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| PERFORMER | Jim Kroupa Nicky Napoleon |
| DEBUT | 1985 |
Animatronic penguin
Nicky Napoleon and His Emperor Penguins is the name of a Muppet penguin band first seen in episodes of Little Muppet Monsters, then later as a penguin orchestra in Muppet*Vision 3D.
On Little Muppet Monsters, the group is introduced breaking into the Muppets' townhouse through the basement window, seeing it as their way to "break" into show business. They are soon hired by the titular Muppet monsters to provide musical accompaniment for their TV show.
In Muppet*Vision 3D, the penguins (now resembling The Muppet Show penguin design) are most prominent as a collection of audio-animatronic characters within the physical theater. However, a few band members are seen as puppets, flying through the air during the explosive climax. Another penguin is rendered in CGI as it gets sucked into the Muppet Labs Vacuu-Muppet. Individual band members include Elmer, Eugene, and Estelle. With the exception of two full-bodied penguins who fire the cannon, Nicky Napoleon and company end at the waist. Scissor lifts within the orchestra pit raise and lower the penguins to the audience's view.
In The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years, the penguins combined with Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem to form the orchestra, conducted by Nigel. The unique penguin puppets were later seen in The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson, providing a musical introduction for Miss Piggy.
Another penguin orchestra is seen in the home video Muppet Classic Theater, but they're not identified as this particular group.