The Muppet Show Live

During the first (and thus far, only) MuppetFest celebration, The Muppet Show Live staged on December 9, 2001 at the Hollywood Palace in Hollywood, California.

Written by Craig Shemin and Jim Lewis, with stage direction by Bill Barretta, the program was a collection of on-stage performances and classic Muppet Show clips projected on a large screen.

Guest stars included Brooke Shields and Paul Williams. Lionel Richie was scheduled to be a guest, but was too sick to show up.

Some of the acts included....


 * A new performance of "Mahna Mahna," with Bill Barretta performing Mahna Mahna to a pre-recorded track.


 * Some new Muppet News Flash segments with Brian Henson performing The Newsman in that character's first and only recast since Jim Henson died. The audience on the lower level was able to participate with these sketches by throwing things at the Newsman.


 * Paul Williams singing a medley of songs that he wrote for various Henson productions.


 * A new performance of "The Rainbow Connection," with a stage full of Muppets (including Elmo) and a monitor for on-screen lyrics, allowing the fans in the audience to sing-along.