The Muppets Star in "Studio DC: Almost Live!"

The Muppets will star in an all-new original television special coming to Disney Channel later this month. The Muppets have teamed up with popular Disney Channel stars - including Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale, Dylan & Cole Sprouse, and Jonas Brothers - in the all-new television special "Studio DC: Almost Live!". The show is currently set to air on the Disney Channel on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 8:00PM ET/PT (check local listings for details).

The special will feature singing and dancing, comedy sketches and the backstage antics of a fictional Disney Channel variety show.

The project was developed to order to introduce a new generation of fans to the Muppets – while keeping the classic feeling and tone that the Muppets are known for. This Muppet and Disney Channel project was first announced last year; and interestingly enough, many segments for the "almost live" show were filmed almost a year ago (with principle photography for those segments wrapping in early August 2007).

So mark your calendars, and prepare for an all-new Muppet variety show for an all-new generation of fans! I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on the premiere of this long-awaited television event as details become available.

More Muppet Videos on Disney XD

The Muppets' official channel on Disney XD, appropriately located at Muppets.com, was recently updated with a brand- new batch of original videos. The main stage features a new secret elevator tape entitled "Battle Hymn of the Elevator", the new video stars Kermit, Fozzie, Pepe and Gonzo singing an impromptu rendition of "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Also on the main stage is a segment from Muppet Labs. Bunson and Beaker share a unique keyboarding tutorial. There is also a new video-blog entry on Kermit's channel where he attempts to share some information on some upcoming projects. Plus, there are some new gadgets and polls and other features to explore.

I've been told that new videos will continue to be added to the site throughout the summer, so be sure to visit the Muppets on DxD and enjoy the great Muppet videos, games, gadgets, and general wackiness.

Go to Muppet.com Now!

The Muppets Celebrate the 4th of July

The Muppets have released an exclusive Independence Day video onto the web. Sam, the American eagle, presents a musical salute to America. Joining Sam in the tribute are Animal, the Swedish Chef, Beaker, Bobo, a penguin, a couple of chickens and Crazy Harry. So watch this very patriotic video and be sure to send it to all of your friends!

C is for Colbert

Sesame Street's Cookie Monster made a very special guest appearance on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" last night (June 19, 2008). After learning that cookies are no longer the number one snack for children under six, Colbert attacked Cookie Monster for abandoning of cookies in favor of fruit. To defend the beloved snackfood, Cookie Monster appeared to share his love of cookies and also defend his the eating of fruit. You can catch the episode (with guest Bishop N.T. Wright) as it is rerun on Comedy Central over the coming weekend (check your cable provider listings for details), or watch it online at ComedyCentral.com.

"Abby in Wonderland" Comes to DVD

As previously reported, Sesame Workshop and Genius Products are planning an all-new DVD release entitled "Abby in Wonderland". Directed by Kevin Clash, this brand-new Sesame Street feature will take viewers on a magical journey as Abby Cadabby slides down the rabbit hole and into the enchanted world of Wonderland! Hitting stores on September 30, 2008, this DVD will feature the Muppets of Sesame Street in a musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic story "Alice in Wonderland".

Abby follows a Red Rabbit (Elmo) down the rabbit hole in pursuit of her magical wand. On her quest, she encounters an incredible cast of characters - a bilingual flower named "Rose"-ita (Rosita), The "Counter"-pillar (The Count), The Cheshire Cookie Cat (Cookie Monster), Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum (Bert and Ernie), The Mad Hatter (Grover), The Mouse (Zoe), and the Grouch of Hearts (Oscar).

Abby is persistent as she pursues the elusive rabbit that. She even attends a silly "T" party presided over by a Mad Hatter who also can become a "sad" hatter or a "glad" hatter with just the change of a hat. But without the assistance of her usual fairy magic, Abby must rely on her knowledge of rhyming to defeat the Grouch of Hearts, reclaim her wand and find her way back to Sesame Street. Throughout this adventure, viewers are presented with important skills such as task persistence, reading and storytelling, relational concepts, counting and letter sounds.

Aside from the planned DVD release, the brand-new feature will also be treated to a limited theatrical run throughout the month of September via the Kidtoons family matinee series -- check the Kidtoons' theater listing and announcement to find a participating venue near you.

This magical feature-length movie is already beginning to become available for pre-ordering through many online retailers, so be sure to reserve your copy today! I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on the release of this, and other Sesame Street, home video titles as more details become available.

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Inspirational Book of Henson Doodles Coming this Fall

Meredith Books is planning to release a new book that explores the artistry and imagination of Jim Henson. "Jim Henson's Doodle Dreams: Inspiration for Living Life Outside the Lines" by Jim Lewis will give readers a fascinating look into the mind of a creative genius of a beloved individual. This new book will inspire readers with a unique collection of Henson's original drawings and sketches coupled with quotes inspired by Jim's personal sense of optimism. The 96-page hardcover book will be released by later this year -- tentatively planned to hit store shelves on September 2, 2008.

"Jim Henson's Doodle Dreams" is sure to be a treat for Henson fans, and the perfect addition to any library (alongside other inspirational and insightful books such as "Jim Henson's Designs and Doodles", "It's Not Easy Being Green and Other Things to Consider", and "Before You Leap"). I will be sure to keep you updated as more information on this exciting new book becomes available.

Sprout Set to Debut Jim Henson's Pajanimals

As previously reported, Jim Henson's Pajanimals, a new group of soft and cuddly puppets characters, is planned to debut on PBS KIDS Sprout later this year. This original, live-action musical series is planned to debut on the cable channel in November 2008 as part of the evening programming block. Designed and created by Jeff Muncy and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, Pajanimals features four soft, cuddly puppets that entertain and comfort viewers with bedtime-themed songs and stories.

Pajanimals features Sweetpea Sue, a shy, smart pony who never forgets her bedtime routine of brushing her teeth, washing her face and putting on her PJs; Squacky, an excitable duck who sometimes has a hard time settling down at night; Cow Bella, a creative, well-mannered cow with an Italian accent who encourages the rest of the bunch to “do the right thing” around bedtime; and Apollo, an upbeat, optimistic puppy who loves space adventures but experiences separation anxiety.

Brian Henson, Lisa Henson and Halle Stanford are executive producing the project along with Jeff Muncy and Alex Rockwell. The series will also feature original music written by Michael and Patty Silversher with lyrics by Rockwell and Judy Rothman.

The original pre-school series is designed to help parents and children unwind at the end of the day and prepare for bedtime. I will be sure to keep you updated with the development and debut of this original Sprout series as more information surfaces.