Mummenschanz

[Yorick]

Mummenschanz (a guest on the Muppet Show's first season) had a commercial about 20 years ago (or a bit more) for their broadway shows, I believe...and I was wondering if anyone remembers it: The set is pitch black and a frowning faced character is in a cage on the right in the back. Along comes this BIG RED SMILE face with LONG EYES walking by, and then they see the frowny person in the cage. Long story short, they try to get them out of the cage in different ways, and finally they bend the bars, walk in the cage, close the bars, kneel down and stare out of the cage right at us, the viewer. Strange music the whole time, and no talking. And if you know Mummenschanz from the Muppet show, you know how their costumes are, but this was weirder than those, to me - especially the smiling character. It'd be quite interesting to see it again after all these years...

Well, I don't know what luck I'll have with anyone remembering this, but if anyone wants to discuss Mummenschanz at all, that would be welcome, too! Thanks.

I wish that skit was on the Muppet episode, but I first saw the Muppet show episode in the early 90's which was not so very long after the commercial aired, so I know they didn't have those costumes in it...of course I've seen the Muppet episode since then as well...happy to have the box set

 

[Kiki]

I discovered the group by watching the episode of TMS where they guest-starred in season one. I was about 10or 11 at the time, but I was really taken by them- I liked them a lot. I wanted to see them when they toured here a few years ago. D:

 

[Son of Enik]

I seem to remember the Mummenscanz appearing on Sesame Street back in 1977 or 1978 as well, doing bits throughout an episode in between segments. I have always been a fan of theirs.

 

[Beauregard]

I was looking at these guys on youtube the other day after this thread came up and I tell you...they'd take your soul in a moment. *shudder* They may be the single creepiest group I've ever known. (Of course I love them for it.)

 

[Yorick]

Son of Enik - Yes, I now recall a clip or two on youtube of them on Sesame Street...I didn't find them searching now, but perhaps they were never labeled as such to begin with. But somewhere (maybe here?) someone posted the links.

Nice to hear the enthusiasm for Mummenschanz from Beauregard, Son of Enik and Kiki - I agree totally - and I also agree totally with Beauregard on the creepy factor! They can be unsettling, indeed. Good to know it wasn't just me And the TV ad I described really did creep me out, and I wish those costumes could be found on the internet in some form - I want to see if I'm any less affected now