They’ve taken Manhattan and now The Muppets take Wellington with their grand Retro Spectacle Performance.

In association with the Wellington (New Zealand) based National Museum; Te Papa and the Jim Henson Estate, Kermit, Ernie, Bert and the rest of the gang have descended in to New Zealand’s capitol city with a show that will take old and new Muppet fans through the 40+ years of Sesame Street, The Muppet Show and more.

Ten years in the planning and choreographed by Wellington’s own Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Concords, The Muppets, Muppets Most Wanted) the mixed live action theater, films and hands-on workshops promises songs, memorabilia and hijinks that are signature to The Muppets legacy.

STG was invited to Te Papa to attend a closed press conference with Bret , Kermit and Ernie (video above filmed with a supplied Panasonic HC-WXF1M).

Media were treated to a Q & A session with the trio and we were lucky enough to meet face to face the world’s most famous frog.

The Retro Spectacle is a tribute to the late Jim Henson, the creator of Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, The Muppet Show and Muppets Tonight. Highlights from all of the TV Series’ will feature aswell as a ‘Behind the Seams’ look with some of the legendary puppeteers who not only bring the characters to life with amazing talent but also lend their voices to give all characters their signature personalities.

There will also be throwbacks to the likes of The Labyrinth (starring David Bowie) and Dark Crystal.

While Kermit was unsure where Miss Piggy was and Ernie rightfully pointed out that Sesame Street is a hard hitting edgy reality TV Show, Shane from STG was able to meet both Bert and Ernie in person.

A series of shows not to be missed, the Retro Spectacle will be playing from the 9th of April to the 29th of April 2018 in Wellington, New Zealand.

Check out the interview with Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street below.

*More info on the Jim Henson Retro Spectacle can be found HERE.

The post The Muppet Retro Spectacle appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The 21-day showcase of events paying tribute to Jim Henson, one of the world’s most creative, prolific and innovative film and puppetry artists, will take place in Wellington, New Zealand.

A film fortnight series, workshops and master classes, with visiting puppeteers from Sesame Street and The Muppets, will run as part of the full Retrospectacle. The programme concludes with a special NZSO concert featuring Oscar-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie– with special appearances by some of  Jim Henson’s much-loved characters.

The concert will take place during the final weekend with live concert performances at the Michael Fowler Centre on Friday the 27th of April and Saturday 28th of April 2018 which will coincide with the school holidays.

Ernie (Sesame Street), Jim Henson & Kermit (The Muppets)

“At its heart, the Jim Henson Retrospectacle is a loving tribute to the power of creative spirit and collaboration. This is a rare opportunity to marvel at the scope and huge appeal of Jim Henson’s work for its groundbreaking artistry; to see much-loved characters live on stage with Bret McKenzie and the NZSO; to go deep into Jim Henson’s  extensive and brilliant early works; to look closely at Jim’s life, partnerships and life-affirming inspirations; and to consider the impact of his unique imagination and outlook within New Zealand’s own creative community,” says Square Eyes Film Foundation Director Nic Marshall.

Many of Jim Henson’s beloved characters from Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and Fraggle Rock will be in attendance, thanks to a partnership with Square Eyes Film Foundation and the Jim Henson Legacy, and with support from The Jim Henson Company, Sesame Workshop and The Muppets Studio.

The 21-day Wellington-only Jim Henson Retrospectacle events have been made possible with generous support from the Major Events Development Fund, WREDA and Wellington City Council.

Bret McKenzie

WREDA has worked with Square Eyes Film Foundation to help bring the show to Wellington as part of the organisation’s goal to supercharge the region’s already exciting events calendar.

‘This is going to be bags of fun starring one of Wellington’s favourite sons in Bret McKenzie, New Zealand’s own symphony orchestra and of course some of the world’s greatest comical characters of the last 40 years. It’ll attract visitors from all around New Zealand, Australia. We’re also expecting some hardcore Muppet fans to travel from further afield as well… to whom we offer a welcoming ‘Mahna Mahna’,” says WREDA’s Interim CEO Derek Fry.

“We’re delighted to host Jim Henson’s creative family here in New Zealand’s creative capital. I’m sure the artistry and innovation so evident in all Jim Henson’s work will be warmly embraced in Wellington,” says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester.

Kermit the Frog & Bret McKenzie

Rare footage from deep within the Henson archives, experimental short films and commercials, classic feature films, and a New Zealand premiere to be announced next week, will screen over a fortnight at the Embassy Theatre. International guests will introduce a number of the screenings.

“We’re really thrilled to share the power of Jim’s art, his imagination and his positive view of life with a New Zealand audience. We have been working in partnership with Square Eyes Film Foundation for a very long time to bring this all together and are so happy it’s finally happening.” says Craig Shemin, president of the Jim Henson Legacy and Muppet Historian.

Te Papa will host Behind the Seams panels, workshops and master classes by Henson alumni including Bonnie Erickson, puppet designer, whose most notable creations include Miss Piggy and Statler and Waldorf; many Sesame Street perfomers; and veteran Muppet Performer Dave Goelz who for four decades has been bringing to life such Muppet characters as the Great Gonzo, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and the Electric Mayhem’s sax player, Zoot, with participation from Weta Workshop artists.

The Muppets & Jim Henson

“Today, as ever, Jim Henson’s creations and filmmaking continue to bring great happiness to adults and children alike. Weta Workshop has a strong association with the work of Jim Henson and I feel a particular affinity with Jim’s artistic outlook and vision, as he has been inspirational in our collective careers here at Weta Workshop. Jim’s visionary fantasy films The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth have earned their place in cinematic history as must-see classics of their genre.” says Sir Richard Taylor.

Square Eyes Film Foundation presents quality and diverse collective viewing alternatives for young and young-at-heart audiences. Square Eyes has been presenting All Ages films in partnership with the New Zealand International Film Festival since 2008.

Tickets for The Jim Henson Retrospectacle events go on sale to the general public from Thursday 8th of February 2018, 9am through Ticketmaster. You can find out more HERE.

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