The world was never really the same after the passing of Jim Henson, creator of “The Muppets.” The loss of his special brand of optimism and humor is still felt, 30 years later. Which brings us to a very special reunion happening this Saturday, to mark the occasion.
Photo by Chris Devers
Victoria Labalme (co-producer of the fantastic Frank Oz documentary “Muppet Guys Talking: Secrets Behind The Show The Whole World Watched”) has managed to put together a live stream event, featuring members of the puppeteers who brought some of the most iconic Muppets to life.
Frank Oz (Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Cookie Monster, Grover), Bill Barretta (Pepe the King Prawn, Johnny Fiama, Bobo the Bear, Big Mean Carl), Fran Brill (Prairie Dawn, Zoe, Little Bird, Betty Lou), and Dave Goelz (The Great Gonzo, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Zoot, Boober Fraggle) are all set to be involved in this gathering of those who knew and worked with Jim.
Jim’s work was never just about entertainment. There was always a generous intent underneath. In that spirit, this livestream will also be a fundraiser to help those who are on the front lines battling Covid 19.
The event will officially go live on the website starting on Saturday May 16th at 4 p.m. EST, 1 p.m. PT. It’s free to watch, you just have to register ahead of time, but everyone who joins will be asked to donate financially to assist frontline workers in need of funding.
If you do register now, you can even submit a question for the group!
“Life’s like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending.”
Mary Anne Butler (Mab) has been part of the fast-paced world of journalism since she was 15, getting her start in album reviews and live concert coverage for a nationally published (print) music magazine. She eventually transitioned to online media, writing for such sites as UGO/IGN, ComicsOnline, Geek Magazine, Ace of Geeks, Aggressive Comix (where she is still Editor-in-Chief), Bleeding Cool (where she was News Editor), and now NerdBot as News Editor.
Over the past 10 years, she’s built a reputation at conventions across the globe as a cosplayer (occasionally), photographer (constantly), panelist and moderator (mostly), and reporter (always). Interviews, reviews, observations, breaking news, and objective reporting are the name of the game for the founder of Harkonnen Knife Fight, a Dune-themed band with an international presence.
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