Muppet Studios: The Lost Legacy!

For thirty years Muppet fans have wondered what the proposed "Muppet Studios" land at Disney's Hollywood Studios would have look like.

Over the years we've heard the plans and seen glimpses of art work, but for the first time we now know how it would have all come together. 

For his YouTube channel Sizzle Map, Forrest Mallard interviewed Imagineer Marcelo Vignali, who not only designed the rides, restaurants, and gift shop, he also provided never before seen artwork.

Explore the forgotten magic of Muppet Studios Land at Walt Disney World with the documentary, "Muppet Studios: The Lost Legacy." This compelling film delves into the abandoned dreams and whimsical visions that once brought the Muppets to life in a dedicated land. Featuring exclusive interviews with Marcelo Vignali, one of the visionary Imagineers responsible for designing the lost rides, attractions, and restaurants. 

This documentary offers a rare glimpse into the creative process that shaped this unrealized gem. Vignali shares captivating anecdotes about his time working on the Muppet Studios project, providing insights into the challenges, triumphs, and tragedies he faced with his team. Viewers are treated to never-before-seen artwork, unveiling the intricate details of the Great Muppet Movie Ride, and other planned attractions that never came to fruition. 

Marcelo Vignali ends the documentary on a positive note, explaining how the spirit of Muppet Studios lives on in other Disney themed lands and attractions around the world. "Muppet Studios: The Lost Legacy" is a nostalgic journey through the unexplored corners of Disney history, reminding us of the vibrant Muppet dreams that once danced within Disney/MGM Studios.

Explore more from Imagineer Marcelo Vignali at https://favillistudio.com/

More video from Sizzle Map can be found on their Youtube Channel. 

Amazon & Henson Develop Series Based on Froud’s "Faeries"!

According to Variety, "Amazon MGM Studios and The Jim Henson Company are teaming up to develop a series based on the work of Brian and Wendy Froud."

With the working title of “Faerie,” the series is described as a “modern Henson family adventure set in the magical world of Brian & Wendy Froud’s Faeries.”

The official series description states: “When the Faeries kidnap an unsuspecting father, his family must venture into the Faerie realm to rescue him. Through their journey, they will discover their inner strength and unique potential, challenging the expectations that the human world has put upon them. At its core, Faerie is a story of perseverance and the strength of a family’s love, filled with magic, adventure, and self-discovery at every age.”

It's family affair as Brian, Wendy, and their son, Toby will executive produce the project along with the Henson Company.

The Frouds have a long history with Henson. The couple met while working as designers on  The Dark Crystal and went onto work on Labyrinth and the Netflix series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.

Wendy also worked on The Muppet Show, The Muppet Movie, and fabricated the Yoda puppet for The Empire Strikes Back. 

Brian’s other credits include the Henson series The Storyteller. 

Outside of their screen work, Wendy’s other projects include illustrating the three books “A Midsummer Night’s Faerytale,” “The Winter Child,” and “The Faeries of Spring Cottage” by Terri Windling. 

Brian first published the  book “Faeries” in 1978 with Alan Lee and his concept art was featured in the companion book “The World of the Dark Crystal.”

His artwork serves as the basis for the “Faerielands” book series.

Muppet Stuff Video: The Count's Halloween Spooktackular at Sesame Place!

Join me as I check out The Count's Halloween Spooktackular at Sesame Place! 

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube channel, including part 1 as I visit the World's Largest Sesame Street Store located just outside the park!

Sesame Street Returns for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Sesame Street is set to return for their 46th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade tomorrow. 

According to Alan Muraoka - Alan on "Sesame Street",

"The Sesame Street float will perform at Macy's sometime between 11:00-11:15am."

Hi friends! The Sesame Street float will perform at Macy's sometime between 11:00-11:15am on NBC. This will be Sesame Street's 47th year in the parade and my 21st appearance. So thrilled to be a part of this annual tradition. See you Thursday!

 

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade begins at 8:30 am on NBC.
Set your DVR's!

MAJOR BUMER - The Muppets Mayhem Cancelled!

Like, what a bummer man. According to industry sources at TVLine and Deadline, Disney+ has cancelled The Muppets Mayhem after one season. 

Disney+ doesn't release viewership information, so we don't know how many viewers checked out the show. 

The show premiered in May and was followed shortly by the writers and actor's strikes.

It's a shame that we won't see more of this story or see the band's tour to promote their first album.

 

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas Opens in Chicago!

Back in May we got word that the theater production of Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas would be coming to Chicago and this week the show opened!

The live theatrical adaptation opened yesterday in Chicago's Studebaker Theater and plays through December 31, 2023.

Based on the beloved television special, the family-friendly musical features music and lyrics by Paul Williams, with a book by lead producer Timothy Allen McDonald, and direction and choreography by Christopher Gattelli.

The production mixes human performers as the main cast surrounded by puppets created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and is produced by iTheatrics in association with The Jim Henson Company. 

It's the same musical that premiered at Goodspeed Opera House in 2008 and played Off-Broadway at the New Victory Theater in December of 2021.

Tickets are on sale at the Studebaker Theatre box office, online and 312-753-3210.

Muppet Stuff Video: The Worlds LARGEST Sesame Street Store!

Join me as a wade through the opening day crowds at the world's largest Sesame Street store at Sesame Place, Philadelphia.

Part 2: I check out The Count's Halloween Spooktackular!

Part 3:  I show off my haul from the store! 

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube Channel.