IMC Captures the Essence Of An American Treasure In ‘Muppet Mania’

Muppet Mania – Courtesy of Shotwell Photos. Used with permission.

There are few shows that I have savored as much as I have Muppet Mania, presented by the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus on Sunday, April 21 at Marian University Theater. No longer just a traditional stand-in-place chorus, the IMC has been evolving into a group with productions that are more in-line with old school variety shows. And now, with Muppet Mania, the performing arts organization has ventured into the land of a bonafide musical theater company– at least one would surmise as much based on the production I witnessed. The show was flush with Broadway quality production elements that included lead characters, a book, costumes, choreography, video production, special effects and spectacular lighting and sound.

Muppet Mania – Courtesy of Shotwell Photos. Used with permission.

A tribute to the irrepressible PBS TV troupe “The Muppets,” created by Jim Hensen in 1955, Muppet Mania was overseen by artistic director Greg Sanders and associate director Jared McElroy. They splendidly guided the 72-member chorus, a group replete with triple threat talent. Brandy Rodgers, in her first project with the IMC, was producer. Matt Richardson served as pianist and led the aptly named “Electric Mayhem,” including guitarist Matt Hyslop, bassist Connor Allan, and drummer Andrew Howard.

Set in a television studio, the show-within-a-show depicts the characters in a typical Muppet Show format. The plot incorporates some backstage drama and involves a telethon to raise funds for their cause du jour, “Monocles for Monsters.” Other than using the term “muppets” as a part of the show’s title, the names of the beloved characters were not used. But it was clear who New York based actor and lead writer Aaron Fuksa (Kevin the Frog) and popular Indianapolis actor and comedian Clair Wilcher (Miss Polly) were evoking. The two of them were both spot-on representations of Kermit and Miss Piggy, and brilliantly so. The supporting leads were played by Ryan St. Pierre as Rueben, Kevin’s nephew and production assistant, Katie Angel as stage manager Skeeter, and Matthew Creek as scheming producer Victor. All were ideally cast.

Muppet Mania – Courtesy of Shotwell Photos. Used with permission.

An added attraction was the remarkable cameo appearance by Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Pops conductor Jack Everly and ISO Pops executive producer Ty Johnson, who appeared on video throughout the show as the two grumpy hecklers, Statler and Waldorf. Just like the TV show, they sat in a balcony, cleverly filmed at the Hilbert Circle Theatre, the ISO’s home.

According to IMC executive director Stephen McCoy who appeared as himself in the show and also assisted in the script writing, the show’s variety filled musical numbers were the basis for the story line, thus creating a jukebox musical similar in structure to shows like “Mamma Mia.” Like that show,” Muppet Mania” was seamless. The two-act show’s eclectic program included “The Muppet Show Theme,” a “Boomer Love Medley” with songs by the Carpenters, The Turtles and Captain and Tennille, a “Country Legends” tribute to John Denver and Kenny Rogers, “Orange-Colored Sky,” “The Sound of Silence,” “Mack the Knife,” and “Copacabana.” Highlights included Wilcher’s solo turn in “Gorgeous” and with some of the chorus in the show-stopping “Show Off.”

Bringing tears to my eyes was the IMC singing Kermit’s signature song” Rainbow Connection.” It perfectly summarized the mission of the organization to open minds and hearts through the power of music with a message of love, acceptance, and tolerance for all. Through this affectionate valentine to characters who helped generations of kids find a safe and nurturing place to fit in, the chorus reinforced the notion of community. The audience was left with the message that we are all perfectly capable of existing on this planet together in peace and understanding.