The Barretta Brothers

Ep 52 - Muppet Performers, Santa Claus,& Muppet Christmas Trivia

Contestants, Adrienne H. Lee, and Henry Greenberg compete to see who knows more about their favorite subject - The Muppets! Ben Barretta sits in with his Dad, Gene. A visit by Santa Claus. And to top it all off, Muppet performers, Dave Goelz, Peter Linz, Matt Vogel, and Eric Jacobson, join Bill and Gene for some holiday Q&A and stories.

Ep 51 - Muppet Mini #05: Louise Gold Remembers

On this Mini episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome Muppet Performer, Puppeteer, and Actress, Louise Gold.

Episode Outline:

• Louise remembers special moments and pays tribute to:
• Richard Hunt
• Caroll Spinney
• Jerry Nelson
• Jane Henson
• John Henson
• Jim Henson

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Louise trained as an actor at Arts Educational School but very early in her career she got a job with Jim Henson as one of the Muppet Performers on The Muppet Show (filmed at Elstree Studios) From then on, she has combined both acting and puppeteering. Most recently she played Yente in Trevor Nunn’s acclaimed production of "Fiddler on the Roof' at The Menier Chocolate Factory and the Playhouse Theatre London. Directly before that she was one of the core performers on The Netflix prequel series to the film, The Dark Crystal, 'Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance'. She was one of the original team that started Spitting Image, doing voices and puppeteering, worked on the recent Cbeebies show ‘The Furchester Hotel ‘playing Funella Furchester. She has appeared in many West End Shows as an actress including Mamma Mia, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Assassins, The Cherry Orchard with the RSC and TV, Film and Radio.

During the lockdown she was part of GLOP (Glorious ladies of Puppetry) 

 

BRIEF ADDITIONAL BIOS

Richard Hunt:

Muppet performer, who performed characters like Beeker, Sweetums, Scooter, Statler, and Janice.

Caroll Spinney:

Puppeteer, author, cartoonist, and Muppet performer, who originated and performed Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch.

Jerry Nelson:

Actor, Musician, and Muppet Performer, known for dozens of characters, including Count Von Count, Sherlock Hemlock, Mr. Snuffleupagus, Robin the Frog, and Sgt. Floyd Pepper.

Jane Henson:

Puppeteer, artist, wife of Jim Henson.

John Henson:

Muppet Performer, craftsman, second son of Jim Henson.

Jim Henson:

Puppeteer, filmmaker, animator, director, writer, and creator of The Muppets. His characters include Kermit the Frog, Ernie, Dr. Teeth, Rowlf, and The Swedish Chef.

 

 

Ep 50 - Muppet Mini #04: Stephanie D’Abruzzo and Craig Shemin

On this Mini episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome Muppet Performer, Puppeteer, and Actress, Stephanie D’Abruzzo.  Along with writer, producer, and director, Craig Shemin.

Episode Outline:

• Stephanie remembers a special moment and pays tribute to Caroll Spinney
• Craig remembers a special moment and pays tribute to Jim Henson
• Stephanie remembers a special moment and pays tribute to Jerry Nelson
• Craig remembers a special moment and pays tribute to Richard Hunt

ABOUT OUR GUESTS:

 

Stephanie joined Sesame Street in 1993. Since then, she has performed hundreds of characters, including Lulu, Curly Bear, and Prairie Dawn since 2015. She has also puppeteered and voiced countless characters for projects like Bear in the Big Blue House, Donkey Hodie, and Julie’s Greenroom. And if that isn’t enough, this slacker has earned herself Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominations, and wait for it, Theater World Award and a special Outer Critics Circle Ensemble Award – for originating her roles in Avenue Q.

Craig Shemin is a writer, producer, and director. His credits include work with The Muppets, The Jim Henson Company, TV animation, and books like The Muppets Character Encyclopedia, and the upcoming book about Jim Henson’s first TV series, Sam & Friends. Craig produced and directed the award-winning documentary Behind the Scenes at Frogtown Hollow. He is President of The Jim Henson Legacy, and curator for Henson screenings at The Museum of the Moving Image.

 

BRIEF ADDITIONAL BIOS

Richard Hunt:

Muppet performer, who performed characters like Beeker, Sweetums, Scooter, Statler, and Janice.

Caroll Spinney:

Puppeteer, author, cartoonist, and Muppet performer, who originated and performed Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch.

Jerry Nelson:

Actor, Musician, and Muppet Performer, known for dozens of characters, including Count Von Count, Sherlock Hemlock, Mr. Snuffleupagus, Robin the Frog, and Sgt. Floyd Pepper.

Jim Henson:

Puppeteer, filmmaker, animator, director, writer, and creator of The Muppets. His characters include Kermit the Frog, Ernie, Dr. Teeth, Rowlf, and The Swedish Chef.

Ep 49 - Muppets Haunted Mansion Live Q&A

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers talk about Muppets Haunted Mansion. Special guests Matt Vogel, Dave Goelz, Peter Linz, Julianne Buescher, Alice Dinnean, Bruce Lanoil, Michael Steinbach, and Kelly Younger.

Ep 48 - Muppet Mini: Kevin Clash Remembers Jim Henson, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, Carroll Spinney and Jerry Nelson

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome Performer, Director, and Producer, Kevin Clash.

Episode Outline:

• Kevin remembers special moments and pays tribute to:
• Richard Hunt
• Caroll Spinney
• Jerry Nelson
• Jane Henson
• Jim Henson

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

KEVIN CLASH

Kevin Clash is best known for Elmo (Sesame Street) 1979-2012. He also was part of Labyrinth (1986), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1 (1990) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 (1991), Happytime Murders (SFX) 2018, and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (Netflix) 2019. In addition to Elmo, Clash is also known for performing Splinter (TMNT) Baby Sinclair (Dinosaurs), and Clifford (Muppets Tonight).

Kevin Clash has won 29 daytime Emmys, over one hundred fifty -six performing title credits, thirty- one producing title credits and twenty- seven directing title credits. In 2011, his documentary, Being Elmo, was awarded the Special Jury Prize at Sundance. He has appeared in numerous television specials, commercials, feature films and direct-to-video products.

During his career, he has worked with great innovators who founded the classic puppet television industry including Kermit Love, Frank Oz, and Jim Henson.

Clash has recruited, auditioned, and trained puppeteers from all over the world. He was the senior puppet coordinator, and was also a director, co-producer and senior creative adviser on Sesame Street.  Kevin was essential to the success of Elmo’s World and the creative branding powerhouse of Elmo. Business Insider states that in 1996 the toy company Tyco saw their sales grow from $70 million to an astounding $350 million thanks to the Tickle Me Elmo Doll.

Clash’s most recent project, Earth to Ned, will be airing on Disney+ this Fall, and he currently has several projects in development. 

Ep 47 - Muppet Mini #02: Fran Brill Remembers Jim Henson, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, Caroll Spinney

On this Mini episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome Muppet Performer, Voice Actor, and Actress, Fran Brill.

Episode Outline:

• Fran remembers special moments and pays tribute to:
• Richard Hunt
• Caroll Spinney
• Jerry Nelson
• And Jim Henson

 

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Fran Brill Kelly was the first female Muppet performer hired by Jim Henson for SESAME STREET.  During her many years there she won an EMMY AWARD and created the characters of Zoe, Prairie Dawn, the Countess and many others.  Her other work with the Muppets includes THE MUPPET SHOW, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, THE JIM HENSON HOUR, DOG CITY, THE ADVENTURES OF ELMO IN GROUCHLAND, CINDERELMO and ZOE'S DANCE MOVES with Paula Abdul.  Fran was also in Frank Oz’s documentary MUPPET GUYS TALKING.

As an actress, Fran appeared on and off Broadway at the Roundabout Theatre, Manhattan Theater Club, Playwrights Horizons and was twice nominated for the Drama Desk Award.  She also played leading roles at many regional theaters including Actors Theatre of Louisville, the Mark Taper Forum, and Yale Rep.  Her film credits include MIDNIGHT RUN with Robert De Niro, WHAT ABOUT BOB? with Bill Murray and BEING THERE with Peter Sellers.

She had running roles on several soap operas and guest-starred on many night-time dramas including LAW AND ORDER and its spin-offs.  Her voice was also heard on hundreds of radio and TV commercials and the cartoon series' DOUG and SHEEP IN THE CITY.

She retired, happily, on Sept. 30, 2014.  www.franbrill.com

 

BRIEF ADDITIONAL BIOS

Richard Hunt:

Muppet performer, who performed characters like Beeker, Sweetums, Scooter, Statler, and Janice.

Caroll Spinney:

Puppeteer, author, cartoonist, and Muppet performer, who originated and performed Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch.

Jerry Nelson:

Actor, Musician, and Muppet Performer, known for dozens of characters, including Count Von Count, Sherlock Hemlock, Mr. Snuffleupagus, Robin the Frog, and Sgt. Floyd Pepper.

Jim Henson:

Puppeteer, filmmaker, animator, director, writer, and creator of The Muppets. His characters include Kermit the Frog, Ernie, Dr. Teeth, Rowlf, and The Swedish Chef.

 

Ep 46 - Muppet Mini #01: Dave Goelz Remembers Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, Caroll Spinney, Jane Henson, and Jim Henson.

On this Mini episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome Muppet Performer, and Actor, Dave Goelz.

Episode Outline:

• Dave remembers special moments and pays tribute to:
• Jerry Nelson
• Richard Hunt
• Caroll Spinney
• Jane Henson
• Jim Henson

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Dave is an Emmy award winning puppeteer. He also won a special Oscar for his dance sequence in The Parent Trap. He has performed with The Muppets since the mid 70s, performing such characters as Uncle Travelling Matt, Waldorf, Zoot, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, and the iconic, Gonzo. He has also directed a dozen Traveling Matt episodes for Fraggle Rock.

 

BRIEF ADDITIONAL BIOS

Richard Hunt:

Muppet performer, who performed characters like Beeker, Sweetums, Scooter, Statler, and Janice.

 

Caroll Spinney:

Puppeteer, author, cartoonist, and Muppet performer, who originated and performed Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch.

 

Jerry Nelson:

Actor, Musician, and Muppet Performer, known for dozens of characters, including Count Von Count, Sherlock Hemlock, Mr. Snuffleupagus, Robin the Frog, and Sgt. Floyd Pepper.

 

Jane Henson:

Puppeteer, artist, wife of Jim Henson.

 

Jim Henson:

Puppeteer, filmmaker, animator, director, writer, and creator of The Muppets. His characters include Kermit the Frog, Ernie, Dr. Teeth, Rowlf, and The Swedish Chef.

 

 

Ep 45 - Kevin Bishop

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome actor, comedian, Kevin Bishop.

 

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Kevin Bishop

Kevin Bishop is a stalwart of the contemporary British TV comedy scene. He is best known for Star Stories on Channel 4; his own series The Kevin Bishop Show (Channel 4); The Tracey Ullman Show; and the BBC1 reboot of Porridge, playing Ronnie Barker’s grandson, Nigel Fletcher AKA “Fletch”. 

Kevin starred as Nigel Farage in the BBC2 mockumentary "Nigel Farage Gets His Life Back," and played Barry Hearn in the critically acclaimed "Rack Pack.”

Kevin is soon to appear in the new series of Inside No. 9; and the movie, Kung Fury II alongside Michael Fassbender and Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

Ep 44 - Stuart Pankin

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome actor, voice actor, and comedian, Stuart Pankin.

 

 

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

 

Stuart Pankin

Stuart Pankin: five time nominated, CableAce Award winning actor for HBO's Not Necessarily The News. Master's Degree in Theatre from Columbia University. Performed with the New York Shakespeare Festival, Brooklyn Academy of Music Repertory Company, American Place Theatre, Lincoln Center, Folger Shakespeare Theatre, Odyssey Theatre, Musical Theatre West, Reprise LA!. Starred in over seventy Off Broadway, summer, and regional theatre productions; Starred and/or featured in such movies as The Artist, Fatal Attraction, Arachnophobia, Life Stinks, Honey We Shrunk Ourselves, The Hollywood Knights, Irreconcilable Differences, and Striptease. Series regular on nine prime time television shows and pilots; Guest starred and recurred in over 350 television productions, including MOWs, Web series; voiced numerous cartoons including the award-winning Dinosaurs.

 

Ep 43 - Louise Gold

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome actress, singer, and Muppet performer, Louise Gold.

 

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Louise Gold

Louise trained as an actor at Arts Educational School but very early in her career she got a job with Jim Henson as one of the Muppet Performers on The Muppet Show (filmed at Elstree Studios) From then on, she has combined both acting and puppeteering. Most recently she played Yente in Trevor Nunn’s acclaimed production of "Fiddler on the Roof' at The Menier Chocolate Factory and the Playhouse Theatre London. Directly before that she was one of the core performers on The Netflix prequel series to the film, The Dark Crystal, 'Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance'. She was one of the original team that started Spitting Image, doing voices and puppeteering, worked on the recent Cbeebies show ‘The Furchester Hotel ‘playing Funella Furchester. She has appeared in many West End Shows as an actress including Mamma Mia, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Assassins, The Cherry Orchard with the RSC and TV, Film and Radio.

In lockdown she was part of GLOP (Glorious ladies of Puppetry)