Today, Canada's Waste Reduction Week announced Sesame Street's beloved Oscar the Grouch would return for a second year as the program's spokes-Muppet. However Oscar is missing and Waste Reduction Week officials suspect the grouch is secretly learning about waste reduction in Canada.
In the midst of the announcement that Oscar and other Sesame Street Muppets would participate in promoting Wast Reduction Week, a number of unsubstantiated reports began surfacing, claiming that Oscar has actually gone missing. Oscar's Sesame Street neighbours believe he is secretly roaming the Great White North to learn why Canadians are so concerned about trash and reducing waste.
"Sesame Workshop will neither confirm nor deny Oscar's current whereabouts or position on waste reduction, but he was recently seen wearing a hat made from a discarded banana peel," said Risa Greenbaum, Sesame Workshop's Assistant Vice President of International Licensing.
Over the past few days, videos have surfaced claiming that Canadians have seen Oscar in different locations across the country. Although no one has been able to speak directly with Oscar to find out exactly what he is doing in Canada, it appears he has been leaving clues leading many to believe he is on a mission. The Canadians have started a grassroots viral campaign called OscWatch to help raise awareness of Oscar's whereabouts and expand the search. Videos posted on the OscWatch website show Canadians who claim they have seen Oscar to help establish a trail leading to his location.
The Waste Reduction Week program urges Canadians to do their part by reducing, reusing and recycling in every aspect of their lives - at home, school and work. The all-new promotional materal starring Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird, Elmo and othe other Muppets debuted in Canada this week to kick-off the 2009 campaign. Check out www.wrwcanada.com/oscwatch for more information on Waste Redution Week and keep checking back for updates on the whereabouts of Oscar.
Earlier today Disney Parks announced their new "Give a Day, Get a Day" program. The program is designed to provide certified volunteers with a one-day ticket to any Disney Park in 2010. The new Disney Parks campaign features the Muppets. Disney is premiering two unique television spots featuring the Muppets, the Disney Parks websites features new Muppet content, and the new "Give a Day, Get a Day" website is also hosted by the Muppets!
In the first television shop, watch what happens when the Muppets and James Denton join forces with community volunteers to construct a home.
In the second video, Taye Diggs inspires Mrs. Piggy and the Muppets to finish a volunteer project and then celebrate at Disney Parks.
Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy appeared alongside Bob Iger, Teri Hatcher, and James Denton at a press event in Lynwood, CA earlier today to announce the program. Disney's "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program will begin on January 1, 2010 and countinue throughout the year. More information, videos, and Muppet fun can be found at DisneyParks.com, DisneyWord.com and the special "Give A Day" website.
The Muppets' own Gonzo and Animal made a surpise appearance on ABC's Dancing with the Stars last night. Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff danced the quickstep to "The Muppet Show Theme". Animal provided an opening drum solo, while Gonzo closed the number with the blow of a trumpet. You can watch the entire appearance and Carter and Smirnoff's dance in the video below. Enjoy!
Just in time for Sesame Street's big 40th anniversary, KOCH Records and Sesame Workshop are proud to present the Sesame Street: Old School - Volume 1 music collection, a collectible reissuing of three early Sesame Street albums. This new CD collection features three classic albums - "The Original Cast Record", "Big Bird Sings", and "Bert & Ernie Sing Along" - fully restored, remastered, and even featuring the original artwork. These titles have never before been available on CD and will come packaged together in a collectible "Old School" slip case.
"The Original Cast Album", originally released in 1970, peaked at #23 on Billboard's Top LP's chart in 1970, and was certified Gold by the RIAA. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Recording for Children. "Big Bird Sings" was originally released in 1974. "Bert & Ernie Sing Along" was released in 1975 and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Recording for Children.
These CDs are sure to be a hit with collectors, fans, parents, and kids of all ages. This special music collection is planned for release from KOCH Records on November 10, 2009; and will be a perfect compainon to the collectible 40th anniversary book, the special 40th anniversary DVD set and the brand-new 40th annviersary season on PBS which are also planned to hit fans on November 10th (which is exactly 40 years, to the day, since Sesame Street premiered).
The Original Cast Album 1. Sesame Street Theme 2. ABC-DEF-GHI 3. I've Got Two 4. Goin' for a Ride 5. What Are Kids Called 6. Everybody Wash 7. One of These Things 8. Up and Down 9. Bein' Green 10. Somebody Come and Play 11. I Love Trash 12. A Face 13. J-Jump 14. People in Your Neighborhood 15. Rub Your Tummy 16. Number 5 17. Five People In My Family 18. Nearly Missed 19. Rubber Duckie
Big Bird Sings! 1. AB-C-DEF-GHI 2. The Noodle Song 3. The "J" Poem 4. Very, Very Special Letter 5. Big Bird Writes a Poem 6. How Do I Know I'm Here? 7. Everyone Likes Ice Cream 8. Y'all Fall Down 9. Everyone Makes Mistakes 10. The Sound of the Letter A 11. Just Three Colors 12. Ha Ha 13. No Matter What Your Language 14. Big Bird's Poem
Bert & Ernie Sing-Along 1. I Refuse to Sing Along 2. I've Been Working on the Railroad 3. Old MacDonald Had a Farm 4. A Really Good Feeling 5. Bats in My Belfry 6. Row, Row, Row Your Boat 7. I'll Give You a Song 8. Oscar Don't Allow 9. The Limerick Song (Come On and Sing Along With Me) 10. On Top of Old Smokey 11. Living Hand in Hand 12. What's the Name of That Song? 13. A Very Simple Dance 14. Morningtown Ride 15. Everyone Likes Ice Cream 16. C is for Cookie 17. Peanuts 18. John Jacob Jingleheimer Smith 19. She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain 20. What's the Name of That Song? (Reprise) 21. Sing
Disney fans gathered at the Anaheim Convention Center this past weekend for the first ever D23 Expo. The event was full of exclusive presentations, exhibits announcements, and experiences for Disney fans and devotees. The unique gathering of all segments of the Walt Disney Company was billed as the ultimate fan experience. The Muppets were on hand to share in the festivities and share some big news from the Muppets Studios – including big news from Walt Disney Pictures that a theatrical Muppet film is indeed on the way!
The Muppets joined Walt Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook on Friday at the D23 Expo during a presentation on the studio's forthcoming film slate. A cast of 24 Muppets performed "Rainbow Connection" aboard an old-fashioned steamboat as Cook announced that a new Muppet movie would be coming "very soon."
"It's called `The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made,'" Cook shared. No further details on the film or its production/release schedule were given at the expo, but Muppet Studios had plenty of other announcements for projects planned to reach fans throughout the next year.
The Muppets Studio General Manager Lylle Breier hosted a special Muppet presentation on Sunday. The presentation gave an overview of what fan can expect from the Muppets in the coming year – as well as highlighting some of their recent exploits and successes. Here is a run down of the big announcements made by the Muppets Studio.
Cooking with Cat Cora - The Muppets will star in a brand-new original online show with television chef Cat Cora. The original Muppet webseries is planned to launch in fall 2009.
Halloween Special - The Muppets are planned to produce an original Halloween special slated for release on ABC next year. This project was originally announced for Halloween 2009, however scheduling and production delays caused it to be bumped to 2010.
More Viral Videos - The Muppets are planning to release more viral videos on YouTube. The original web videos are planned hit the web in 2010. Video titles include "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Dust in the Wind," "American Woman," "Popcorn," "Carve O'Matic," "Carol of the Bells," "Stand By Me," "Pumpkin Carving", and "Ghost Hunting".
Muppet*Vision 3D Updates - The Muppets' classic theme park attraction will be receiving an upgrade in the coming year. The film is being remastered and upgraded to Disney Digital 3D. The attraction at Orlando's Hollywood Studios and Anaheim's California Adventure will also be receiving some new pre-show and queue elements - such as new Muppet parody posters. Posters include "Pirates of the Amphibian" (parody of "Pirates of the Caribbean"), "BEAK-E" (parody of "WALL-E"), "Hammah Montana" (parody of "Hannah Montana"), and "High School Mayhem"( a parody of "High School Musical").
Mobile Muppets - Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker's Muppet Mobile Lab has become a popular attraction at Disney resorts. The interactive Muppet unit is currently at Disneyland in Hong Kong and has become so popular that the Imagineers are working on building a Muppet Mobile Lab unit for the other parks. Additionally, development has begun on a second Muppet living character attraction. The Imagineers are working on the addition of a new mobile Electric Mayhem Band for the parks as well.
Whatnot Workshop Expands - Disney is expanding their successful Whatnot Workshop. The FAO Schwarz boutique will soon be joined by branches in both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. Additionally, new Whatnot features and accessories will be added to the workshop - including facial hair and monster parts. Disney will also be launching "The Muppet Whatnot Experience" contest. The contest winner will receive exclusive Muppeteer training and a chance to perform with their Whatnot in a YouTube video alongside the Muppet performers.
New Album - Muppets Studio is planning to release a new album entitled "Muppets Revisited." The new album will feature collaborations with some well-known musicians reinterpreting some classic Muppet songs - artists include Weezer ("Rainbow Connection"), The Fray ("Mahna Mahna"), Ami Lee ("Halfway Down the Stairs"), My Morning Jacket ("Our World"), and Andrew Bird ("It's Not Easy Being Green"), among others.
Statler & Waldorf Book - The Muppets' infamous curmudgeons, Statler and Waldorf, are writing their own book entitled "From the Balcony." The book, which is due out next year, will follow other such Muppet books as Kermit's "Before you Leap", Pepe's "It's Hard Out Here for a Shrimp," and Miss Piggy's "The Diva Code."
New Muppet Merchandise - The Muppets will be launching several new lines of merchandise. A new line of Muppet merchandise is planned to reach Disney Store within the next year. Also Disney Consumer Products is building their "Green and Lovin' It" line of products featuring Kermit the Frog. Kermit promotes a green message on the products which use organic and recycled materials. Additionally Macy's has become a licensing partner with the Muppets; exclusive merchandise is planned to hit Macy's retail stores in 2010. Steiff plush will follow up their collectible Kermit the Frog plush with a series of Muppet plush dolls. Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear dolls are said to be coming soon. They also showed designs for Muppet Vinylmation figures, Muppet Pook-a-Looz dolls, and new Halloween costumes.
Muppet iPhone Apps - The Muppets will release several iPhone applications in 2010. The unique Muppet apps include: "Animal's Drum Set" (October 2009), "Pepe's Love Meter" (February 2010), "Gonzo Grams" (Summer 2010), and "Statler & Waldorf's Theater App" (late 2010).
Muppet Mobile Comics - Building on the successfully series of BOOM! Studios comic books, the Muppets will soon star in a series of moving comics available for downloading to your phone and mobile device. The e-comics will enhance the reading experience with motion, music, sound effects and voices.
Upcoming DVDs - Disney plans to release "The Muppet Show: Season 4" on DVD in 2010. Additionally, "Studio DC: Almost Live!" - the collaboration between Muppets Studio and Disney Channel - is planned for release on DVD in 2010 as well.
More TV Appearances - The Muppets are planning more appearances for the coming next year - including appearances on upcoming episodes of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition", "America's Funniest Home Videos", "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon", and ABC's "Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade".
Kermit at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Kermit the Frog will appear in the 2009 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. He will be performing the song "I Believe" with Disney Channel star Tiffany Thornton. Kermit sang the song solo at the parade last year.
Christmas with Andrea Bocelli - As previously announced, the Muppets will appear on Andrea Bocelli's upcoming Christmas album singing "Jingle Bells" with the famed opera singer. Additionally, Kermit will appear with Bocelli to sing "Jingle Bells" on "The David Foster Christmas Special" this Christmas on PBS.
And More! - It was also said that their any many more projects and secrets in the works that they just can't share yet - but expect even more to be revealed soon.
As previously reported, Sesame Street is going to celebrate its 40th anniversary this November with the release of "Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days", a brand-new 2-disc DVD set. Featuring nearly six hours of classic Sesame Street stories, songs, Muppets and celebrity segments, the 2-disc collectible set spans the renowned show's four decades, includes never-before-seen archival footage and a limited-edition hardcover commemorative book.
"Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days" features a wide selection of iconic segments of past and present from Ernie's bath-time song "Rubber Duckie" (season 1); to Kevin Clash's first episode as Elmo (season 17); to Maria and Luis' wedding (season 19); to Abby Cadabby's arrival on Sesame Street (season 37), and much more. Fans can also watch some of their favorite celebrity segments including such guests as James Taylor, Pattie Labelle, Smokey Robinson, Robert de Niro, Destiny's Child, Alicia Keys, and Feist!
Additionally, this set will include an array of exclusive bonus features including never-before-seen behind the scenes footage, cast and crew interviews, and so much more. The fine folks at Genius Products have provided us with a complete break-down of the special features to be found in this commemorative set. Enjoy!
DVD Bonus Features:
An interview with Jon Stone, Emmy-winning writer, director, and producer who was involved in the creation of Sesame Street, on research and curriculum, and the barriers the show broke.
An interview with legendary puppeteer Carroll Spinney on Oscar the Grouch.
Leslie Carrara-Rudolph and Jason Weber talk about the creation of Abby Cadabby,
Behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage of several songs including "Guess The Seasons," "Hello, Hello," and "Friendship Song".
Exclusive archival footage featuring incredible behind-the-scenes studio rehearsals with cast, puppeteers and crew including the making of the Muppet, Nobel Price, green screen passes of Elmo and other characters and even a production meeting discussion.
An interview with Kevin Clash about the origin of Elmo.
An on-screen pop-up trivia feature with fun facts about Sesame Street.
A special peek into how everyone's favorite characters come to life.
A limited edition, hard cover commemorative book.
And much more!
This collection is truly an amazing anniversary celebration for fans young and old. The commemorative two-disc DVD set "Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days" will be available on November 10, 2009 (the 40th anniversary, to the day, of the show's premiere) for only $29.93 - pre-order your copy today!
The Muppets have been making the rounds to promote the upcoming television special Sesame Street: Families Stand Together. The new hour-long special is will air on Wednesday September 9, 2009 at 8:00PM on PBS. The program is designed to help families communicate during tough economic times. More information and additional resources are available online at www.sesameworkshop.org/toughtimes.
Elmo made a surprise appearance on the Sunday edition of NBC's Today to talk about the program.
Elmo returned to Today on Tuesday, this time bringing his mommy (May) to offer some advice for families.
Elmo dressed up to visit Bob Schieffer on CBS's Washington Unplugged on Friday to promote the show.
Additionally, Grover spoke about the program at the 2009 TV Critics Press Tour.
BOOM! Studios is planning to continue their series of Muppet Show comics with regular monthly installments. Roger Langridge's "The Muppet Show Comic Book" debuted in March with a 4-part mini-series; and currently BOOM is in the middle of their second 4-part Muppet Show mini-series, "The Muppet Show: The Treasure of Peg-Leg Wilson" which kicked off in July. However starting in November (after the conclusion of the Peg-Leg Wilson story), BOOM! will re-launch the Muppets as a proper ongoing series (no more re-numbering every four issues). The prelude issue in the new series will be a one-shot "Pigs in Space" adventure which will start the new ongoing numbering series as issue #0. After which, the first issue of Langridge's next story arc, "The Muppet Show: On the Road", will kick things off as issue #1 and they will continue with monthly installments of new Muppet Show comics each month thereafter (and with sequental numbering).
"The Muppet Show Comic Book #0: The Muppets Present...'Pigs In Space!'" is being written by Roger Landgridge with artwork by Shelli Paroline (variant covers will feature artwork by Roger Langridge and David Alvarez). In the comic, Fozzie Bear and Rizzo the Rat try to pitch a "Pigs In Space" movie to a Hollywood producer. The 24-page comic is planned to hit comic book stores at the end of November.
Also be on the look-out for BOOM! Studio's other Muppet comic book series - "Muppet Robin Hood" and "Muppet Peter Pan" - in comic book stores as well. I will be sure to keep you updated with more information on all the upcoming Muppet comic books as more details become available.
The Muppets' Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy will perform on the live results show of "America's Got Talent" on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 (9-10pm ET) on NBC. The show announced the couple as performers for Wednesday night's episode. It has also been announced that the Muppets' favorite curmudgens, Statler and Waldorf, will be on hand to provide their signature commentary during the show as well. You won't want to miss this special appearance by America's favorite frog and pig.
The Muppets - including Kermit, Piggy, Beaker, the Swedish Chef, Animal and some chickens - appeared on "America's Got Talent" back in 2007 accompanying ventriloquist Terry Fator and his puppets in the second season's finale. So be sure to set those DVRs and VCRs and tune in to catch the Muppets on the season finale of "America's Got Talent" this Wednesday!
This is a Muppet Newsflash...
Welcome to the Muppet Newsflash. This blog is dedicated to informing Muppet fans and Jim Henson enthusiasts all over the world with all the news and information that they crave and desire. Be sure to bookmark us and check back for the latest scoops on everything from The Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock to Sesame Street and The Dark Crystal - and so much more! Thanks for visiting, hope to see you back real soon.
