Judy Collins - Episode 29

DRESSING ROOM

Crazy Harry tests Judy's assertion that she's ready for anything.

OPENING THEME

The balcony: Statler says, "Do we have to watch this?"

CURTAIN

OPENING NUMBER - LEATHERWING BAT

Judy is led on a quest resembling the search of how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop as she asks a woodpecker at a bat's request what "how dee dow dee doodle-o day" means and is led to the owl.

BALCONY

BACKSTAGE

We see Scooter's uncle, J.P. Grosse for the first time! He's inspecting the theatre - since we wants to tear it down and turn it into a junkyard!

[Perhaps tired of explaining that Scooter's not supposed to be an animal or that he's a "go-fer" and not a "gopher", J.P. very much resembles a human in design - looking much like he wouldn't be out of place as one of the villains from 1972's "Muppet Musicians of Bremen."]

PIGS IN SPACE

The crew prepares for mid-course correction. First Mate Piggy desperately wants to perform the proceedings since she studied it for 11 years! Link gives in but his continual reminders to remember which button to push makes them late on the countdown and Link takes it upon himself to do the deed causing a major explosion.

[A re-recorded version of this sketch appeared on The Muppet Show 2 album.]

SAM'S EDITORIAL [Debut]

Sam marches onto set surrounded by golden column and official eagle emblem to a grand fanfare. Instead of giving us a thought-provoking editorial, he simply announces that after the last sketch, he's disassociating himself with the show.

CURTAIN

Kermit's introduction is interrupted by J.P.'s inspection of the floorboards.

MUSICAL NUMBER - "I KNOW AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY"

While Judy sings and plays acoustic guitar, she's upstaged by some shadow puppetry of the old lady in the song. The old lady is further upstaged by Statler & Waldorf's commentary on the song. The old lady takes back the stage by providing a very Muppety finale.

BALCONY

NEWSMAN

The Newsman literally gives us a Muppet News Flash.

BACKSTAGE

Miss Piggy meets J.P. and attracted to potential power attempts to woo him over with song. This all goes completely unnoticed by J.P. who's otherwise occupied on the phone.

MUSICAL NUMBER - TALK TO THE TREES

Link attempts a solo but the trees refuse to listen and leave.

[This is Link's first appearance outside of Pigs in Space in only his second episode which signifies that the character is meant to make a significant contribution to the show outside of Pigs in Space. This quick bit is very much Wayne-and-Wanda style and Link fits Wayne's role of over inflated singer perfectly.]

LIFE ON KOOZEBANE

Kermit, in his reporter's trench coat, returns to the planet Koozebane to interview one of its species, the Foob - the planet's most delicious creature. As Kermit talks with the Foob he's surprised to hear that their population is flourishing...thanks to the Foob's advanced gift of evolution. The Foob demonstrates by transforming itself into Kermit - voice, trench coat, microphone and all.

UK SKIT - BALCONY

UK SKIT - BALCONY PART 2

The skit then continues after the midpoint fade with Sam having a discussion with Statler about why he continues to watch a show that's so weird as the two continue to be oblivious to poor Waldorf's height plight.

MUSICAL NUMBER - DO RE ME

The duo then duet on "Do Re Me".

[As tough as it may be, Rowlf would eventually find a way to do just that in the "Dog City" episode of 1989's "Jim Henson Hour".]

BACKSTAGE

A weeping Kermit fills Gonzo in on the news about J.P.'s plans. Gonzo is incredulous - it would make an incredible act.

SWEDISH CHEF

The Chef prepares salad via his favorite cooking utensil - his shotgun. He throws the appropriate vegetables in the air and gets his sliced lettuce and "broosel sproots" while Statler & Waldorf again provide running commentary.

BACKSTAGE

Kermit implores Scooter to talk to J.P. since he's the only one his uncle would seriously listen to.

SWEDISH CHEF - CONTINUATION

The Chef is still working on his salad and throws a coconut in the air (his coconut heaving word is "WEMBLEY!"). He is surprised to see the rapid descent of a rubber "chickee".

On a dark bare stage, Judy sings her signature tune as a trio of full size Muppet clowns dance, funny-walk, and do somersaults behind her. The balance of her sad song is mixed just right with the clowns' antics creating a piece neither too silly or dreary but perfectly poignant.

CURTAIN

Kermit brings on Judy as he laments this may be their last show but J.P. assures the frog he's not tearing the theatre down...considering the shape it's in, it will soon collapse on its own.

CLOSING THEME