New York: After more than five decades of dominating nearly every corner of American pop culture, the iconic Muppets are finally stepping onto Broadway. Joining hands with master illusionist Rob Lake, Rob Lake Magic With Special Guests the Muppets is currently in previews at the Broadhurst Theatre and will officially open on November 11. For fans across the country, this marks one of the most anticipated theatrical moments in recent memory.
Since their television debut in the 1970s, the Muppets have been synonymous with family entertainment. They conquered primetime with The Muppet Show, entertained generations in blockbuster films like The Muppet Movie, released cult-favorite holiday albums alongside John Denver, published magazines, appeared in video games, and inspired theme-park attractions. Yet strangely, despite decades of musical numbers and backstage gags, the Muppets have never appeared in a mainline Broadway production. Until now.
The new show pairs Rob Lake’s large-scale illusions with comedic, musical segments featuring Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, Animal, and pianist Rowlf the Dog. Early audience reactions from previews indicate that the pairing feels not only new, but surprisingly seamless.
Lake, known internationally for his touring productions and television specials, described the collaboration as a dream come true.
“The Muppets and I both live in that space between imagination and storytelling,” Lake told Entertainment Weekly. “When they appear onstage, everyone becomes a child again—that’s real magic.”
First-look production photos offer a glimpse of Lake suspended mid-air, levitating an assistant, and sharing the stage with the Muppet crew riding inside a whimsical convertible taxi—evoking memories of The Muppets Take Manhattan. Those same photos also show Lake standing in front of classic posters honoring legendary magicians such as P.T. Selbit and Carter the Great, hinting at a deeper thematic thread running through the show. While Lake declined to offer too many details, he teased that the artwork “plays a role audiences might not expect.”
The mastermind behind bringing the Muppets to Broadway is producer Joe Quenqua, who has been involved in the negotiation and creative oversight of the project.
“The idea of bringing The Muppets to Broadway has been around for 50 years,” Quenqua said. “That we are the ones who finally have the honor of making that dream come true is truly humbling.”
For longtime Muppet fans, the show represents something more than entertainment: it represents a cultural milestone. Generations have grown up watching the characters struggle to put on chaotic stage shows within their fictional world. Now, the fiction has become reality.
The production also signals a renewed push from Disney—who owns the Muppets brand—to reignite interest following a decade of scattered appearances. A Broadway run, especially one built on live magic, appeals to parents nostalgic for Jim Henson’s legacy as well as children encountering the characters for the first time.
Early reports from preview audiences suggest that the humor feels classic and carefully balanced. The Muppets deliver physical comedy, surprising cameos, and scene-stealing musical bits, while Lake’s illusions add spectacle rarely seen in family-oriented theater. Those who have attended the first few shows describe the reaction inside the Broadhurst Theatre as “electric,” with adults laughing just as loudly as kids.
Visually, the show leans into practical stagecraft rather than digital enhancements. Bright neon backdrops, moving set pieces, and traditional Muppet puppetry evoke the charm that made the brand famous. For Broadway purists, that commitment to physical performance is refreshing.
There is also a subtle thread of homage throughout the production. Classic magic posters reference the roots of stage illusionism, bridging the gap between old-world theater and modern entertainment. In an era dominated by screens, the production gently reminds audiences that nothing compares to witnessing the impossible live.
Beyond the spectacle, there is a layer of meta-humor. Longtime viewers know that the Muppets have always portrayed themselves as chaotic performers trying—and often failing—to keep a stage show running. On Broadway, however, they finally succeed. That narrative payoff feels intentional and emotional, especially for adults who grew up watching the same joke for decades.
The production is currently scheduled to run through January 18, but industry insiders speculate that strong early interest could lead to an extension. Ticket availability has already tightened as family audiences, collectors, and longtime Muppet fans scramble to attend what could become a historic chapter in Broadway’s recent memory.
For New York theatergoers seeking something festive, nostalgic, and visually jaw-dropping, Rob Lake Magic With Special Guests the Muppets may be the holiday season’s breakout hit. This collaboration blends old-school puppetry with modern illusions and, perhaps most importantly, proves that the Muppets still have the power to bring audiences together across generations.
Fifty years after fans first asked, Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang are finally where they were always meant to be: standing on a Broadway stage, making theater history one joke—and one magic trick—at a time.
Rob Lake Magic With Special Guests the Muppets is now playing at the Broadhurst Theatre through January 18.