The Force is Strong with The Muppets

Ryan Dosier - The Muppets have a long, compelling history with the Star Wars franchise. In celebration of today, May the 4th (as in, May the 4th Be With You), I'm going to attempt to delve into some of these epic meet ups between the Muppets and a galaxy far, far away.

The Muppet Show Guest Starring the Stars of Star Wars
This is definitely my favorite Muppet/Star Wars meet up. It's got everything: Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill (Luke's cousin), C-3PO, R2-D2, Chewbacca, Dearth Nadir, and Angus McGonagle the Gargling Argyle Gargoyle. Really though, this episode highlights everything that's great about The Muppet Show and everything great about Star Wars in one convenient 25 minute sitting. The plot loosely centers on Luke Skywalker, C-3PO, and R2-D2 attempting to find the kidnapped Chewbacca after landing on "some sort of strange variety show planet."

This leads to Scooter, Kermit, and Fozzie trying to sway the gang to guest star on the show, which eventually, of course, the inadvertently do. We also get great Muppet Show songs and sketches like Scooter's "Six String Orchestra," "Ram-a-Lam-a-Ding-Dong," Angus McGonagle gargling Gershwin with Mark Hamill, and Mark Hamill's terrible Muppet impressions. It all culminates in a double-length "Pigs in Space" sketch which takes the Star Wars gang to Koozebane to face off with Dearth Nadir and sing a mash up of "You Are My Lucky Star" and "When You Wish Upon a Star." Obviously this had to include C-3PO showing off his tap-dancing skills and Mark Hamill's dulcet, operatic tones.

Yes, it's as weird and wonderful as it sounds and this episode alone should be reason enough for Disney to finally release The Muppet Show Season 4 on DVD.

C-3PO and R2-D2 Visit Sesame Street
In 1980, Sesame Street had two Droid visitors: R2-D2 and C-3PO. The duo got to hang around with Big Bird, Bob, Linda, Luis, Maria, David, Oscar the Grouch, and the kids in two episodes on the Street and in various inserts after that. Just some of the wonderful things that happen in these episodes include R2-D2 falls in love with a fire hydrant, R2 delivering a message to Oscar from his alien-grouch relation "Lothar the Grouch," R2 and 3PO singing a song about counting with Big Bird and an alphabet song with Bob, and the Droids learning about feelings from Big Bird. It's nice to see that George Lucas was so cool with the Droids being goofy and innocent on Sesame Street, because their appearance makes for some of the best the show had to offer in the '80s.

Muppet Babies Episode "Muppet Babies: The Next Generation"
My absolute favorite episode of Muppet Babies is this marvelous spoof of Star Wars, Star Trek, and The Jetsons. I wore out my videotape of this episode as a kid. I was (and still am) so enamored by Baby Animal as both "Yodie" and Animal Vader, Baby Gonzo as "Gon Zolo," Baby Fozzie as "Fozz-Wacca," and poor Baby Scooter being one-upped by Baby Bean Bunny when he tries to play R2-D2. The episode gets more and more ridiculous as the Muppet Babies start to mix up their imaginary worlds. At one point there are four different versions of Baby Kermit, as Luke Skyhopper, Captain Kirkmit, Indiana Frog, and Kermit Spaceton all try to save Baby Piggy. This episode is truly Muppet Babies at its finest and one of the best Star Wars parodies on this or any cartoon show.

These Pictures

Oscar the Grouch and Darth Vader in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

Darth Chicken in "Elmo: The Musical"

Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Yoda, and Luke Skywalker on set of The Empire Strikes Back

And that's the best of the best from the Muppets and Star Wars! Thanks for reading, Muppet fans! And May the 4th be with you!

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

Vinylmation World Muppets/Star Wars Custom Series

Last night, our friends at Vinylmation World released an incredible custom Vinylmation set by artist Ryan Branoff that spotlights The Muppets/Star Wars mash-ups that we've been seeing around the Disney Parks in recent years. The figures are gorgeous and awesome and you can check out all of them below! Unfortunately, these figures sold out incredibly fast, but you can still enjoy the pictures below!

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

Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: Dearth Nadir

DEARTH NADIR

Performed by...
Dave Goelz

First appearance...
The Muppet Show Episode 402: Crystal Gayle (1979)

Most recent appearance...
On-Screen - The Muppet Show Episode 417: Star Wars (1980)
Other - Disney Parks Star Wars Merchandise (2008-present)

Best known role...
Mysterious intergalactic evil being in a black suit

True identity...
The world may never know!

WHO IS DEARTH NADIR?
Dearth Nadir is a villain from The Muppet Show. Cloaked in black and wearing a mask, no one knows the true identity of this evil being. Nadir haunts the crew of the S.S. Swinetrek in the "Pigs in Space" segment in two different episodes. In his first appearance in Episode 402 with guest star Crystal Gayle, Dearth Nadir invaded the Swinetrek with his army of chicken stormtroopers. After some banter, Nadir orders his chicken-troopers to peck the crew, including Captain Link Hogthrob, Dr. Julius Strangepork, and First Mate Miss Piggy, to death.

When Luke Skywalker, C-3PO, and R2-D2, from something called Star Wars, were guest stars on the show in Episode 417, they took to the Swinetrek to search for their lost comrade Chewbacca the Wookie. Their search did not last too long before their communications were hailed by that villainous scourge Dearth Nadir. The Swinetrek lands on the surface of the planet Koozebane to face Dearth Nadir, who is holding Chewbacca captive.

This leads Luke Skywalker, Captain Link Hogthrob, and the rest to face off with Dearth Nadir. As the menacing fiend approaches, breathing forcefully, he simply asks Skywalker the terrifying question... "Who's your tailor, I love that outfit!" We never get an answer, so Dearth Nadir uses some terrible power to neutralize all of the weapons--except for Chewbacca, who arrives to attack Nadir. Dearth Nadir seems defeated, until he calls in his secret weapon: Angus McGonagle the gargling Argyle Gargoyle!!

After coming to a stalemate, both Skywalker and Nadir wonder what could possibly get them out of this mess. Kermit the Frog rushes in with the answer... a song and dance number! Dearth Nadir happily joins in on performing a medley of "You Are My Lucky Star" and "When You Wish Upon a Star" before never being seen onscreen again.

Dearth Nadir has been immortalized in scores of merchandise throughout the years. He graced the cover of Muppet Magazine (shockingly unmasked), appeared in comics for both Muppet Magazine and the Muppet Babies comic book, has been seen on posters and t-shirts, and was made into a PVC and action figure at Disney Parks in 2008 (seen at right). Dearth Nadir continues to be used in a lot of Disney Parks merchandise, and the world may still never know who he is.

WHY DO THE MUPPETS NEED DEARTH NADIR?
No one needs this villainous scourge! He is ruthless and menacing to the entire galaxy. If only we knew his true identity...

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

Muppetology 101: Intro to Felt and Force

Ryan Dosier - Greetings, class! Welcome to May the 4th. Today the world (or at least the nerds of the world) celebrate Star Wars because today's date sort of sounds like the Star Wars mantra "May the Force be with you." Anyway, rather than fight against this holiday (who are we to deny anyone the right to celebrate?), we thought we would lean into it by showcasing some of the Muppet connections to Star Wars in pictures! (No, it's not our traditional way of holding class... but it's almost summer, and we're getting lazy.)

Widely-used promotional image (1980s)

Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker, C-3PO, R2-D2, and Chewbacca appear on The Muppet Show (1980)

 C-3PO and R2-D2 visit Big Bird on Sesame Street (1980s)

Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy visit the set of Empire Strikes Back

Dearth Nadir hijacks the S.S. Swinetrek on The Muppet Show (1980)

  One of Muppet Babies many Star Wars references (1984)

 Oscar the Grouch with Darth Vader in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)

 Darth Chicken in "Elmo: The Musical" on Sesame Street (2012)

Disney Parks Muppets/Star Wars PVC figures (2008)

Disney Parks Muppets/Star Wars action figures (2011)

Well class, that's about all the time (and energy) we have today. Your homework assignment is to watch The Muppet Show Episode 417: Star Wars and practice gargling Gershwin.

So long, Muppet fans, and may the Force be with you!

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

Not Quite Muppets

Kyle Mahoney - Throughout history there have always been puppets, and although many strive to be as lifelike and beloved as Jim Henson's Muppets... they're just not considered Muppets. But many have connections to the Muppets, and although they aren't Muppets I feel like some of them deserve to have a bit of recognition here at the Muppet Mindset. So we'll take a few well known puppets and see how they're connected to the Muppets and how they aren't.

Audrey II - Little Shop of Horrors
This carnivorous alien plant first took root in 1982 in the off-Broadway musical Little Shop of Horrors. The plant was designed and manipulated by Martin P. Robinson (Telly Monster and Snuffy on Sesame Street) but was not a direct product of The Jim Henson Company. Several versions of Audrey II were made, from a tiny, dying bud to a full-fledged monster able to swallow a person whole!

Four years later Frank Oz would adapt the show into a film, his first non-Muppet production. The film would still utilize puppetry for Audrey II. As with the original production many different versions of the puppet were built, all of which used advanced animatronics. Although Henson did not have a hand in the project he did know many people who worked on the project, including his son Brian Henson who was a principle puppeteer for the plant.

In 2003 the show was revived on Broadway and once again Marty Robinson stepped in and built the puppets used. But this time The Jim Henson Company helped him out and was credited in the design. Other Muppeteers who became part of the production included Matt Vogel and Anthony Ashbury.

Yoda - Star Wars
Long ago in a galaxy far, far away... a little green man made English teachers cringe. In Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, we are introduced to the greatest Jedi master who ever lived, Yoda. A common misconception is that Henson built Yoda and not farther from the truth could that be. Yoda was actually built by Stuart Freeborn who worked for Lucasfilm. Altough Jim and George Lucas did exchange a few technological ideas, that was the extent of Henson's involvement on the project.

Frank Oz, on the other hand, took a much bigger part in the character's creation. Not only did Frank help design the puppet, but he is perhaps best known as Yoda's voice performer with assistance from Kathryn Mullen. Lucas was so impressed with Oz's performance that he put Oz's name in the possibilities for the category Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Academy Awards.

When George Lucas created the prequels for Star Wars, Oz once again provided the voice but with the exception of The Phantom Menace, Yoda was done with CGI. Currently Oz does not perform the voice for Yoda in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Tom Kane has taken over.

Avenue Q
In 2003 the Broadway show Avenue Q took puppets to a much more mature level, dealing with adult subjects. The play is meant to mirror the set-up of Sesame Street in that humans live amongst monsters and puppets in a New York City street. The puppets were built by former Muppeteer Rick Lyon through his puppet company. Although a bit of a legal dispute arose due to the similarities of the characters, the show was still put on with a fine print stating that the production is in no way affiliated with Sesame Workshop, The Muppets Studio, or The Jim Henson Company.

Lyon not only built the puppets but performed the characters Nicky, Trekkie Monster, and a Bad Idea Bear. Other Sesame Street performers joined him as well. John Tartaglia starred in the production as the characters Princeton and Rod, for which he was nominated for a Tony Award. Stephanie D'Abbruzzo performed Kate Monster and others and was also nominated for a Tony Award. Jennifer Barnhart took on a few roles and was an auxiliary puppeteer for when two characters played by the same performer were onstage or when a live hand puppet needed the use of both hands. The performance mimicked certain aspects of Sesame Street such as teaching new words such as Schadenfreude (happiness at the misfortune of others) and the idea of two very different people being roommates with Nicky and Rod.

So although they aren't Muppets or Henson creatures, let's tip our hats to these characters for being great works of puppetry that have just enough of a connection to Henson that we can talk about them with the same affection.





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

News Update: September 14, 2012

NEWS UPDATE: September 14, 2012

The Comic Buyer's Guide, the longest running magazine about comics, has an awesome cover story this week entitled: "More Than Muppets: Jim Henson's Comic Collection" written by our friend Whitney Grace. Just as it sounds, the article features a very impressive overview of all the comic incarnations of Jim Henson's creations--including the rare, vintage Pierre the Rat comic strip drawn by Jim himself! The article covers everything from Marvel's The Muppets Take Manhattan comic to the early 2000's Dark Crystal/Labyrinth graphic novels to BOOM!'s Muppet series and beyond! It really is a fantastic read and you should pick it up wherever comics are sold!

Friend of the blog Josh Armstrong recently let us know that his website Know the Artist interviewed another friend of the blog, I Am Big Bird filmmaker Dave LaMattina! You know we're suckers for anything involving I Am Big Bird and behind the scenes info, so this interview was a real treat. I highly suggest checking it out! It'll shed some more light on this hugely exciting upcoming documentary.

The winners of The Jim Henson Company and Talenthouse's Fraggle Rock design contest have finally been revealed! The winning design, by Inbal Hoffman, is below, but you can check out all of the finalists on Talenthouse's page, as well as purchase merchandise, including mugs, water bottles, laptop covers, t-shirts, and hats, featuring the finalists' designs on CafePress. Congratulations to the winner and all the finalists!

My favorite thing this week is two fantastic video starring the voices of Elmo and Cookie Monster on an Australian radio talk show. Why is this so awesome? Because they are doing their own hilarious takes on classic scenes from classic movies: A Few Good Men and Star Wars. You haven't lived until you've heard Cookie Vader. Enjoy.











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