Speakeysie News Desk

The Walt Disney Company loans rare Gonzo puppet to the Center

ATLANTA– The Center for Puppetry Arts is excited to announce Muppet performer Dave Goelz will visit the Center for a panel discussion on Sept. 6, at 7:00 p.m. To celebrate Goelz’s 50th anniversary as a Muppet performer, The Walt Disney Company is loaning the Center a rare Gonzo puppet wearing a costume from “The Great Muppet Caper” (1981) which will be unveiled at the event.

Goelz is best known for his acclaimed work as a Muppet performer on various projects for The Muppets Studios at Disney and for The Jim Henson Company. In addition to his most iconic role as the beloved Gonzo the Great, Goelz has puppeteered Beauregard, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Waldorf, Zoot and many others for The Muppets Studio, as well as Boober Fraggle and Uncle Traveling Matt and others for The Jim Henson Company. 

This event will reveal the Gonzo puppet on the Mainstage Theater of the Center and provide guests with an interactive discussion with Goelz. Attendees will gain unique insights into his creative process and the techniques that bring characters like Gonzo to life. Goelz will be sharing his experiences and creative journey through the moderator-led discussion and audience Q&A. 

“We are honored to welcome Dave Goelz to the Center for Puppetry Arts to celebrate his 50th anniversary as a Muppet performer and Disney’s generous loan of this iconic Gonzo puppet. Dave’s contributions to the world of puppetry have left a lasting mark, and we are excited to provide our visitors with the chance to hear from a true puppetry legend,” says Executive Director Beth Schiavo. 

Tickets for “A Celebration of Dave Goelz: 50 Years with The Muppets” are available to purchase at $20 for non-members and $15 for Center members. The Worlds of Puppetry Museum will be open to patrons at 6 p.m., followed by the panel and Q&A at 7 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: https://puppet.org/programs/dave-goelz-celebration 

Patrons will have the opportunity to view the Gonzo puppet from Sept. 7-Oct. 31 in The Love Family Atrium at the Center for Puppetry Arts. For additional details and to purchase tickets for museum admission, please visit: https://puppet.org/programs/worlds-of-puppetry-museum/