The Great Muppet Survey - Casey Daron

Answers from Casey Daron

1.   Who are your three favorite characters from The Muppet Show, Muppets Tonight, The Jim Henson Hour, the Muppet movies, etc. and why? 
Kermit, because he’s the glue that holds all the Muppets together, and just plain awesome! Gonzo, because his craziness relates to me. He is always doing something outside of the norm, and I feel like I do the same. Lastly, Sweetums, because he is this big ferocious looking monster, but on the inside he is just a big loveable lump of fur. And not to mention all of his great moments with Robin. (We need more of those, Disney!)

2.   Who are your three favorite characters from Sesame Street and why?
Ernie, because he is a load of fun, always trying to get Bert to have fun. "Rubber Duckie" is one of my favorite Sesame Street songs, and it shows how Jim had a great singing voice. Grover, because he seems like he would be fun to spend an afternoon with. He’s always doing something crazy, and he would make any day great! Finally, Big Bird because he is wise beyond his years. I mean, he’s only six, and deals with problems adults struggle with!

3.   Who are your three favorite characters from Fraggle Rock and why?
Wembley, because he is funny and reminds me of myself, always indecisive. Cantus, because I feel he is one of Jim’s better characters. Cantus is almost like the Fraggle form of Jim, always wise and knowing what to do. I also love Boober, a great Dave Goelz character. Boober balanced the happiness levels of the show. He is such a worry-wart, being scared of the silliest things!

4.   What is your favorite television program starring any of Jim Henson's creations (e.g. The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, Dinosaurs, etc.) and why?
Although I REALLY love The Muppet Show, I’m going to have to go with Dinosaurs on this one. I love how it is a metaphor for the current society and all of their wrong doings. It tackled some pretty edgy subjects for being a family show. And also, who doesn’t love Baby?

5.   What is your favorite Muppet movie and why?
My favorite has to be The Muppet Movie. It’s how the Muppets came to be. I also see it as a time when The Muppets were becoming true superstars, and Jim’s hard work had paid off. It really set the stage for future Muppet productions. The soundtrack is brilliant from start to finish. Some of my favorite Muppet songs are featured in the movie.

6.   What is your favorite Muppet/Sesame/Fraggle song and why? 
Like pretty much everyone on here, my favorite is “The Rainbow Connection.” It is a lovely tribute to Jim, and Kermit’s theme song. It is such a great ballad, and can make any glum day bright.

7.   If you could have dinner with any living Muppet performer who would you choose and why?
Hmmm… this is tough. I think I’d have to choose Bill Barretta. I’d really like to talk to him about his work on Dinosaurs. He has some truly memorable characters like Pepe, and took on the role of many of Jim’s characters. I would want to know how it feels to play such great characters, and how it felt to be in Jim’s shoes.

8.   If you could tell Jim Henson one thing, what would it be?
I’d want to let him know how appreciative I am of his work, and how he inspired millions of people worldwide with his work. I’d like to tell him how he inspired me to be a puppeteer, and to strive for your dreams, no matter how crazy they seem.

9.   If the President called you and asked to discuss Muppet projects, what would you tell him was the "Greatest Muppet Moment of All Time"?
Probably when Walter passes out when he meets Kermit for the first time. I think that pretty much sums up how every Muppet fan would be in that circumstance.

10.   What's the name of that song?
Tom Sawyer? The Trooper? Ohh… that song! Yeah, I dunno.

11.   If a judge ruled that Grover had to be your personal assistant for a month, what jobs would you have him do?
I ask him to be in a band with me, see what happens. Hopefully he wouldn’t get into too much trouble… guitars are expensive!

12.   In your opinion, what is the worst Muppet production ever made?
I like all of the Muppet productions. None of them are BAD per say, but the one I watch least is probably The Muppet Christmas Carol. I’m not sure, I just think it has to do with the fact that it doesn’t feature enough Muppets in it. I think J.P. Grosse should have played a good Scrooge. It truly is a beautiful story though.

13.   Who is one celebrity you would love to see cameo in the next Muppet movie?
Probably Jimmy Fallon. I mean, look at him! He’s a HUGE Muppet fan! I’m surprised he hasn’t been in anything yet!

14.   If you could take a picture with any Muppet, who would you choose and how would you pose?
I think I’d like to have my picture taken with Walter. We would both be having fan-attacks and be freaking out.

15.   What is your favorite piece of Muppet merchandise that you own? (Feel free to include a picture!)
I’m going to have to give my THREE favorite Muppet items. One, my Master Replicas Kermit, Two, my Master Replicas Gonzo, and Three, my Of Muppets And Men book. That thing is SUPER rare!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

The Great Muppet Survey - Micah Mann

Answers from Micah Mann

1.   Who are your three favorite characters from The Muppet Show, Muppets Tonight, The Jim Henson Hour, the Muppet movies, etc. and why? 
Kermit because he's the guy everyone loved on their childhoods. Next Fozzie, because I like his jokes more than any other Muppet. Last Walter because we both are BIG Muppet fans.

2.   Who are your three favorite characters from Sesame Street and why?
First Kermit because I grew up with him for years. Next Elmo because he's cute. Last Telly because purple was my high school color.

3.   Who are your three favorite characters from Fraggle Rock and why?
First Cantus, because Jim Henson played him. Second, Traveling Matt because he hangs out with us silly creatures. Last Red because she loves to have fun.

4.   What is your favorite television program starring any of Jim Henson's creations (e.g. The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, Dinosaurs, etc.) and why?
I'll go with Sesame Street because the characters are cool, and it made me feel good about myself.

5.   What is your favorite Muppet movie and why?
My three favorite Muppet films, in no real order, are The Great Muppet Caper because of the bike scene, The Muppet Christmas Carol because it stays true to the book, and The Muppet Movie because it's classic.

6.   What is your favorite Muppet/Sesame/Fraggle song and why? 
My favorite Muppet song is "Cabin Fever" from Muppet Treasure Island because it's fun to dance to.

7.   If you could have dinner with any living Muppet performer who would you choose and why?
I'd hang out with Steve Whitmire because when you hear him as Kermit, you feel like there's something special in the room.

8.   If you could tell Jim Henson one thing, what would it be?
Thanks for everything, Jim. And please bring back Sam & Friends as soon as possible.

9.   If the President called you and asked to discuss Muppet projects, what would you tell him was the "Greatest Muppet Moment of All Time"?
The wedding scene from The Muppets Take Manhattan because ALL the Muppets are there.

10.   What's the name of that song?
It better not be Me Party.

11.   If a judge ruled that Grover had to be your personal assistant for a month, what jobs would you have him do?
Grover would be great as a Disney animator.

12.   In your opinion, what is the worst Muppet production ever made?
I don't believe in WORST Muppet productions. But the most OVERRATED Muppet project would be The Muppets starring Jason Segel. If I went into detail on why, this would be a LONG answer.

13.   Who is one celebrity you would love to see cameo in the next Muppet movie?
I know it won't happen, but I want to see American Idol finalist & Dove Award winner Colton Dixon in a new Muppet movie. He's pretty good, you should listen to him.

14.   If you could take a picture with any Muppet, who would you choose and how would you pose?
I'd take a picture with Lips, and we would do a trumpet battle.

15.   What is your favorite piece of Muppet merchandise that you own? (Feel free to include a picture!)
I have a Walter plush toy that I got at a Disney Store while on vacation.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

The Great Muppet Survey: Lucas Ervin

Answers from Lucas Ervin

1.   Who are your three favorite characters from The Muppet Show, Muppets Tonight, The Jim Henson Hour, the Muppet movies, etc. and why?
It’s obvious that Kermit is the greatest on The Muppet Show, but I’d have to say Fozzie, Floyd and Rowlf. Fozzie was incredibly sweet, Floyd had a fantastic singing voice and I loved watching Rowlf play the piano... but what all three of them had in common was that they were really good at being incredibly funny without trying too hard.

2.   Who are your three favorite characters from Sesame Street and why?
Ernie, since he’s just so sweet and lovable; Cookie Monster, because he’s hilariously impulsive; and Kermit the Frog, who was the perfect teacher.

3.   Who are your three favorite characters from Fraggle Rock and why? 
Wembley, I feel like I’m the most like him... Mokey, because she was bubbly, poetic, motherly, funny and just a tad bit air-headed without seeming unintelligent... Convincing John and Cantus are tied here, because they’re both very unique to the show; I loved how Convincing John was just wild and all over the place, like a combination of a used car salesman and Krusty the Clown. Cantus was fantastic for being quite silly in displaying wisdom.

4.   What is your favorite television program starring any of Jim Henson's creations (e.g. The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, Dinosaurs, etc.) and why?
While The Muppet Show means the world to me, Fraggle Rock teaches you everything you’ll ever need to be a decent, honest person in life. I think every kid should be made to watch that program at some point.

5.   What is your favorite Muppet movie and why?
The Muppet Movie. The first film encapsulates everything the Muppets stand for.

6.   What is your favorite Muppet/Sesame/Fraggle song and why?
"We’re Not Gonna Stop" from The Muppets at Walt Disney World, "Do The Rubber Duck" by Ernie on Sesame Street, and "The Rock Goes On" from Fraggle Rock.

7.   If you could have dinner with any living Muppet performer who would you choose and why?
Frank Oz. Even if he’s somewhat quiet and distant, I still would be sitting there in awe of everything this guy has accomplished.

8.   If you could tell Jim Henson one thing, what would it be?
Can I give Kermit a hug?

9.   If the President called you and asked to discuss Muppet projects, what would you tell him was the "Greatest Muppet Moment of All Time"? 
Seeing all the Muppet characters holding hands as they’re about to go on stage and sing Rainbow Connection with Kermit and Piggy in The Muppets. There is no greater underdog story out there than these wild but loving characters doing their best to put on a show.

10.   What's the name of that song?
Just an Old Fashioned Love Song

11.   If a judge ruled that Grover had to be your personal assistant for a month, what jobs would you have him do?
Grover is just a puppet. Next.

12.   In your opinion, what is the worst Muppet production ever made?
I’d have to say Muppets Tonight… it’s the worst in that it’s the most detrimental of all projects. Here is where we see the decline in central characters and disrespect towards the franchise that Jim worked so hard to build, and because of this loss of focus, the projects that came after were more and more difficult to watch, all the way up until 2009’s Bohemian Rhapsody video.

13.   Who is one celebrity you would love to see cameo in the next Muppet movie?
I’d love to see Steve Carell. He has this amazing discipline about himself when he’s being funny.

14.   If you could take a picture with any Muppet, who would you choose and how would you pose? 
With Lew Zealand, and with both of us freeze-framed at throwing boomerang fish.

15.   What is your favorite piece of Muppet merchandise that you own? (Feel free to include a picture!)
I’ve got plenty of neat Muppet stuff but my Palisades collection shelf is still my favorite thing.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

The Great Muppet Survey: Reese Scott

Answers from Reese Scott

1.)   Who are your three favorite characters from The Muppet Show, Muppets Tonight, The Jim Henson Hour, the Muppet movies, etc. and why?
My favorite Muppets... that is tough, but I would say Gonzo, Animal, and Rowlf. It was so hard but Gonzo for being so weird, Animal for being so crazy, and Rowlf for being so nice and kind and all of them are funny! They describe my personality.

2.)   Who are your three favorite characters from Sesame Street and why?
My favorite Sesame Street characters... hmm, well Grover for being so cute, Cookie Monster for being so funny, and Roosevelt Franklin for being too awesome!

3.)   Who are your three favorite characters from Fraggle Rock and why?
Wembly for being funny, Gobo for being brave, and Red for being plain awesome!

4.)   What is your favorite television program starring any of Jim Henson's creations (e.g. The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, Dinosaurs, etc.) and why?
The Muppet Show, hands down!

5.)   What is your favorite Muppet movie and why?
The Muppet Movie! I love the songs and the jokes.

6.)   What is your favorite Muppet/Sesame/Fraggle song and why?
"Can You Picture That?" because it's so groovy.

7.)   If you could have dinner with any living Muppet performer who would you choose and why?
I think Frank Oz. He performed so many of my favorite characters.

8.)   If you could tell Jim Henson one thing, what would it be?
Your creations are an amazing piece of my life!

9.)   If the President called you and asked to discuss Muppet projects, what would you tell him was the "Greatest Muppet Moment of All Time"?
The Rainbow Connection!

10.)   What's the name of that song?
Ramalamadingdong

11.)   If a judge ruled that Grover had to be your personal assistant for a month, what jobs would you have him do?
Just sit with me and discuss the street.

12.)   In your opinion, what is the worst Muppet production ever made?
Well The Muppets' Wizard of Oz was pretty bad, but I love anything with Muppets.

13.)   Who is one celebrity you would love to see cameo in the next Muppet movie?
Cameron Boyce!

14.)   If you could take a picture with any Muppet, who would you choose and how would you pose?
I would be with Gonzo and lighting his canon.

15.)   What is your favorite piece of Muppet merchandise that you own? (Feel free to include a picture!)
My Rowlf puppet from Fisher Price.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

The Great Muppet Survey: Joe Pawich

Answers from Joe Pawich

1.   Who are your three favorite characters from The Muppet Show, Muppets Tonight, The Jim Henson Hour, the Muppet movies, etc. and why?
First, Kermit - a green felt extension of Jim Henson, he's the glue that holds the gang together and does his best to preside over the insanity as the voice of reason.  Second, Fozzie - a loyal friend, I can relate to his desire to be liked and his bad jokes. And finally, Statler and Waldorf - what can I say? I dig the sarcastic, insult comic humor. Plus, Statler always reminded me of my late great-uncle George (see picture) both physically and in demeanor, minus the profanity.

2.   Who are your three favorite characters from Sesame Street and why?
First, Ernie - like me, he has no use for stuff-shirts and mercilessly torments the humorless Bert by having fun the way only he can. Second, Cookie Monster - he likes cookies. I like cookies. I get him. Finally, Big Bird - perpetually in a state of childlike wonder, he speaks to the kid in all of us. Honorable mention - Oscar. See above with Statler and Waldorf.

3.   Who are your three favorite characters from Fraggle Rock and why?
I watched this back in the day but have only really become reacquainted with it in the last year, so from what I've seen lately. So first, Junior Gorg - the childish lisp and gifted singing of Richard Hunt makes for a nice combination. Second, Wembley - his nasal voice and high-strung nature make for a character whose anxiety I can relate to. Last, Red - like most redheads, she's a spitfire with energy that can be contagious. Honorable mention - Pa Gorg. Gotta love his stubborn pride.

4.   What is your favorite television program starring any of Jim Henson's creations (e.g. The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, Dinosaurs, etc.) and why?
I watched them all back in the day, but I have to go with Sesame Street because it was the first I was exposed to, the show I watched most religiously and had by far the biggest impact on me growing up.

5.   What is your favorite Muppet movie and why?
The Muppet Movie. I think it holds up the best and hits more right notes than the others. Honorable mention--The Muppets. It had a lot to live up to, but I think Jason Segel showed he was a true Muppet fan and hit it out of the park. I wish I could've done that.

6.   What is your favorite Muppet/Sesame/Fraggle song and why?
"The Rainbow Connection." I have no reasons for this that are any different than most have already mentioned here. It's a terrific, inspirational, uplifting song. Honorable mention--"I'm Going To Go Back There Someday." I was glad to see this song get some love here too. Hauntingly beautiful, I've always had a fondness for it.

7.   If you could have dinner with any living Muppet performer who would you choose and why?
Whoever would best tolerate my questions about Jim and humor me by telling stories of him.

8.   If you could tell Jim Henson one thing, what would it be?
I liked the member who said they would tell him to make sure the cab driver dropped him off on the right side of the hospital. Failing that though, I would simply say thank you for doing your part to make sure I grew up the right way.

9.   If the President called you and asked to discuss Muppet projects, what would you tell him was the "Greatest Muppet Moment of All Time"?
A Muppet Family Christmas with the entire Henson universe. I remember back in the day, reading about this in the TV Guide and being stoked for it to air. For a Muppet fan, there was no greater crossover. I think it's still on VHS somewhere back on my family's farm. Honorable mention--the end of Jim Henson's memorial service with all the Muppet performers singing together. Heck, the whole service was a fitting tribute to the man and the legacy he left behind.

10.   What's the name of that song?
I don't know, I just know it goes "la-de-da-de-da, la-de-da-de-da".

11.   If a judge ruled that Grover had to be your personal assistant for a month, what jobs would you have him do?
I'd have him work customer service at the front counter. Customers have no problems giving my coworkers grief for things that are out of their control, but methinks treating a furry blue Muppet that way would be difficult given Grover's lovable, apologetic nature.

12.   In your opinion, what is the worst Muppet production ever made?
Gotta agree with the masses and say The Muppets' Wizard Of Oz. I was inspired to check it out based on these surveys and found a stream online. Haven't gotten through it yet and may never. I just don't think it was the right vehicle for the Muppets for some reason.

13.   Who is one celebrity you would love to see cameo in the next Muppet movie?
Seth MacFarlane. Yes, his humor may be twisted and out there, even for the Muppets, but somehow, I think Jim would've got it. He's clever, irreverent, and the Muppet references in his work tell me they were obviously a big influence on him as well. Plus, he's a classically trained singer and would be right at home in big Muppet musical numbers.

14.   If you could take a picture with any Muppet, who would you choose and how would you pose?
I'd get a picture playing dueling banjos with Kermit on the log from The Muppet Movie. No, I can't play the banjo, but it's a picture--nobody would know that.

15.   What is your favorite piece of Muppet merchandise that you own? (Feel free to include a picture!)
Growing up, it was the talking Big Bird doll I got for Christmas that I lugged around by the neck so much that his head just flops at his side now. After all this time, the doll still talks, but Mr. Spinney's voice sounds like he's in need of an exorcism. I also have a small rubber Oscar figurine that had a lot of adventures with me, including almost getting flushed down a restaurant toilet somehow. Today, my most prized possessions would be: My record supposedly signed by two of my favorite icons, Jim and Kermit (picture to the right)--I've never had it authenticated and can't prove it was, but for what I paid for it, it was worth the risk. Also, my photo of Miss Piggy and Harry Belafonte supposedly used as set dressing in Miss Piggy's dressing room in 2011's The Muppets (pic below)--again, I can't prove it, but it seems to match up. I even tracked down the movie's set decorator, Tracey A. Doyle, online and asked her about it. She provided the attached set pic from her records, and based on the pic I sent her was of the opinion that it was the one she dressed to the set. So until anyone proves otherwise, I'm taking her word as the final one and believe it to be the real deal. Again, for what I paid, it was worth the risk. I wanted my own little piece of the magic, and given Belafonte's contribution to the Muppet universe, I felt this was more than suitable.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

The Great Muppet Survey - Steven Hayes

Answers from Steven Hayes

1.   Who are your three favorite characters from The Muppet Show, Muppets Tonight, The Jim Henson Hour, the Muppet movies, etc. and why?
My all-time favorite Muppet character is Rowlf the Dog. He is tremendously versatile as a performer. Rowlf can go from moments of deep reflection and warmth to moments of pure hilarity. If Rowlf is featured prominently in any Muppet production, it is worth watching. My second would be Gonzo because he brings the insanity to the group, and my third would be Fozzie because he has great comedic timing.

2.   Who are your three favorite characters from Sesame Street and why?
Ernie/Bert (as one choice!), Grover, and Cookie Monster because they all have this timeless quality about them and have such well-developed personalities. I think everyone in America has such great memories of these characters from their childhood.

3.   Who are your three favorite characters from Fraggle Rock and why?
Boober, Wembley, and Sprocket because I feel like they filled so much of the comic relief in the show.

4.   What is your favorite television program starring any of Jim Henson's creations (e.g. The Muppet Show,Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, Dinosaurs, etc.) and why?
"The Muppet Show" is the best Muppet television production ever hands-down. It had it all--comedy, music, craziness, and special guest stars.  The writing was tremendous and it put the emphasis exactly where it needed to be - on character development.

5.   What is your favorite Muppet movie and why?
"The Muppet Movie" because I think it really took "Muppet Mania" to the next level. The story and music have become classic.

6. What is your favorite Muppet/Sesame/Fraggle song and why?
This is a tough one.  I'm going with "Turn the World Around" from the Harry Belafonte episode of "The Muppet Show." You can tell how much everyone was enjoying the song because it played through the end credits of the show. The special Muppets that were designed from the look of African masks were incredible.

7.   If you could have dinner with any living Muppet performer who would you choose and why?
Considering that he still performs his characters, I would probably choose Dave Goelz because of his rich history in working with the Muppets for decades.

8.   If you could tell Jim Henson one thing, what would it be?
Thank you for providing me with lots of great memories and for helping to inspire my creative potential.

9.   If the President called you and asked to discuss Muppet projects, what would you tell him was the "Greatest Muppet Moment of All Time"?
The greatest Muppet moment is Kermit playing the banjo in the swamp at the beginning of "The Muppet Movie." It is iconic.

10.   What's the name of that song?
I don't remember.

11.   If a judge ruled that Grover had to be your personal assistant for a month, what jobs would you have him do?
I wouldn't have him bring me anything, because he always returns with the incorrect item. I would just use him for help in counting to ten and getting my letters of the alphabet in the correct order.

12.   In your opinion, what is the worst Muppet production ever made?
The worst Muppet production ever made is "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz." There are so many problems with this one--no memorable songs, weak story, casting Ashanti as Dorothy, too much adult humor, being based on the original novel instead of the more-familiar movie version, and Rowlf's screen time was maybe five seconds with no spoken dialogue. That is a recipe for disaster.

13.   Who is one celebrity you would love to see cameo in the next Muppet movie? 
I would love to see a return appearance of Steve Martin because his cameo in "The Muppet Movie" was the best.

14.   If you could have your picture taken with any Muppet, who would it be and how would you pose? 
I would be photographed with Rowlf at the piano of course.


15.   What is your favorite piece of Muppet merchandise that you own? (Feel free to include a picture!)
My original Kermit Fisher-Price puppet has a lot of memories for me so it has the most sentimental value, but the Palisades action figure line is the best series of Muppet toys ever produced.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com