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Written in Foam
An Interview with Muppet Writer Jerry Juhl

By D. W. McKim and Phillip Chapman
July 24, 1998

On Saturday July 18, Muppet Central's D. W. McKim spent a wonderful hour interviewing Jerry Juhl.  From his days on the Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock, to the subject of Henson's and Hunt's characters returning, Mr. Juhl gives fans an insider's perspective that is rarely revealed.

As you will read, Mr. Juhl discloses some fascinating information about a Fraggle Rock and Muppet movie which never went into production.  Concerning the proposed Fraggle Rock movie, it likely is not feasible now, but the past several years there has been a strong movement for the return of Fraggle Rock to television.  Since most of the principal performers are still alive, what better way to bring back Fraggle Rock than with a one-hour reunion show about how "The Rock" began.

The proposed Muppet movie, "The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made" is also fascinating because so much time went into developing the ideas for the film.  As you will read, this movie was in development after The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984).  Jim Henson and Jerry Juhl worked closely together on the script.  Wouldn't it be a great memorial to Jim's work to see this film made, especially since they had so much fun writing the script!  I'm sure we would all be touched to see one of Jim's "hidden works" see the light of day on the silver screen.

For those readers concerned about spoilers of "Muppets from Space," the next Muppet Movie set to release next July, this interview contains none, as Mr. Juhl tends not to discuss projects in preproduction as "everything could change tomorrow." So relax, sit back a spell, and get to know head writer, Jerry Juhl.

Editor's Note: A special thank you to Lisa Glenn and Nancy Smith from the Great Arizona Puppet Theatre for setting up the interview.  And of course, to Mr. Juhl for his generosity and time during a busy weekend.

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