Jim Henson's Pajanimals are Coming

The Pajanimals are the newest group of soft and cuddly characters from the creative minds at The Jim Henson Company. This original pre-school series features songs and storylines starring a unique (and adorable) group of puppet characters as they go through their regular bedtime routines. Continuing their long line of successful preschool and family programming, The Jim Henson Company is planning to launch the Pajanimals later this year with a whole series of media and merchandise. "Jim Henson's Paganimals" is set to debut on PBS KIDS Sprout later this year as part of the network's evening programing block.

Tied to television debut of "Jim Henson's Pajanimals", 4Kids Entertainment is developing a full line of related merchandise - including toys, apparel, books, DVDs and more. At the center of the Pajanimals line is a series of soft and cuddly Pajanimals plush dolls - each coming with a special DVD feeaturing bedtime stories, music and other Pajanimal fun.

The original puppets of "Jim Henson's Pajanimals" are sure to make moms, dads and young children smile, laugh and sing along. The Pajanimals' bedtime antics are designed to help parents and children unwind at the end of the day, with their fun and imaginative tales, songs and adventures. I will be sure to keep you updated with the development and release of this exciting new bedtime series as more information surfaces.

Puppet Up Every Month

The Jim Henson Company's "Puppet Up! – Uncensored" stage show is set to perform monthly shows at the Avalon Hollywood throughtout the summer. The Jim Henson Company's renowned puppeteers will demonstrate what happens when traditional comedic improvisation is mixed with the anarchy of live puppet performance. This "adult only" stage show is not your average night of improv and is sure to be an evening you'll never forget.

Show dates for the Saturday shows are May 24th, June 21st, July 26th, and August 23rd. For show information be sure to visit AvalonHollywood.com or Henson.com; and you can order tickets here. So if you live in the Hollywood area (or want an excuse to visits), be sure to check out the Jim Henson Company's Puppet Up! stage show, as the troupe of performers will now be performing every month at the Avalon Hollywood.

Sesame Place Prepares for Summer '08

Sesame Place, the nation's first and only theme park based on the wonderful world of Sesame Street, is preparing for another season of guests, attractions, shows, and excitement. Located in Langhorne, PA (just outide Philadelphia), the park features more than 14 acres of fantastic fun for the whole family.

Sesame Place has a batch of new surprises for the 2008 season - including an brand new Sesame Street-themed carousel. The park will debut the new "Sunny Day Carousel" next month. Located in the center of the park, the carousel will feature 36 custom-created colorful, Muppet-like horses, two Snuffleupagus benches, plenty of Sesame Street music and all your favorite characters. The 2008 season will also feature some special in-park stars such as animal expert Jack Hanna (May 10 & 11), Sesame Street's Bob McGrath (May 31 & June 1) and Disney Channel's Christy Carlson Romano (June 7 & 8).

Sesame Place offers all sorts of stimulating activities and attractions – including exhilarating water attractions, the thrilling rollercoasters, interactive playlands, live stage shows, daily parades, personal character meet-and-greet, Sesame Street-themed shops and stall, and a life-size replica of the one and only Sesame Street that visitors can actually explore and experience firsthand.

Sesame Place opens for their 28th summer season on May 3, 2008! To learn more about the park visit SesamePlace.com or call 1-866-GO-4-ELMO.

Oscar the Grouch Celebrates Earth Day on Sprout Morning Show

Sesame Street's Oscar the Grouch is set to make a special appearance on Sprout's live morning program, "The Sunny Side Up Show", on April 24, 2008. Oscar (performed by Caroll Spinney) will be joining hosts Sean and Chica the Chicken on the live show as part of their week-long Earth Day celebration.

Oscar is isn't the first "Sesame Street" star to appear on "The Sunny Side Up Show", Big Bird appeared as a co-host on the program last fall, and Prairie Dawn made a Valentine's Day appearance earlier this year. "The Sunny Side Up Show" airs on the PBS KIDS Sprout television network from 9:00am to 12:00pm ET (check listings for details). So if you get Sprout and you're a Grouch fan, be sure to tune in on Thursday to see this special Muppet appearance.

Sam Plenty in "March of Doom!"

The Jim Henson Company released "March of Doom!", the fourth installment in "The Sam Plenty Cavalcade of Action Show Plus Singing!", onto the web earlier today. When we last left our hero, Sam had been captured and brought to the underground civilization of Underdoom where Queen Verbosa ordered that he be purified in the often fatal purification chamber. What will become of Sam Plenty? You'll have to tune in to part six of "Sam Plenty in Under Doom" to find out!

If you haven't discovered the wild world of Sam Plenty, be sure surf on over to samplenty.com and enjoy the exclusive webisodes, sing-along, puzzles, activites, interviews, and rootin'-tootin' fun. I will be sure to keep you updated as more information develops on The Jim Henson Company's "The Sam Plenty Cavalcade of Action Show Plus Singing!".

New Farscape Comics Coming Soon!

The Jim Henson Company just signed a licensing agreement with BOOM! Studios in order to produce a brand new series of original comic books based on the beloved universe of Farscape. The first installment in the series is set to make its debut later this year.

BOOM! Studios will publish several Farscape mini-series which will explore and expand the stories of the Farscape universe. Each four-issue mini-series will also be collected into subsequent trade-paperback editions.

"It’s so exciting to work with BOOM! Studios on this project knowing that their team members are true fans of the show," said Brian Henson, co-CEO of The Jim Henson Company and executive producer of Farscape. “Working with one of our favorite comic publishers, we know our loyal supporters will enjoy these original adventures while new audiences will have a fantastic introduction to the Farscape universe." The Farscape comic book series is also said to take advantage of the upcoming webisodes being produced by The Jim Henson Company and RHI Entertainment for SCIFI.COM.

I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on these upcoming comic book as soon as more details become available.

The Muppets' Star Wars Figures Coming this Summer

As previously reported, Disney's merchandising division is planning to release a set of Star Wars-themed Muppet figures later this year. The collectible set will feature six classic Muppets dressed as well-known characters from the Star Wars saga. The set will include Kermit the Frog as Luke Skywalker, Miss Piggy as Princess Leia, Fozzie Bear as Chewbacca, Beaker as C-3PO, Rizzo the Rat as Yoda, and Gonzo the Great as Darth Vader (or Dearth Nadir as he's known in the Muppet universe). These non-articulated (pvc) figures will be released in a single box set which is planned for release in July 2008. The figures will be sold exclusively at the Disney theme parks and will carry a price tag of just $12.95. I will be sure to keep you posted on the release of this exciting set as more information becomes available.

Sesame Street Enters Season 39 in Hi-Def

Since its 1969 debut, Sesame Street has helped entertain and educate audiences around the world. In the US alone, approximately 8-million people tune in to visit the street each week and there are over 74-million "graduates" of the program. Sesame Street is now entering its 39th season, set to debut on PBS on August 11, 2008.

The upcoming season will be produced in high-definition. Sesame Workshop has gone HD with the help of Sony, who is supplying the show with the hi-def cameras and equipment. Now audiences will be able to experience the world of Sesame Street in a whole new way - seeing the detailed textures of the Muppet monsters' fur and each of Big Bird's bright yellow feathers.

"What has been so special about Sesame Street all these years is that it reflects a real inner-city community" said Carol-Lynn Parente, executive producer of Sesame Street; "The decision to shoot in HD has been so exciting because it has brought the Street to life, making our neighborhood of adults, children, monsters, grouches and 8-foot birds come alive."

Big Bird, Oscar, Cookie Monster, the Count, Grover, Bert, Ernie, Snuffy, Telly, Rosita, Baby Bear, Zoe, Elmo, Abby Cadabby and the rest of the gang will return this season with a whole new set of adventures, lessons, songs, games and sketches. The season will also introduce Leela, a new human character on the street. Performed by Nitya Vidyasagar, Leela will run the local laundromat.

Ever since the first episode in 1969, celebrities have been a featured part of the show. This season will be no exception as several big name stars have already recorded appearances for the new season of Sesame Street. Sandra Oh will visit Cookie Monster in the role of the Cookie Fairy, and Neil Patrick Harris is said to appear as the "Fairy Shoe Person". Brian Williams will appear to report on an epidemic of selfishness on Sesame Street. Rapper/actor LL Cool J will appear in a segment with Oscar, Elmo and Abby Cadabby; and singer/songwriter Feist will sing a variation of her hit song "1234", reworked as "1234 Monsters Crawling 'Cross the Floor".

Hopefully this information will help tide you over until the season premiere in August (or at least until more information is released). So mark August 11th on your calendars (consult your local listings for details on air times in your area) and prepare for a hi-def season of adventures, education and fun from your friends on Sesame Street! I will keep you updated with information and details on the upcoming season as I get them.

Sesame Street Resource Video Helps Military Families Deal with Change

Sesame Workshop is planning to launch the second phase of the "Talk, Listen, Connect" program later this month. The program, including an all-new resource video, is designed to help military families deal with serious issues that affect the children of injured military veterans.

The second phase, entitled "Deployments, Homecomings, Changes", will help families who are now dealing with multiple deployments and parents returning with serious injuries.

More than a million children have parents who are in the military and have been deployed in the last six years; in 2006 Sesame Workshop produced a special video designed to help military families cope with the strains of deployment. Today more than 18,000 military personnel in Iraq or Afghanistan have been wounded or seriously injured; Sesame Workshop plans to give support to families that now have to deal with the reality and serious effects of these situations.

In the new video production, Muppet monster Rosita struggles to cope when her father, Ricardo, returns home in a wheelchair. The video will feature Rosita and her parents; along with Elmo and his "military dad", Louie Monster.

Sesame Workshop will begin to distribute the free video and resource pack to military starting on April 29, 2008. Sesame Workshop also plans to make the new video and resources available, for free, via the internet.

For more information on the "Talk, Listen, Connect" series, and to view the first set of resource videos ("Talk, Listen, Connect" and "When Parents are Deployed"), be sure to visit the initiative's official website. I'll keep you updated as more information on this, and other Sesame Street projects, surface.

Sam Plenty in "Purification of Doom!"

The Jim Henson Company has just released "Purification of Doom!", the long awaited third installment in "The Sam Plenty Cavalcade of Action Show Plus Singing!".

When we last left our hero, Queen Verbosa's Doom Riders had marched to the Plenty Ranch to capture Sam Plenty. Sam's attitude angered Sergeant Munch who turned his exploding gun on Sam's friend. What will become of Sam and his friends friends? You'll have to tune in to part five of "Sam Plenty in Under Doom" to find out!

If you haven't checked out the wild world of Sam Plenty, be sure surf on over to samplenty.com and enjoy the exclusive webisodes, sing-along, puzzles, activites, interviews, bios and fun. The series, which launched last month, has already gained a lot of fans from all over the web. I will be sure to keep you updated as more information develops on The Jim Henson Company's "The Sam Plenty Cavalcade of Action Show Plus Singing!".

Henson's Fantastic World Come to Louisiana

"Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" opened last week at the Louisiana Art and Science Museum in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The traveling exhibit, which gives an in-depth look at the imagination and creations of Jim Henson, is now on the third stop of its a four-year, 12-city national tour.

"Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" is the most comprehensive Henson exhibit to date. The exhibit is filled with original puppets, drawings, props, artwork, storyboards, photographs, videos and other rare artifacts from the Jim Henson archives.

In conjunction with the exhibit's Louisiana debut, the museum has produced a unique audio tour to accompany the displays. The special audio podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life and creations of Jim Henson. The 38-minute tour features personal insights from Karen Falk, Craig Shemin, and Cheryl Henson; plus appearances by Dave Goelz and the Great Gonzo. You can download the entire 22 chapter audio podcast for free via the Smithsonian's podcast website or through the iTunes Store. This set of MP3s provides listeners unique insights on the creations and displays found within the exhibit.

The "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World" exhibit will be on display in Louisiana until June 22th, at which point it will head off to the Smithsonian's International Gallery in Washington DC (where it will be open from July 12 - October 5). For more information on the Louisiana Art and Science Museum and the Henson exhibit visit the museum's website at Lasm.org; and be sure to check out this page for the exhibit’s complete four-year tour schedule.

K'NEX meets Sesame Street

This summer KID K'NEX will expand their product line with a brand-new series of play sets featuring the lovable Muppets of "Sesame Street". KID K'NEX products allow kids to build a world of fun and imaginative characters. Each "Sesame Street" play set set will include colorful, oversized building pieces that will allow you to construct and recreate your favorite "Sesame Street" character (or use your imagination to mix-and-match part to create your own unique creature).

The series will launch with five new KID K'NEX building sets. The basic building sets include "Abby Cadabby", "Bert & Ernie", "Grover/Super Grover", "Cookie Monster & Hooper's Store", and "Elmo and his piano". Aside from just the standard character parts, each set also includes accessories and fun activity cards featuring additional building ideas and character variations that can be constructed with the parts.

K'NEX is also planning to release an accompanying series of "Sesame Street" Lid Kids canister – including "Oscar the Grouch", "Cookie Monster", "Elmo", and "Ernie". Each Lid Kids canister features the colorful, oversized, easy-snap KID K'NEX pieces in a fun-faced container. These uniquely packed sets also include fun stickers and an educational activity sheet along with all the nessesary character building pieces. Each canister will be released with a suggested retail price of just $10.99.

The first wave of "Sesame Street" KID K'NEX building sets will be available in July 2008 at retail stores nationwide. KID K'NEX building sets are designed for children ages 2-5 years. I will keep you updated as information on these exciting and creative new toys continues to surface.

More on Segel's Muppet Movie

Last month, Variety announced that Disney signed a deal with actor/writer Jason Segel and writer/director Nick Stoller to create the next Muppet movie. Segel will lead the script writing while Stoller is in line to direct the proposed film. While the project is very much in its infancy, the media has already jumped on the story. During promotion for his upcoming film "Forgetting Sarah Marshall", Segel has commented on the upcoming Muppet project and has shed some light on what fans can expect.

Segel took a chance and pitched his concept for a Muppet movie to Disney Vice President Kristin Burr and, well, the rest is history. Segel's pitch was so well received by the executives that he was immediately offered a deal to develop the project. "I've just grown a little disappointed with Muppets in the Old West, Muppets Under Water and all these weird concept movies," the 28-year-old writer/actor said in an interview. "I just want to take it back to the early '80s, when it was about the Muppets trying to put on a show. That's what I'm trying to bring back."

Segal told MTV news in an interview that "I remember thinking that Kermit was the original Tom Hanks... he was the everyman for a kid... I remember watching Kermit and thinking 'That’s what I want to do when I grow up.'" Although it has been stated that the plot would focus on Kermit, Segal confirmed that Miss Piggy, Fozzie and Gonzo are also among the stars of his script.

Segal said, "every time I bring it up with somebody - Mila Kunis, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen - they say, 'Oh my god, you're writing me a part'...So I don't think there'll be trouble casting." Like the previous Muppet films, there are plans to feature a number of celebrity cameos for the film. "Everyone loves the Muppets; they’ve got a warm place in most people’s hearts," Segal told MTV. "We want a lot of cameos. You look back at Charles Grodin, Charles Durning, there were just such great performances in those movies."

Official details on the film's plot has not been released, although Segal has told reporters that "we've got a great plot. I think if we can execute it right, it will be terrific. But I can't tell you more – it's top secret." He has also gone on record stating that the new Muppet film will be "hilarious, fantastic, heart-wrenching, beautiful, nostalgic and remarkable."

The plot is rumored to feature the Muppets reuniting in order to put on a big show. After learning that the Muppets have drifted apart, audiences will follow Kermit as he works to bring the group back together to help save an old beloved theater. Apparently the theater is being threatened by an evil character looking to tear the theater down in order to get at a reserve of oil underneath. Segal has stated that "It's the Muppets needing to get back together to save the show... It's going to take place all over the world because, basically, the Muppets are no longer together. So that might take a while to film."

Segel says that "right now, we’re just focused on trying to turn in an amazing script," and he hopes to be able to head into production on this Muppet project as soon as he finishes filming "I Love You, Man" later this summer. I will be sure to keep you up to date as soon as more information on this exciting project becomes available.

Fraggle Rock Season Four DVD Release Date

As previously announced, The Jim Henson Company and HIT Entertainment are planning to release the fourth season of "Fraggle Rock" on DVD later this fall. The deluxe box set will include the final 24 episode of the series along with an impressive batch of all-new bonus features.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of "Fraggle Rock - Complete Fourth Season". While the official announcement is still a few months away, a representative from HIT Entertainment has informed me that the fourth season of Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock is set to hit stores on October 28, 2008.

Details on the bonus features are not available at this time; however a new batch of interviews and other behind the scenes content is being worked on for the set. An official announcement with all the disc features and details is planned for released sometime this summer. Stay tuned and I'll keep you informed as more details on this highly-anticipated box set continue to surface.

Who is Sid the Science Kid?

For the past year The Jim Henson Company has been hard at work producing "Sid the Science Kid," a brand-new television series set to debut on PBS in September 2008. The Jim Henson Company has partnered with KCET to produce this new educational series. The animated series will showcase the Henson Digital Performance Studio, a revolutionary tool that allows puppeteers to perform digital characters in real time.

"Sid the Science Kid" is a unique sketch-comedy show designed for 3-6 year olds and aims to promote science-readiness and critical thinking skills. The series stars Sid, an inquisitive young boy attempting to demystify his quirky observations of the world around him (such as why people sneeze, how a drinking straw works, why bananas turn brown, and how birds fly).

Longtime Henson performer and Muppeteer, Drew Massey is bringing the titular character of Sid to life. In addition to simply supplying the character's voice, Massey performs the digital puppet in real time. The ditial puppeteering provide the show with its fresh performances and spontaneous connections among characters. Joining Sid in this scientific adventures is an ensemble of friends -- including May (Julianne Buescher), Gabriela (Alice Dinnean Vernon) and Gerald (Victor Yerrid). The series also features an extended cast of characters including Sid's parents, grandparents, teachers and neighbors.

Bradley Zweig is serving as head writer for the show, and episodes are being directed by Brian Henson. The half-hour series is already lined-up to debut on PBS in September with an initial order of 40 episodes along with a two-year on-air commitment.

You can take a look at the stars of "Sid the Science Kid" (Sid, May, Gabriela, and Gerald) in the four exclusive pictures posted below. I will be sure to keep you updated as information regarding the production and premiere of this exciting new show is released.

Dr. Bunsen Honeydew Announces Events for World Science Festival

New York City Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein, award-winning actor Alan Alda, Columbia physicist Brian Greene, Muppet scientist Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, and a panel of university presidents held a special press conference today in order to announce the details of the World Science Festival. The festival, the first of what is expected to be an annual event, will run from May 28 to June 1, 2008 in New York City.

Special events will be held all over the city - from Columbia University to the Guggenheim to the Metropolitan Museum to the Museum of Modern Art, plus other events at smaller theaters and lecture halls.

Dr. Bunsen Honeydew helped unveiled some of the festival's programs. The Muppet scientist took to the microphone to announce the roster of family-oriented programs and exhibits. Events include special exhibits featuring Scholastic's Magic School Bus, entertaining demonstrations from mind-boggling mathemagicians, special workshops with Disney Imagineers, a giant World Science Festival's street fair, and much more.

Stating that "science can be as explosive and violent as any TV program", Bunsen showcased his concept of "string theory" by spraying the festival's creator with a can of silly string.

Dr. Bunsen Honeydew will be featured in the Disney-sponsored Imagineering events. The festival will feature several events sponsored by the team of scientists and engineers at Disney Imagineering. These events will give an inside look at how science makes Disney magic.

For more information on the World Science Festival visit worldsciencefestival.com.

Count on Sports with Sesame Street

Sesame Workshop and Genius Products are planning an all-new DVD release entitled "Sesame Street: Count on Sports". This new Sesame Street DVD will teach math through the fun and exciting world of sports! Hitting stores on July 22, 2008, this DVD will feature the Muppets of Sesame Street with such guest stars as gymnast Dominique Dawes and NBA player Vince Carter. This 44-minute DVD will feature your favorite Sesame Street friends as they host a variety of sport-themed segments that promote mathmatical concepts - such as counting, shapes, and such critical concepts such as over/under and forward/backwards.

Grover and Vince Carter demonstrate "short" and "tall"; Prairie Dawn shows off her soccer skills and joins Dominic Dawes for a little gymnastics; the Count plays golf and races in the Transylvania 300; Elmo challenges Venus Williams to a game of imaginary tennis; and Ernie hosts ESSN (Ernie’s Sports Show News). I've also been told that the DVD will also include a bonus segment featuring Elmo with players of the 2007 New York Jets as a special DVD bonus feature.

This entertaining and educational DVD is already available for pre-ordering at many online retailers, so reserve your copy today! I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on this, and other Sesame Street, titles as more details are available.