Muppet Classic Theater



Muppet Classic Theater is a 68-minute direct-to-video feature that was first released by Jim Henson Video on September 27, 1994. The production was notable for being the Muppets' first feature-length direct-to-video production (with to date the only other being 2002's Kermit's Swamp Years).

Taking place in the Muppet Theater, Gonzo and Rizzo host a presentation of six fairy tales performed by the Muppets. Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Robin the Frog, Gonzo and Rizzo star in the various stories. The production also marked the first appearance of Andy and Randy Pig and the Elvises, who later appeared on Muppets Tonight.

Written by Jim Lewis and Bill Prady, each story also features an original song by Philip Balsam, Dennis Lee, Mark Radice, and Michael and Patricia Silversher. Lewis says that Muppet Classic Theater is his favorite among his Muppet work: "My personal favorite among my own projects is Muppet Classic Theater which I co-wrote with Bill Prady. It was done relatively soon after Jim's passing, and it was in many ways a re-gathering of the clan. It was fun. Plus it’s just silly, with no great message. I'm fond of it and hope it sees the light of DVD someday."

Songs

 * "Show Me Some Respect"
 * "The Midas Touch"
 * "Who Do You Think You're Fooling?"
 * "Gotta Get That Name"
 * "Nothing's Too Good for You"
 * "Blue Suede Shoes"

Credits

 * Muppet Performers: Dave Goelz, Jerry Nelson, Steve Whitmire, Frank Oz, Bill Barretta, Julianne Buescher, Brian Henson, Bruce Lanoil, Allan Trautman, Cheryl Blaylock, Tim Blaney, Kevin Carlson, Terri Hardin, Drew Massey, James Murray, Joe Selph, and Michelan Sisti.
 * Director: David Grossman
 * Writers: Bill Prady ("King Midas" and "The Boy Who Cried Wolf") and Jim Lewis ("The Three Little Pigs", "Rumpelstilskin", "The Emperor's New Clothes", and "The Elves and the Shoemaker").

Goofs

 * In the "The Elves and the Shoemaker" tale, Rizzo walks onstage to speak to Kermit and Robin about a gift to give the Elvises. As Steve Whitmire was already performing Kermit, he could not puppeteer for Rizzo at the same time and Rizzo's voice is recognizably that of Dave Goelz.

Releases

 * The video was sold as "Muppet Fairy Tales" in Europe.
 * The episodes were released separately as bonus features on the UK DVD compilations The Very Best of the Muppet Show: Volume 2 and The Very Best of the Muppet Show: Volume 3.