2023 event artwork
"The Muppets Take Mahoning" is a series of Muppet-themed events, consisting of Muppet film screenings and other activities, held at the Mahoning Drive-In in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. The events are co-presented by The Barretta Brothers podcast.
2023[]
The first event took place on May 20, with a double feature screening of The Muppet Movie and The Muppets. Coordinated and co-hosted in-person by Gene Barretta, the event also included a livestreamed episode of The Barretta Brothers with event co-host Bill Barretta (appearing remotely) and guests Virgil Cardamone (theater partner and curator), Ed Christie, and Brian Henson (who showed rare, behind the scenes photos from The Muppet Movie) (YouTube).
Also appearing in video introductions, pre-recorded specifically for this event, were Dave Goelz, Bill Barretta, Matt Vogel, Eric Jacobson, David Rudman, and Peter Linz.
In addition to screening the two films, the drive-in also showed a collection of Muppet trailers before the feature presentation, including the Sesame Street "Don't Forget to Watch the Movie" policy video and the original theatrical trailers for The Great Muppet Caper, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppet Treasure Island and Muppets from Space. (YouTube) After the main event ended, the Fraggle Rock DVD Dance Your Cares Away was screened for patrons who stayed in their vehicles overnight.
The movies were screened from 35mm film on Simplex film projectors that have been in use since the drive-in opened in 1949 (as featured in the 2017 documentary At the Drive-In). Theater booker and curator Virgil Cardamone helped to coordinate the event and appeared in the livestream for The Barretta Brothers podcast.
Activities and other attractions included a photo op in front of a replica of the backdrop from The Muppet Show built by Jonathan Miksch, a costume contest for cosplayers judged by the Barretta Brothers guests, Muppet movie trailers, a Muppet DJ set by Gene Barretta, a raffle, a "Rainbow Connection" sing-along, Mahna Mah-Nachos at the snack bar, and a collectibles showcase provided by Cinema Sickness and the Muppet Stuff fan blog.
2024[]
2024 event artwork
A second, two-night event was done for May 17 and 18. Each night included a unique double feature; The Great Muppet Caper and The Dark Crystal were shown on May 17, followed by Muppets Most Wanted and Labyrinth on May 18.[1]
The second night featured another Barretta Brothers livestream with guests Matt Vogel and Kevin Clash. (YouTube)
2025[]
2025 event artwork
The third event, which occurred on May 3, was a double feature of The Muppets Take Manhattan and Muppet Treasure Island.[2]
Sources[]
- ↑ Gene Barretta on Facebook, March 29, 2024
- ↑ Gene Barretta on Facebook, April 3, 2025