This live episode of The Barretta Brothers is recorded at The Mahoning Drive-In Theater in Lehighton, PA on May 18, 2024. It is the second night of an event called Muppets Take Mahoning. Our special guest is Puppeteer, producer, and director, Matt Vogel. Along with this live recording, the IN-PERSON event includes a special 35mm double-feature of Muppets Most Wanted (2014), and Labyrinth (1986) - on night one, the double-feature was The Great Muppet Caper (1981), and The Dark Crystal (1982). The event also includes Video Greetings by Muppeteers, Louise Gold, Bill Barretta, Matt Vogel, Peter Linz, Alice Dinnean, also Danny Trejo, and Ricky Gervais. There were Muppet Collectible Vendors; Muppet DJ Set & Book Signing w/ Gene Barretta; an Open Mic/Talent Show; Costume Contest, Puppet Contest; Mahoning Merch; Mahoning Raffle; Muppet-themed Snacks: Mahna Ma-Nachos and Puppet Punch; Photo Ops; and an Intermission Sing-A-Long!

Gene & Bill Barretta take a glimpse behind the scenes with lots of great stories from Directors: Matt Sohn, Kimmie Gatewood, Rob Cohen; Director of Photography: Craig Kief; 1st AD: Ross Novie; Production Designer: Denise Pizzini; Key Grip: Bodie Hyman; Puppet Heap Puppet Designer: Paul Andrejco; Muppets Coordinator: Danielle Obinger; Designer, builder/Prod. Coordinator: Peter McKennan; Props: Bethany Barton; Puppet Wranglers: Jürgen Ferguson, Russ Walko, and Rachel Burson.

In Part Three of Meet the Muppets Mayhem, we meet Muppets Galore! Michelin Sisti, Matt Vogel, Nicolette Santino, Bruce Lanoil, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, David Bizzaro, Donna Kimball, Tim Lagasse, David Rudman, Art Vega, Drew Massey, Eric Jacobson, Jackson Barretta, Bradley Freeman, Stephanie D’Abruzzo, Alice Dinnean.

In Part Two of Meet the Muppets Mayhem, we meet the writers! Adam F. Goldberg, Bill Barretta, Jeff Yorkes, Crystal Shaw, Gabrielle Rodriguez, Hannah Friedman, and Donielle Muransky.

The Barretta Brothers begin their series on The Muppets Mayhem, joined by Muppet Performers, Dave Goelz and Peter Linz. Plus, series actors, Tahj Mowry, Saara Chaudry, and Anders Holm.

We celebrate Dave Goelz's 50-year career with The Muppets with a cavalcade of guests! Guests: Jackson Barretta, Ben Goelz (with girlfriend Felicia), Amy Goelz, Debbie Goelz, Dave Goelz (guest of honor), Frank Oz, Lucy Baker, Martin Baker, Jill Colley, Louise Gold, Andy Nyman (with Sophie Nyman), Nigel Plaskitt, Keith Radack, Lark Baskerville, Mark Waxman, Ernie Patterson, Heather Henson, Brian Henson, Lisa Henson, Cheryl Henson, John Lovelady, Bonnie Erikson, Rollie Krewson, Calista Hendrickson, Amy Van Gilder, Karen Prell, Kevin Clash, David Rudman, Fran Brill and husband, Jan Nelson, Rita Peruggi, Lawrence Mirkin, Alexandra Rockwell, Tom Newby, Ed Christie, Polly Smith, Jane Gootnick, Fred Buchholz, Craig Shemin, Stephanie D'Abruzzo, Jim Lewis, Ed Mitchell, Charles Rivkin, Joel Behr, Karen Barnes, Adam Savage, Bobby Moynihan, Peter Friedman, Michael Giacchino, Peter Doctor, Leigh Slaughter, Michael Steinbach, Matt Vogel, Kelly Vogel, Caren Rudman, Eric Jacobson, Mary Jacobson (and children), Peter Linz, Alice Dinnean, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, Jocelyn Stevenson, Barb Caswell, Chris Caswell, Duncan Kenworthy, Danny Trejo, Kirk Thatcher, Mike Quinn, Paul Williams, Ricky Gervais, Bill Prady, Dave's Glam Squad, Brad Freeman, Peter McKennan, Chris Neely, Allan Trautman, Jeff Yorkes, Adam F. Goldberg, Chelsea DeVincent, Donna Kimball, Michelan Sisti, Pat and Barbara Contini, Lynne Hale, Patricia Ulrich, Hillary Bradley, Bruce Lanoil, Laura Lanoil, Dani Iglesis, Richard Leonard, Drew Massey, Nicolette Santino, Andrew Williams

This episode of The Barretta Brothers is recorded live at The Mahoning Drive-In Theater in Lehighton, PA on May 20, 2023. Their special guest is Ed Christie (Ex VP/General Manager of NY Muppet Workshop, with a surprise guest, Brian Henson. This special event centered around a special 35mm double-feature of The Muppet Movie (1979), and The Muppets (2011). Other in-person experiences included - Movie Greetings by Muppeteers, Dave Goelz, Bill Barretta, Matt Vogel, Peter Linz, Eric Jacobson, and David Rudman; Muppet Trailers; Muppet Collectible Vendors; Costume contest; Muppet DJ Set & Book Signing w/ Gene Barretta; Mahoning Merch; Mahoning Raffle; Muppet-themed Snack: Mahna Ma-Nachos; Photo Ops; and an Intermission Sing-A-Long - RAINBOW CONNECTION!

Gene and Bill discuss the new series, The Muppets Mayhem, with Bill’s co-creators & co-writers, Adam Goldberg (of The Goldbergs), and Jeff Yorkes. Plus, Executive Producers, Michael Bostick, and Kris Eber.

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.

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.

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)

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome actor, comedian, writer, and SNL Alumni, Bobby Moynihan.   ABOUT OUR GUEST: Bobby Moynihan Bobby Moynihan is an actor and writer, known for Saturday Night Live, DuckTales, Secret Life of Pets, and the upcoming Mr. Mayor. He has worked with the Muppets when he hosted the Muppet Show Live at the Hollywood Bowl and the O2. He is a happy boy.

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers take questions from the Live Youtube chat, while they watch old projects, home movies and TV sabotage videos. They welcome their life-long friend, musician, Ben Chatrer.   ABOUT OUR HOSTS: Gene Barretta & Bill Barretta “What are they up to now?” That was the popular question around their house and neighborhood while growing up. It was not unusual to see Gene and Bill dressed up in homemade costumes – filming Super 8mm dramas – attempting risky stunts in the ravine – animating GI Joes and weird-looking clay figures – building and performing clunky puppets – drawing offbeat comics, - and imitating The Beatles. Today, life isn’t very different. In addition to personal projects and various acting roles, Bill has been a director, writer, producer and core performer with The Muppets for nearly 30 years. Gene is an award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books. He has also animated and illustrated for Sesame Street, Between the Lions, and The Jim Henson Company. The best part of their careers is that they occasionally get to work together! Unfortunately, no one will pay them to imitate The Beatles.   ABOUT OUR GUEST:  Ben Chatrer  Ben Chatrer has played his eclectic songs on The Gong Show, The Uncle Floyd Show, and Japanese T.V. More recently, he's opened for Foxygen. Andy Partridge of XTC is a fan. Dean Ween guests on his three CDs.

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome Santa Claus! They also hold the third Muppet Trivia contest, featuring contestants, Joseph Deply and Mike Mroz.   ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Santa Claus Yup. The real one. Thank you to actor, Chuck Gill for arranging the visit.   Joseph Deply Joseph Debly is a young actor, singer, and puppeteer from New Brunswick, Canada. He has been a Henson fanatic since he was very young and is a dedicated Barretta Brothers viewer.   Mike Mroz Convinced from the age of four that Fraggles were real creatures, 30-year old Mike Mroz lacks no whimsy in his everyday life, apparent in his childlike love of the Muppets and all things Jim Henson. His current endeavor is acquiring the complete Muppet Palisades figure collection.

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.

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome Muppet Fan and Musician/Producer, Mark Read, plus Muppet Fanatic Chris Stulz. They both present their best Muppet Collectibles.   ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Mark Read Mark achieved global success with UK/Norwegian 90s/00s boyband A1, releasing 5 studio albums and a string of UK and international top 5 hits, reaching the coveted no. 1 spot with ‘Same Old Brand New You’ and their cover of A-ha’s classic ‘Take On Me’.  Their critical and popular acclaim led to numerous awards including MTV, Smash Hits, Disney Channel and the prestigious Brit award for Best Newcomer. The band split in 2002 after 4 years of chart-topping success but joined forces once again (this time as a 3-piece with Mark, Ben and Christian) in 2014 for ITV’s hugely popular documentary series The Big Reunion. The candid programme gave fans an insight into the highs and lows of the group’s history culminating in a major UK arena tour and a renewed surge of appetite from their loyal fanbase. In 2018, A1 announced that original member Paul would be reuniting with the band for the first time in 15 years for a huge 20th anniversary tour.  Away from the band, accomplished musician and songwriter Mark has written for international artistes including Michael Bolton, Boyzone, The Hollies, John Barrowman and Charlotte Church.  Mark has also established himself as a confident musical theatre performer. In recent years he has had lead roles in many productions including Cinderella and Aladdin and enjoyed a successful run of hit show Spoonful of Sherman and also appeared as Corny Collins in Hairspray, alongside Russell Grant as Edna. Mark also co-wrote and produced the score for Noah a Musical Adventure which toured across the UK for 2 years.   Chris Stulz Chris Stulz’s obsession with all things Jim Henson started with hand-me-down toys from Sesame Street and The Muppet Show and has continued into adulthood, encompassing all kinds of Henson related items including Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth and, of course everything Muppets! Since 2012, Chris has run the Muppet Stuff blog where shares news and other information about all kinds of Jim Henson related productions and merchandise. His award-winning collection, aptly named The Muppet Stuff Museum, consisting of over three thousand items, was featured on MeTV’s Collector’s Call.

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome TV Host, producer, and actor, Tom Bergeron. As well as writer/producers, Mark McCorkle and Bob Schooley.   ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Tom Bergeron Tom is an award-winning TV host, producer and actor, known for Dancing with the Stars, Hollywood Squares, America’s Funniest Home Videos, The Jerry Lewis Telethon, occasional appearances with The Muppets, and more recently as a Masked Taco on The Masked Singer. He has been married to Lois Harmon since May 22, 1982. They have two children.   Marl McCorkle & Bob Schooley Mark McCorkle & Bob Schooley met at Sesame Place in 1981 and after working together on projects there, they moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in animation where they have produced such shows as “Kim Possible,” “Penguins of Madagascar,” “Big Hero 6,” and wrote the feature film, “Sky High.”

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome Muppet Fan Artists, Stuart Reeves, David R. Hulteen, James V. Carrol, and Kenny Durkin.   ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Stuart Reeves In 2009 Stuart opened his own studio after working in-house at one of the U.K’s largest privately-owned companies as Senior Creative since 2001, where he developed a collaborative expertise with the immensely talented creative team there and passionate belief that integrating digital techniques and photography often results in the most successful imagery. His approach has resulted in a number of national design awards, global magazine covers and professional accolades. Since opening the door to freelance, Stuart has had the opportunity to work on a number of global brands such as Lego, Disney, Warner Bros., Mercedes, Universal Pictures, Pizza Hut and The North Face. His work has spanned the fields of automotive, fashion, concept design, storyboards, character design and development.   David Hulteen For the last 15 years he has worked for The Salvation Army as a publications specialist, editor, writer, graphic designer, illustrator, and art director in New York. He has also done freelance work for the Jim Henson Company, the American Broadcasting Company, Clear Channel Communications, SModcast Internet Radio, the Gramercy Brass Orchestra of New York, and Imperial Brass. Dave has been fortunate to do commissioned work for Bill Barretta, Paul Rudolph, and Matt Vogel among other family members of Muppet performers.  "I have a beautiful wife and daughter and we are all a bunch of Jersey kids."   James V. Carroll James V Carroll is a San Francisco-based, freelance graphic artist. Over the past decade his creative endeavors have included everything from promotional billboards and illustration to multimedia and product design. He is an avid moviegoer and known contributor to the Muppet fan community. His passion for Jim Henson’s characters led him to collaborate with Palisades Toys for many of their classic action figure designs. He also has contributed illustration work for licenses such as Fox and Disney.   Kenny Durkin Kenny Durkin is a Florida-based cartoonist/caricature artist who has illustrated children's books, designed everything from plush toys to garden gnomes, self-published his own comic books, and had his cartoons on apparel for AMC's Duck Dynasty, Disney's The Muppets, and The Jim Henson Company. He's designed numerous company logos and has illustrated the posters and playbills of several off-Broadway musicals. He writes and illustrates his own online comic strip Father of the Brood. He has performed live caricature entertainment at events across the United States for over 20 years. He's drawn caricatures at Walt Disney World retail locations and special events for 15 years. He is a proud member of the prestigious National Cartoonists Society and an award-winning Gold Member of the International Society of Caricature Artists.

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome puppeteer, writer, producer, and Muppet performer, David Rudman.   ABOUT OUR GUEST: David Rudman is an Emmy-nominated writer, producer, and performer. On Sesame Street, David performs Baby Bear, Cookie Monster, and half of Two-Headed Monster. He has performed in numerous television shows and specials including Saturday Night Live, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors and the recent Disney Plus series Muppets Now.   With the Muppets, Rudman performs Scooter, Janice, and Beaker.  His film credits include The Muppets Take Manhattan, Labyrinth, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, A Muppet Christmas Carol, Elmo in Grouchland, The Muppets, and Muppets Most Wanted.   Rudman is co-owner of Spiffy Pictures, where he co-created, executive produced, directed, and performed in the Emmy nominated series Jack’s Big Music Show (Nick Jr.), Bunnytown (Disney Junior), Nature Cat (PBS), Frankie and Frank (Nick Jr. Global) and the upcoming series Donkey Hodie (PBS).

On this episode, The Barretta Brothers take questions from the Live Youtube chat, reflecting on the first 30 shows, and more.   ABOUT OUR HOSTS: Gene Barretta & Bill Barretta “What are they up to now?” That was the popular question around their house and neighborhood while growing up. It was not unusual to see Gene and Bill dressed up in homemade costumes – filming Super 8mm dramas – attempting risky stunts in the ravine – animating GI Joes and weird-looking clay figures – building and performing clunky puppets – drawing offbeat comics, - and imitating The Beatles. Today, life isn’t very different. In addition to personal projects and various acting roles, Bill has been a director, writer, producer and core performer with The Muppets for nearly 30 years. Gene is an award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books. He has also animated and illustrated for Sesame Street, Between the Lions, and The Jim Henson Company. The best part of their careers is that they occasionally get to work together! Unfortunately, no one will pay them to imitate The Beatles.