Day One • Day Two
The Muppet Show Live
MuppetFest was a two-day convention for Muppet fans held on December 8th and 9th, 2001, in Santa Monica, California. The convention, a celebration of the 25th anniversary of The Muppet Show, included two days of panels and presentations, and a live show -- The Muppet Show Live -- at the end of the second day.
The guests included Martin Baker, Bill Barretta, David Barrington-Holt, Claudia Black, Kevin Clash, Dave Goelz, Jane Gootnick, David Gumpel, Brian Henson, Jane Henson, Lisa Henson, John Kennedy, Jim Lewis, Jerry Nelson, Ritamarie Peruggi, Michael Polis, Karen Prell, Charles Rivkin, Craig Shemin, Kirk Thatcher, Amy Van Gilder, Steve Whitmire, and Paul Williams. Greg Berg of Muppet Babies could also be seen at some exhibits as well.
Muppet characters who appeared during the panel discussions and presentations included Bean Bunny, Bunsen Honeydew, Clifford, Floyd Pepper, Gonzo, Johnny Fiama, Kermit the Frog, Young Kermit, Miss Piggy (on tape), Pepe the King Prawn, Phil van Neuter, Rizzo the Rat, and Sal Minella. From outside The Muppet Show family of characters, Bear, Elmo and Mr. Tinkles appeared. Additional characters were featured in The Muppet Show Live.
The "Prop/Puppet Museum" in the exhibit area featured displays of various Muppets and Creatures - including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Rizzo the Rat, Gonzo, Camilla, The Swedish Chef, Fozzie Bear, Animal, Statler and Waldorf, an African mask, Baby Sinclair, Captain Abraham Smollett and several pirates from Muppet Treasure Island (Blind Pew, Walleye Pike, Spotted Dick and Beggar), the titular snowman from Jack Frost, Rodney and Jake from Dr. Dolittle, the head of An Ape Named Ape from George of the Jungle, various animals from Cats & Dogs, and several characters from Brats of the Lost Nebula; plus various concept art, maquettes and other displays from Henson productions.
Schedule[]
Saturday, December 8, 2001[]
NOON | Doors Open |
12:20 | Live Muppet Music |
12:35 | Opening Introduction by Kirk Thatcher |
12:40 | Brian Henson |
12:50 | The History of The Muppet Show
|
1:35 | Historic Henson Clips |
1:45 | Creature Shop -- Overview of the Creature Shop (20-Year History) with David Barrington-Holt
|
2:30 | Jim Henson's Time Piece introduced by Lisa Henson |
2:45 | Bear from Jim Henson's Bear in the Big Blue House |
2:55 | Muppet Q & A - Muppet Performers and their Characters |
3:45 | Muppet Music Sing-Along with Jerry Nelson |
3:55 | Fraggle Rock, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal
|
4:45 | Historic Henson Clips |
4:55 | Creating the Classic Muppets
|
6:00 | Autograph Session |
Exhibit Area Activities: | |
NOON | Look for Sweetums as you enter the Civic Auditorium |
1:00 | Bill Barretta and Kevin Clash Meet & Greet |
1:45 | Bear from Jim Henson's Bear in the Big Blue House Meet & Greet |
Sunday, December 9, 2001[]
NOON | Doors Open |
12:00 | live Muppet Music |
12:15 | Opening Introduction by Craig Shemin |
12:20 | Jane Henson's Presentation
|
1:05 | Historic Henson Clips |
1:15 | Muppet Q & A - Performers and their characters |
2:15 | Kermit's Swamp Years
|
2:40 | Creature Shop Part Two: Demonstration with David Barrington-Holt
|
3:05 | Virtual Muppet - Henson Digital Performance System guided by Kermit and Gonzo |
3:35 | Video Tribute to Jim Henson - Introduced by Charlie Rivkin |
3:45 | The Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of The Muppet Show
|
4:35 | Auction of Henson and Muppet Collectibles |
5:10 | You're the Star! - A puppeteering demonstration
|
5:45 | Historic Muppet Clips |
Exhibit Area Activities: | |
1:10 | Sweetums Meet-and-Greet |
2:30 | Bear from Jim Henson's Bear in the Big Blue House Meet & Greet |
At the Hollywood Palace: | |
9:00 | The Muppet Show Live |
Gallery[]
See also[]
External links[]
- MuppetFest coverage on MuppetCentral.com - Articles, transcripts, and photos gallery
- MuppetFest coverage on ToughPigs.com - "My Week with MuppetFest"
- Creation Entertainment's MuppetFest Pictures - Photo gallery