of America’s most beloved and educationally powerful children’s series.

“We’re thrilled to extend our reach on PBS. What better way to celebrate our 45th anniversary season than to touch more children’s lives,” added Terry Fitzpatrick, Chief Content and Distribution Officer at Sesame Workshop. “These days, families expect to be able to connect with their favorite SESAME STREET friends at any time of day. The new afternoon show is a great complement to our continuing efforts to reach more kids with engaging lessons that will help them grow smarter, stronger and kinder.”

The half-hour version of SESAME STREET will help kids learn a variety of skills, including the school readiness skills – such as impulse control and socio-emotional lessons – for which parents are increasingly seeking resources.

Each half-hour episode of SESAME STREET is a shortened version of each one-hour program and will include a “Street Story,” a “Word on the Street” segment, a celebrity vocabulary segment, songs, spoofs, dance breaks and popular segments like “Cookie’s Crumby Pictures” or “Super Grover 2.0.”

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Special Tribute to Jane Henson Airs December 24th

REGIS PHILBIN HOSTS 

A NEW YORK CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER

at St. Paul the Apostle

Holiday Special Airs on CBS Television Network 

Dec. 24, 11:35 PM (ET)

Special to Include Bible Passages Read by Regis Philbin & Dramatized by Puppet Performers Inspired by work created by the late Jane Henson as well as Performances by Heather Henson, The Fordham University Choir, the National Children’s Chorus and the St. Paul the Apostle Choir

New York, New York (December 3, 2013)--The TV holiday special A NEW YORK CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER at St. Paul the Apostle, presented as a service of Lessons and Carols from The Church of St. Paul the Apostle, Manhattan, will be part of the Christmas Eve services at the church and air nationally December 24 at 11:35pm eastern/pacific and 10:35pm central on CBS. Regis Philbin will proclaim the Bible passages of the birth of Jesus as dramatized by the puppet characters created by the late Jane Henson. Originally named Nativity Story, the performance has delighted audiences since 2008 and is produced and funded by daughters Cheryl Henson and Heather Henson.

Throughout the hour-long special, Philbin will tell Biblical stories intercut with performances by Heather Henson, The Fordham University Choir, The National Children’s Chorus and the St. Paul The Apostle Choir.

A NEW YORK CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER at St. Paul the Apostle is a joint production of The Church of St. Paul the Apostle, Paulist Productions, and Scott Mirkin Productions.  Rev. Gilbert Martinez, C.S.P., Marybeth Sprows, Rev. Eric Andrews, C.S.P. and Scott Mirkin will serve as Executive Producers. John P. Blessington is the Executive Producer for CBS.  This show is made possible in part through a grant from the Mary R. and Joseph R. Payden Foundation in memory of William R. Payden.  Funding for the puppet performances comes from The Jane Henson Foundation, Heather Henson (President of the Jane Henson Foundation and CEO IBEX, Inc.), Cheryl Henson (President of The Jim Henson Foundation) from the Henson family, and The Jim Henson Foundation. Puppets built by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.

Jane Henson’s Nativity Story Background:
Jane Henson, the wife of Jim Henson and co-creator of the original Muppets, was also an accomplished ceramicist, painter, and puppeteer.  Throughout her life she was inspired by the classic story of the birth of Christ.  The genesis of this version of the Nativity Story began 12 years ago.  At that time, Jane was studying sacred art at Catholic University and was particularly interested in both written and visual depictions of the birth of Jesus Christ, including those three-dimensional nativity scenes whose appearance in medieval Europe is traditionally credited to St. Francis of Assisi.  Her long association with puppetry and her Catholic background made the idea of a Christmas crèche, with figures that “come to life,” attractive to her.

In early 2008, Jane Henson put her vision into action and called like minds together, notably Sean Keohane, Director of Pinocchio’s Marionette Theater near Orlando, to create a new show that could tour churches.  “Probably Episcopal churches,” Jane said, adding, “We’ll never get puppets in the Catholic Church.”

Her daughter Heather Henson’s own company IBEX Puppetry designed and built the set, Jane Henson sculpted the heads for the puppets and oversaw their design as Jim Henson’s Creature Shop built and costumed each unique character. After a successful workshop performance at the National Puppetry Conference in 2009, the Nativity Story played several times at Pinocchio’s Marionette Theater, always to sold-out houses, and went on to tour churches and schools in Central Florida.

Following her funeral in early April 2013, Father Eric Andrews, C.S.P., President of Paulist Productions and a Jim Henson Company Alum, approached Cheryl and Heather Henson with the opportunity to showcase the Nativity Story during CBS’s annual Christmas Eve Prayer Service.  The holiday special will honor the legacy and artistry of their amazing Mother.  

For the upcoming national broadcast Christmas Eve, new puppets have been added to the cast, including shepherds, sheep, a bowing donkey, and an endearing baby Jesus in the manger.  Television personality Regis Philbin will proclaim the scripture as the nativity scenes come to life through Jane’s puppets.   The Nativity Story will be performed at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Columbus Circle, the mother church of the Paulist Fathers. A Catholic Church! Jane would be most pleased.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

News Update: April 5, 2013

NEWS UPDATE: April 5, 2013

Are you ready to hashtag your cares away, Muppet fans? Yesterday The Jim Henson Company started an official Twitter account for Fraggle Rock (handily choosing the username @FraggleRock). They haven't tweeted much yet, but there is promise of more Fraggle goodness to come--in 140 characters less, that is.

In news that might make you tear up, after the passing of co-founder of the Muppets Jane Henson, the Smithsonian American History Museum has decided to pay tribute in their own meaningful way. The Kermit the Frog puppet they have on display at the museum now sports a black armband in honor of Mrs. Henson. Check out the picture at right (click it to make it bigger) to see this wonderful tribute for yourself. It is a simple honor for a great woman, who worked a lot with the Smithsonian for exhibits like Jim Henson's Fantastic World and who donated the original Sam & Friends puppets to the museum recently.

A few weeks ago we reported that Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, and Animal would be appearing on the Disney Channel sitcom Good Luck Charlie on April 28th. Well, the fine folks at Entertainment Weekly have an exclusive clip from the appearance. In the clip, Kermit sings part of a brand new song written for the episode called "Dream House." The clip isn't terrible, so here's hoping the appearance isn't either!

Last week at a Disney Parks merchandising event, Disney showed off some new figures coming to the Parks for their annual Star Wars Weekends. This year those figures will include two brand new Muppet sets, including Uncle Deadly as Emperor Palpatine and Bean Bunny as an Ewok. Uncle Deadly also comes with Gonzo as Darth Vader and a chicken as an imperial guard. Deadly and Bean look fantastic and a definite must-buy for me! No word yet on when the figures will be released or how much they will cost.

Finally, in cameos for The Muppets... Again news, the folks over at BleedingCool.com are reporting that singer/songwriter/dancer/actor Usher has filmed a cameo for the movie. The article says that Usher's cameo part involved dancing with Sweetums, which could be hysterical and awesome--and very Muppet Show-esque. Just another reason to get excited for The Muppets... Again!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Muppet Fans Remember Jane Henson

After Jane Henson passed away, we asked Muppet fans to share their tributes to the Muppet Matriarch. Only a few fans got their tributes in by today, but we'll be taking work from anyone who wishes to submit it at muppetmindset@gmail.com.

 In Loving Memory of Jane Henson by Jesse Oliver

Kyle Mahoney - Without you there wouldn't be any of this, any of us here knowing each other and celebrating the amazing work that your husband created. Without you there would be no Muppets. You gave Jim the most important things in life: Love and Family. You two created an empire based on fun and silliness other than just profit. You were more than just business partners. You raised the amazing children who help keep your husband's work alive. But you were so much more than just a wife and mother. You were a builder. A Sculptor. You created the look and feel of the Muppets, You held your hand high above your head and gave the world the first glimpse of something that would change the face of entertainment. And even when you put your hand down for the last time, you kept looking, you kept finding more people who wanted their hands up. You helped find people to bring their dreams to life just like you helped Jim. Because that's the kind of person you are, the kind who helps people reach their dreams.

We'll Miss You Jane.

Andrew Molinaro performed a Muppet themed karaoke to celebrate Jane Henson. Watch the video below.



Chris Stulz - This is a collage to Jane Henson I made for Muppet Stuff. When searching for images to pay her tribute, I couldn't decide which photo I liked best. I mean she was right there, literally hands on, through so much of the Muppets history and I wanted to show how much she loved her family both flesh and felt. The original Kermit is holding a photo of Steve Whitmire and Jane to show the significance of Jane's recommendation to hire Steve and his then later taking over of Kermit after Jim's passing.The bottom images are a timeline of events from Jim and Jane's wedding, to the start of their family, and culminating in the picture on the right with all her children and grandchildren. The other images are spread out similar to the way reference images might be used in the workshop. The scissors and string are meant to convey the work she did behind and under the scenes, both in the making of earliest Muppets and continuing today to keep Jim's vision alive with the Jim Henson Legacy. 

Mitchell Stein - Although she is not as big of a name as say, Jerry Nelson, Jane still had a big part in the creation of the Muppets. Jane did many great things in her life. She co-founded the creation of the Muppets alongside Jim, and even founded the Jim Henson Legacy, shortly after Jim's death. If not for Jane, we might not even know the Muppets as we do now. Jane was a very important part in the Muppets and standing alongside Jim all those years. 

Jane was a beautiful, kind-hearted person throughout her life. She will be sorely missed. My condolences to the entire family. Rest in peace Jane.

KonyPuppetsTV created this beautiful montage video of photos of Jane set to Sarah McLachlan's cover of "Rainbow Connection." Watch the video below.

Tribute to Jane Henson by Christopher Smigliano

We miss you, Jane and thank you for everything.

Remember if you have a tribute for Mrs. Henson to submit it to muppetmindset@gmail.com.





The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Thank You, Jane Henson

JANE NEBEL HENSON (1934-2013)

Yesterday the world lost one of its most beautiful lights as Jane Henson passed away at the age of 78. Jane is the widow of Jim Henson and the mother of five children, Brian, Cheryl, Lisa, Heather, and John Henson and grandmother to numerous grandchildren. With Jim, she co-created the Muppets and performed for Sam & Friends. She later went on to found The Jim Henson Legacy which has done immeasurable good in furthering Jim Henson's mission and celebrating his work.

Two years ago I had the immense pleasure of meeting Mrs. Henson in Peoria, Illinois when she came to speak at the opening of the Jim Henson's Fantastic World exhibit at the museum there. Thanks to the wonderful Arthur Novell, I got the chance to speak with Jane, shake her hand, and take my picture with her. Hearing Jane speak about her and Jim's work during the event was an unprecedented moment that stands out in my Muppet experience. Being with the co-founder of the Muppets was a true highlight.

Jane Henson's puppetry work on Sam & Friends and a few other places is something she was quite proud of. Not many people could keep up with Jim, the master himself, with very little training. But it is Jane's philanthropy that I most admire her for. After Jim passed away, Jane became the torch bearer for his name and his legacy--literally, when she started The Jim Henson Legacy. Jane worked hard to showcase the history of the Muppets, the importance of Jim's work, and the talent that brought that work to life.

As Muppet fans, we all owe Mrs. Henson and immeasurable debt. Jane Henson co-founded the Muppets. She stood beside Jim Henson during his life and after. She showed the world that Jim's legacy is important. Thank you, Jane Henson, for everything you did for the Muppets, the Muppet family, Muppet fans, and the world. The Jane Henson Legacy will never be forgotten.

If you would like to submit any written tributes or artwork celebrating Mrs. Henson, please email your submission to us at muppetmindset@gmail.com. We'll focus the submissions on the site throughout the week.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Jane Henson's Fantastic World

Ryan Dosier - This past Thursday, February 24th, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Peoria, Illinois. Now, normally, this would be an exceptionally unincredible thing (especially at the end of February on a day when ten inches of snow is predicted), but on February 24th, the one and only Jane Henson, wife of Jim Henson (duh), was making a special appearance at the Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences. The Lakeview Museum is currently playing host to the wonderful touring exhibit, Jim Henson's Fantastic World (and will be until May 1st, 2011).

Jane Henson was hanging out in Peoria to present "Look Both Ways," her special presentation that highlights some of Jim Henson's earliest great work, including his early Sesame Street counting shorts, Sam & Friends clips (including "Visual Thinking," "Punsmoke," and Kermit's Interview with Huntley and Brinkley), vintage talk show appearances, and concluding with the entire Timepiece.

Mrs. Henson was a delight throughout. She was charming and funny and sweet during the presentation and screening and even after she was great sport to adoring fans coming up to her after the presentation--including myself. I was lucky enough to get a picture with Mrs. Henson and talk to her for a few minutes thanks to president and chief executive of The Jim Henson Legacy, Arthur Novell, who was also present at the screening and was kind enough to introduce me and Lisa the Intern to Mrs. Henson after the screening.

Oh, right, I forgot to mention, Lisa the Intern was there too! The drive was significantly shorter for her... but I couldn't pass up this opportunity to not only meet Jane Henson, but also meet Lisa the Intern in person for the first time. For those of you who don't know your Muppet Mindset history... Lisa the Intern and I have been online friends and collaborators for nearly six years now, and this past Thursday evening was the first time we had ever met in person. What an event, huh?

Anyhow... if you haven't yet gotten the chance to see Jim Henson's Fantastic World and you live within close proximity to Peoria, Illinois, I can't recommend you going to see this exhibit highly enough. I had not seen the exhibit since it toured in Orlando a few years ago, and I had forgotten how incredible it truly is. There are real Muppets (Kermit, Rowlf, Bert, Ernie, Mahna Mahna, Snowths, King Goshposh, Featherstone, Sir Linit, Wilkins and Wontkins, Gobo Fraggle, Cantus the Minstrel), original Jim Henson sketches, props, photos, and so many other wonderful treasures. It's a glorious celebration of Jim Henson's career and there's no better place for a Muppet fan to visit if you can possibly make the trip.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier