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The MuppetCast is taking the show on the road! Something only made possible by listener demand and donations, Steve is always looking for opportunities to get out of the studio and bring listeners exclusive Muppet experiences. The idea of taking road trips came in Summer 2007 when an invitation to come to Almonte, Ontario brought the show to Canada for the annual Puppets Up festival, presented by master puppeteer Noreen Young. Then in September 2007 Steve traveled to Atlanta, GA, to the Center for Puppetry Arts for the opening of the Jim Henson: Puppeteer exhibit.
The 2008 Road Trip schedule has been expanded over last year, and The MuppetCast will again be presenting some very exciting, exclusive Muppet experiences for Jim Henson’s fans worldwide! See the schedule below.
August: New Jersey.
The first road trip of 2008 takes The MuppetCast to New Jersey, for a weekend visit to the home of Jane Hunt. Jane is the mother of Richard Hunt, and she still lives with her husband Arthur in the home that Richard, along with his brother and three sisters, grew up in. Listener Erin R. made a quilt for Jane’s granddaughter Amanda, who will soon give birth to her first son (making Jane a great-grandmother), and Steve will be presenting Jane with this gift on camera for all MuppetCast listeners to see! Richard would be quite proud.
Trailer - MuppetCast Jane Hunt Visit
September: Atlanta, GA
Last year around this time, The MuppetCast took a trip to the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta to celebrate the momentous occasion of the exhibit “Jim Henson: Puppeteer” opening to the public. This is a small yet priceless collection of puppets used by the master himself, Jim Henson. The fact that these puppets are behind protective glass, and displayed only under special lighting did nothing to dampen the radiant excitement that people felt seeing these characters up close. Characters include the La Choy Dragon, Rowlf, Dr. Teeth, the Swedish Chef, Ernie, Jim Henson from the Country Trio, and the Dog City puppets.
This year the Center will celebrate its 30th anniversary. It’s hard to believe that, 30 years ago, Jim Henson, Kermit the Frog, and Vince Anthony together cut the ribbon and opened the doors. Since then, the Center has been “a unique cultural treasure - a magical place where children and adults are educated, enlightened and entertained.” Many festive events have been planned for this special weekend, and The MuppetCast will be there for all of it, bringing you back yet more Muppets and magic from Atlanta.
October: Orlando, FL
It’s hard to turn down an invitation to go to Walt Disney World! And that’s just where The MuppetCast is going in late October, to take part in the MouseGuest Experience. This is a gathering of the Disney and Muppet online fan communities for a week of fun and friends in the Disney parks. Various podcast hosts will play host to a wide range of events, and Steve is proud to present the “Something’s Fishy” meet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The event involves everyone interested in attending the meet (just show up!) together seeing the wonderful new stage show “Finding Nemo: The Musical“. Along with being a great show, the puppetry involved in this production is nothing short of amazing, and you can even play the six-degrees game to trace it back to some significant Muppet connections!
This event was put together by Eric, Dan, and Cathy, hosts of the popular MouseGuest Weekly podcast. Come out and meet other MuppetCast listeners face-to-face, make some new friends, and have fun celebrating the Year of a Million Dreams!
More road trips to come…?
