The Weekly MUSE: Muppets

Jim Henson and his MUPPETS!
Photo by: Michelle O'Connell

I was shopping at my favorite toy store (Mass Ave Toys) this weekend and found a puppet of Red, a Fraggle Rock charater!

You know Fraggle Rock, don’t you? Here, take a look!

Fraggle Rock was one of several successful programs featuring Jim Henson’s Muppets. And this week we are going to take a closer look at these MUPPETS!

Fraggles, we’ve found our MUSE: MUPPETS!

Jim Henson is probably the most famous puppeteer the world has ever known. His career spanned five decades. When he died in 1990, his creations LIVED on.

For example, have you ever watched Sesame Street? I am a HUGE fan of Sesame Street. In fact, Sesame Street helped me learn how to read. To this day, when I hear the show’s intro song, I feel ALL HAPPY INSIDE! Here’s the into from when I was a kiddo.

That was Oscar the Grouch! I LOVE HIM! But my favorite character is Big Bird!

BIG BIRD! Sesame Street characters found their way into multi-media outlets, like books, magazine's and toys!

Can you believe that Sesame Street has been around since 1969? That makes Sesame Street 45 years old! WOW! And its mission is still the same. “Prepare young people for school!”

Who is your favorite Sesame Street Character???

Jim Henson’s success with Sesame Street led him to create The Muppet Show! This show opened in 1976 and entertained children and adults alike. Take a look!

The Muppet Show’s final season took place in 1981, BUT the Muppets are just as popular today! In fact, a new MUPPET movie will appear in theatres this March!

Coming to Theaters March 21st! 

Kermit the Frog is said to be Jim Henson’s most FAMOUS Muppet. In fact, he was probably Jim Henson’s favorite Muppet, too. After all, Jim Henson was even the voice behind this legendary Muppet. Kermit appeared on Sesame Street as well as all the Muppet Shows. In most cases, Kermit portrays his undying love for his one and only, Miss Piggy.

And Kermit is SUPER well known for his lament, “It’s Not Easy Being Green.” But don’t take my word for it. Hear it for yourself!

Not only was Jim Henson a puppeteer, he was also a CREATIVE WRITER. After all, all of his Muppets were characters who were brought to life by giving each one of them individual personalities. These personalities were portrayed through the scripts that Jim Henson and his staff wrote.

And I BELIEVE you can do the same! Are you up for the challenge??? Sooooo…

With this new knowledge, what kind of story or PUPPET can you CREATE? Maybe these what if questions will help you get started.

WHAT IF you wrote a puppet show with puppets made from socks? What would your main sock-puppet character’s name be? What does the puppet want more than anything? And how do the other puppets contribute to this desire?

WHAT IF you wrote a story where your main character went to a museum to see a Muppet exhibit? What if he/she saw someone steal Kermit the Frog? How would your character save the day?

WHAT IF your main character was a puppeteer? What does this puppeteer want? And who is keeping him/her from getting it?

The possibilities are endless, and please leave your own what if questions in the comment section below. I’d love to see what you come up with.

So, grab a pencil and a piece of paper, and let’s begin. With your imagination, we can go anywhere. I look forward to seeing where you take us.

With Imagination,

Professor Watermelon