ORIGINAL MUPPET PERFORMERS HONOR JIM HENSON
Nearly 30 years ago, on May 16 1990, we lost one of the most genuine and creative voices the world has known. Possibly best known as the voice of Kermit the Frog Jim Henson, creator of Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, educated and entertained generations of children and adults bringing his magical creations to life. To celebrate his memory legendary Muppet performers Bill Baretta, Fran Brill, Dave Goelz and Frank Oz are set to reunite for a special livestream event this Saturday, May 16, at 4 p.m. ET. Muppet Guys Talking will be free, all you have to do is pre-registers at www.MuppetGuysTalking.com/Jim/ (LINK). The event is free and open to anyone around the world who remains inspired by Henson and his unique brand of creativity, entrepreneurship and leadership. While there is no charge to participate, virtual attendees will be encouraged to make a donation to a selected Covid-19-related cause. The Q&A discussion has been created to pay tribute to Jim Henson’s legacy and to lift spirits while raising money to help workers.
From the press release:
Bill Barretta, Fran Brill, Dave Goelz and Frank Oz will take part in the live discussion, which also invites fans to submit questions in advance that may be answered during the event. The reunion of the Muppet performers, who also appeared in Oz’s acclaimed documentary Muppet Guys Talking: Secrets Behind the Show the Whole World Watched, is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Victoria Labalme, who conceived and co-produced Muppet Guys Talking, will facilitate the livestream.
“We wanted to lift people’s spirits and raise money for Covid-19 frontline workers,” Labalme said.
The performers who will participate in Saturday’s reunion discussion are:
· Bill Barretta, whose Muppet characters have included Pepe the King Prawn, Johnny Fiama, Bobo the Bear and Big Mean Carl;
· Fran Brill, whose Muppet characters have included Prairie Dawn, Zoe, Little Bird and Betty Lou.
· Dave Goelz, whose Muppet characters have included The Great Gonzo, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Zoot and Boober Fraggle.
· Frank Oz, whose Muppet characters have included Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Cookie Monster and Grover.