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There truly is something for everyone in each episode.
If one bit doesnt get you, another will be along directly.
And when all else fails, send in hecklers Statler and Waldorf.
(Wake me when the show starts.
Its been on for awhile.
Wake me when its over.)
Produced in England,The Muppet Showwas a fourth wall-breaking onstage/backstage variety show with a weekly special guest.
But which are the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational?
Like the song says, Its time to get things started.
His response: My kind of woman.
Rita Moreno:The Apache number was an idea that I had.
Jim just loved it.
Gillian Lynne did the choreography; she didCatsfor Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Thats me desperately trying not to laugh.
What I love about Fever is that the character Im playing is taking herself so seriously.
Shes very vain look how sexy I am and she gets completely ruined every time with the drumbeat.
Animal steals the show; he was just hilarious.
Its my kind of comedy.
I was having the time of my life.
This was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
I felt like I had come home in some way.
There was an abundance of heart with a spice of silliness that felt like a good match.
I have a favorite moment that I look at today and once again am touched by.
It was when I sang Sad Song leaning against the piano with the Muppets around me singing harmony.
That is the brilliance of the Muppet performers.
I know how it makes you feel.
(Think about this, friends, he says).
She is perhaps best known as Elvis love interest inG.I.
Bluesand as a tabloid fixation after her engagement to Frank Sinatra.
But this episode is notable for its definitive performance ofThe Muppet Showsearworm song, Mahna Mahna.
Expect it to play in your head now for the rest of the day.
John Cleese:One of the happiest experiences Ive ever had in this silly business.
Its about as much fun acting as Ive had because those Muppets were so real.
I have worked with actors who were less responsive.
Ill tell you how believable they are.
I thought the sketch with Gonzo was one of the funniest things I ever did.
I have to say this, though I shouldnt, its very well performed.
The atmosphere on set was very relaxed, everyone was happy.
I think that helps the comedy.
People are at their best when theyre relaxed and having fun.
Its a joy to see them still in action.
Not for nothing did Henson later dedicateThe Muppet Movieto Bergens memory and magic.
Yes, Bergens lips move; get over it.
Bernadette Peters (Nov. 18, 1977)
Things can get raucous onThe Muppet Show.
Weights come crashing down with Monty Pythonlike finality.
Cue Peters lovely Just One Person, a series musical benchmark that was reprised at Hensons memorial.
Bernadette Peters:I was over the moon that I was invited to perform with them.
It was very hard not to kiss the Muppets all the time.
You forget that there is somebody beneath them; you just go with it.
They say, like dont kiss them because you have on lipstick and it stains the fabric.
The songs couldnt have been better.
When I got Just One Person, I knew what a very special song it was.
Its such an uplifting song and I love that about it.
I grew up in the golden age of variety shows.
So many people didThe Muppet Show; it will be so much fun to watch it again.
Dont you want to see Peter Sellers with the Muppets?
What could be better?
Its so fun and exciting.
Im so glad its coming back.
I wish they would make new ones.
As Scooter tells Steve at the top of the show, Youre going to feel right at home here.
Julie Andrews:I LOVED working with Jim Henson and his team.
Singing a song with Kermit became a sweet interaction.
How could I be so fond of a FROG?
But I was … and always will be!
It was said of Sellers that he was more at ease when in character.
Impossible, replies Sellers.
I could never be myself, he explains.
No, you see, there is no me.
I do not exist.
There used to be a me, but I had it surgically removed.
A nonplussed Kermit asks, Can we change the subject?
Making this an extra-special episode is Kermits lovely rendition of his iconic song, Its Not Easy Being Green.
A non-musical highlight is a literal running gag between the Swedish Chef and an elusive chicken.
In a 2011Newsdayinterview, she said, If its funny, Ill do anything.
Like the opening number says, Thats Entertainment.
and an eerily funny recitation, Fears of Zero.
By episodes end, he has joined the ranks of the Muppet monsters.
Loretta Lynn:I think that every artist has that you-know-you-made-it-when feeling about when things happen in their career.
Im glad I could be a small part of the incredible legacy Jim left behind for generations.
Cooper replies, Why, thank you.
Alice Cooper:[The Muppet Show] was the No.
1 rated show in the world at the time, and I watched it every time it was on.
I never thought they would ask me to be on it.
When they finally asked me, I initially thought it might water down my image.
It was the most fun Ive ever had doing anything.
He just looked at me and said Hey, what can I say… shes a pig.
The song Turn the World Around, features Muppets wearing authentically-designed African masks.
Belafonte reprised the hopeful song at Hensons memorial service.
Harry Belafonte:Jim Henson was a master contributor to the learning experiences of children.
He constantly exposed his audiences to worthy worldly adventures to which they otherwise might not have been exposed.
He brought imagery and challenge by constantly exposing the young to exciting information.
Leslie Uggams (Jan. 26, 1979)
How versatile is Leslie Uggams?
Shes an Emmy- and Tony Awardwinner, a dramatic actress and a dynamite entertainer.
She also proves to be a deft straight woman opposite a pun-happy boomerang fish-thrower.
As Uggams sings, Hey there, good times.
Leslie Uggams:Working with the Muppets was an amazing experience!
I actually had conversations with them like they were real people.
It was a little bizarre looking back on it.
Jim Henson wasnt really a very talkative man, but his Muppets certainly were.
I loved Big Bird the most.
He just saw the world in such a different way.
He was always trying to find the good in people, in situations, and in life.
The Muppets always just felt so real.
Liza Minnelli (Dec. 28, 1979)
Its all yours, Liza.
If anyone is up forThe Muppet Shows Lets put on a show spunk, its Liza Minnelli.
In this award-winning episode, the show breaks format to goof on the murder mystery genre.
Minnelli does way more than smile and show my legs as actress Liza OShaunessy, who hires P.I.
Kermit to find out whos threatening to murder everyone in her upcoming show.
Liza Minnelli:Jim Henson was wonderful to work with.
You were talking to puppets, but then after about four minutes you thought they were real.
It made you feel kind of stupid but just great at the same time.
Unfortunately, Hamills talents are pretty much limited to gargling Gershwin.
NineStar Warsfilms and not once did Chewie and Artoo dance.
Breaking format again, this episode stages a dance marathon during the show and doesnt miss a step.
Dare we say were so glad we had this time together?
Carol Burnett:I really felt like I was talking to and playing with real live characters.
The whole experience was one filled with laughter… and love.
