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.