Kermit the Frog and gang will be presenting a new show in Liberty Square at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom this fall, Disney announced today. In keeping with the theme of the land, the new show will be called The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History.
Being a Muppets show, of course, no one should expect a dry, academically-approved recitation of America's colonial history. Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo, and, of course, Sam Eagle will join new character James Jefferson, "the town crier of Liberty Square," in telling stories from "from the midnight ride of Paul Revere to the signing of the Declaration of Independence," according to Disney World's press release.
With Disney moving away from non-fiction stories in favor of promoting its IP franchises at Epcot, it's refreshing to see Disney find a potentially wonderful compromise here — one that promotes the Muppets IP while still injecting at least a sideways look at real history. The new show will play on the street outside of the Hall of Presidents. (We're expecting some of the Muppets to appear in windows above the street, which should help ensure everyone has a good view.)
When I was a child, I loved the Peabody's Improbable History segments on the old Rocky & Bullwinkle show. I don't remember how many actual historical facts I picked up from watching (though I am certain there were at least a few!), but I do know that I learned from the show that history could be fun and entertaining — and that I wanted to learn more about it.
That is the value that the Muppets can bring to Liberty Square. A revolution is by its nature irreverent — you're rebelling, after all. A crew such as the Muppets can express the emotional spirit of a revolution in a way that entertains even as it gently informs. (Reflecting that convention-defying spirit is also one of the reasons why "Hamilton" has become such an immense hit on Broadway, with its hip-hop soundtrack and minority-led cast.)
The new Muppets show will debut in the Magic Kingdom in October.
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I think this is a clever idea, and I hope it gains some traction. I've always had a soft spot for the Muppets, though I can understand why people are frustrated with their current presence in the parks with a 4-D movie that hasn't seen an update in 10+ years, and I hope they can inject some fun into a part of the park that that could use a good jab in the side.
The Muppets 4D needs an update. That goes without saying. I wonder why they can't just do a live Muppets show for anything new will be helpful despite the recent trashy television series and movies.
The Muppets can be Great again, but I'm not hoping. I didn't know the Muppets had a trashy beginning as someone pointed out.
Or heck, just use the Muppets to reboot a Sesame Street-type kids show in the mornings, now that the original has gone to HBO and the wheels are falling off that production.
Quick point: The Muppets beat The Simpsons, Family Guy, and fellow newcomer The Real O'Neals by a million viewers a week. Those other shows all got renewed; what gets a pickup doesn't always have much to do with popularity or quality (which for The Muppets, was inconsistent).
"The Muppets are iconic. Kind of like Mickey Mouse. When was the last Mickey Mouse cartoon you saw? It doesn't matter how their TV shows or movies are currently doing. They'll come around again. And deserve their own full-out ride."
Very well said.
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