Wow — it’s now been 18 years since Muppets creator Jim Henson died.
Henson’s 1990 memorial service at St. John the Divine Cathedral has become a sort of legend in the years since, mainly for the tribute performances by the puppeteers he had trained. YouTube now has a variety of clips, including part one and part two of a bunch of average-looking middle-aged men who just happen to be the voices of Scooter, Elmo, and Fozzy Bear. The touch is remarkably light… although there were, of course, tears.
Chris Barry, who was a college intern with Henson’s company at the time, describes the scene.