Who doesn’t love the Muppets! One of my fondest memories is sitting between my parents watching the Muppets and eating snacks. Although, the new shows a bit different it hasn’t lost any of its’ charm. I was blessed to visit the set of The Muppets as part of an event hosted by Disney/Pixar, Disney Channel, and ABC. The event was in Los Angeles, and all of my expenses were paid during the press trip in exchange for my coverage. However, All opinions are my own.
As part of the event, I had an opportunity to screen an upcoming episode of The Muppets “Going, Going, Gonzo” which airs tonight on ABC (December 1, 2015) and interview Executive Producers Randall Einhorn and Bill Barretta. I wanted to share with you a few fun facts; I discovered from the interview and my thoughts on tonight episode.
The Muppets “Going, Going, Gonzo”
Rather or not you are a Muppets fan or just being introduced to this group of zany characters, I think you will love the show.
In this episode, Gonzo is feeling nostalgic and decides to perform a stunt that he wanted to accomplish in his younger days as a performer. I connected with the story as I watched Gonzo contemplate if he should go forward with the high-flying stunt and overcome its fears or just ditch the idea.
Photo Credit: ABC Television
In addition to the story going on with Gonzo, Miss Piggy does a humorous duet with Joseph Gordon- Levitt (Tommy Solomon in the TV series 3rd Rock from the Sun)and Dave Grohl(Lead singer of the Foo Fighters and drummer for the grunge band Nirvana )
Photo Credit: ABC Television
Surprisingly enough, I was into grunge music in high school and grew up listening to Nirvana. Therefore, I had a flashback of my own hearing Dave Grohl rock out on the drums with Animal in a drum-off.
Don’t miss it tonight DECEMBER 1 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
If you haven’t started watching “The Muppets” tonight’s a get night to add it to your family’s watch list.
1) Why a late-night Talk Show?
The idea of having a show centered around a late night talk show was developed by the writing staff. They wanted to create an environment the brought the Muppets into the real world. Where Kermit now has a real job and responsibilities. Incorporating the Talk Show into the story line placed them into the real world, and it allowed a format where Piggy plays a Celebrity who has a Talk Show, kind of like Ellen, being the only Female Late Night Talk Show it gives Miss Piggy a place to be a diva.
2) Every wonder about the mechanics behind the Muppets?
Kermit – He is a malleable Rod Puppet, and if you look closely you can see the knuckles of Steve Whitmire’s hand as they create those facial manipulations we have all grew to love. Kermit’s arms are controlled by arms rods that go into his wrists.
Fozzie – Fozzie is operated by two people, one person that operates the movement of his head and left sides body movement while the other person controls the right side.
3) How do they pick the guest host?
The Muppets are a childhood character that many of the guests grew up watching and admire them too. Therefore, getting them on the show is just takes a simple text or phone call. There have been times where a celebrity wanted to do the show and a script’s been written just for them.
Thank You ABC for blessing me to visit the set it was such an amazing experience!
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