Happy Muppet Monday!
Last October, I compiled a post of West Side Story references in The Muppet Show, and even one in Toy Story 3.
After watching a few more episodes of The Muppet Show last weekend, I discovered yet another one.
This gorgeous Muppet sings “I Feel Pretty” from 1957 musical with music by Leonard Bernstein and, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents, as she gets ready for a date. The song was recently revived on Broadway in 2009 (with the inclusion of Spanish lyrics for a few of the songs including “I Feel Pretty”. Five months after the show opened on Broadway, the lyrics for most of the Spanish songs were changed back to the English [except for the Sharks singing “Tonight”].)
The Muppet Show, Episode 109:
West Side Story film w/Natalie Wood (1961)
Fun fact: Natalie’s singing was actually dubbed by Marni Nixon.
West Side Story Broadway revival w/Spanish lyrics
I love this song because it so perfectly captures that excitement we feel when we meet someone new and how much their interest gives a significant confidence boost. (Plus her girlfriends make fun of Maria getting so enthused about Tony.)
It’s always a treat to see just how the Muppets can breathe new life into these well-known tunes.
This particular skit is not limited to screen time on The Muppet Show, but was also seen on The Ed Sullivan Show and Sesame Street — with different Muppets taking the lead role.
Here’s hoping you feel fizzy, funny, and fine on this Monday!
Thank you so much for reading This Happy Place Blog! I'd love to hear from you regarding Muppet Monday: Oh So Pretty or anything else Disney related. Don't be shy!
And don't forget to read other posts by Estelle Hallick.
