The Muppets Take The Bowl shows were a complete and total blast from beginning to end. My heart was soaring all weekend long! I’m so sad we’re finished, but I look forward to the possibility of assembling some day and doing this kind of show again. This project was the very definition of a truly creative collaboration and I’d like to think it’s how Jim Henson would’ve approached it.
I wanted to take the opportunity to send some shout-outs to the many people who made this endeavor possible. Please forgive me if I’ve left anyone out.
Thank you to our amazing Writer/Directors
Kirk R. Thatcher and
Andrew Williams who guided us through this process from the beginning all the way through the final bow. Thanks to our Writers Jim Lewis and
Matthew Barnette for being true partners on this adventure. It was so fun to perform your words every night.
Thanks to Soapbox Films, and in particular Producer Jessica Stewart, Associate Producer Chelsea DeVincent, Project Coordinator Jamie Cernich, Post Producer Kaley Lankenau. Your support and professionalism are unequaled.
Grateful acknowledgement to Music Producer Ed Mitchell with Music Arranger Steve Morell and Sound Engineer Rick Ruggieri. You make us sound amazing and it is always a pleasure hearing your work.
Thank you to
Michael Moretti for our video monitors and LED Tech Spencer King. You are our eyes and we could not do this without your hard work and skills.
Take a bow Production Designer Andy Walmsley and Propmaster Deron Wright. We got to play on an incredible set that was lovingly crafted that was nothing short of brilliant.
My deepest gratitude to The Muppets Studio’s
Debbie McClellan (our hero), Tracy Gilbert,
Andrea McCallin, Michael Steinbach, and Katherine Lewis. Everyone at TMS has been working non-stop for months to bring this show to life. No detail was missed and you guys ROCK!
Thank you to The Muppet Workshop with Supervisor Jane Gootnick and Wranglers
Greg Ballora, Gretchen Crookes,
Andrea Detwiler, and
Peter MacKennan. It was no easy task to make sure we had every single puppet in the right costume in the right places at the right time, but you all did it so effortlessly.
Great appeciation goes out to The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association Brian Grohl, Johanna Rees, and Michael Vitale. I’m so happy we got to do this and thank you for guiding us along the way.
It was a unique pleasure sharing the stage with Principal Conductor Thomas Wilkins and The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Thank you all for putting your heart into the show.
I’m indebted to The
Hollywood Bowl camera operators, lighting crew, stage managers, props, stagehands, sound crew, front of house staff, and security. You took good care of us and made The Bowl feel like our home. Thank you.
Thanks goes out to Fred Martin and The Levite Camp Choir and
Michael Rooney and his dancers for enhancing our show with your talents.
Of course, I have to recognize our special guests Danny Trejo and
Jimmy Kimmel in video pieces. Thanks for being part of this journey.
Paul Williams, thank you, not only for sharing your song “Rainbow Connection” but for sharing your time with The Muppets for the show.
Bobby Moynihan…I could not think of a better guest star for The Muppets Take The Bowl. Your enthusiasm and joy spread throughout the cast from day one and we’ll carry it with us from here on out. You are a talent that fits right in with The Muppets and I am glad to know you.
Special thanks to the Additional Muppet Performers who helped us fill out our cast when the six of us were otherwise occupied. Those incredible performers are
Dave Barclay,
Tim Blaney,
Kevin Carlson,
Ryan Dillon,
John Kennedy,
Timothy Lagasse, James Murray,
Michael Oosterom,
Carmen Osbahr, Karen Prell,
Mike Quinn, Micha Sisti, and
Allan Trautman.
I must also give special credit and thanks to
Drew Massey who was literally Kermit’s right hand man (and both feet for “Happy Feet”),
Alice Dinnean who performed Kermit’s hands—and along with Drew worked out the dance for Kermit.
Julianne Buescher who made Floyd’s bass playing with The Electric Mayhem so incredible!
Noel MacNeal who was the physical embodiment of Sweetums for me.
Paul McGinnis Puppetrywho took on the task of performing Bobby’s frog legs during “Happy Feet”, and to
Bruce Lanoil who "had my back" on a few occasions.
I have to thank my brothers Dave Goelz,
Bill Barretta, Eric Jacobson, David Rudman, and
Peter Linz. Words cannot express my gratitude for the five of you.
A very special thank you to my family and friends who came to The Bowl to see this show. I love you and am so thankful for you.
Finally, I have to thank
The Muppets fans and everyone who bought tickets, traveled from down the street or around the world to see The Muppets Take The Bowl. We do this for you and share in your enthusiasm, excitement, laughter, tears, and joy. We will see you next time with more from The Muppets!
Welcome to the Muppet Central Forum!
Jim Henson Idea Man
Back to the Rock Season 2
Bear arrives on Disney+
Sam and Friends Book
