James Frawley’s “The Muppet Movie,” screening at the Colony Theater in their Cool Classics series on Wednesday night, is the greatest family-friendly musical comedy ever. My opinion may be strongly biased by fond memories of my grandmother taking me as a kid to see it twice during its original theatrical release back in the summer of 1979, but the Muppets’ first film still holds up wonderfully well today.
The story of how Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie the Bear, the Great Gonzo, and assorted other cloth creations from Jim Henson’s Muppet Workshop came together to hit Hollywood and break into show biz is a funny and charming treat for all ages. Catchy songs by Paul Williams and Kenny Asher, including the Oscar-nominated “The Rainbow Connection,” and a stunning roster of cameos from the likes of Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, Mel Brooks, Bob Hope, Milton Berle and Orson Welles, among other famous faces, help the Muppets put on what’s arguably their best show on the big screen. It starts at 7:30, and admission is $5. Details: 919-847-5677; www.ambassadorcinemas.com.
