In my ongoing attempt to lighten the Monday mood, the Classical 101 staff has been doing exhaustive research, trying to locate the gems of the classical Muppet repertoire. Â (OK...I Googled it and hit it big.) I am always amazed at some of the names I have seen displayed on the Muppet marquee. Â At first glance, you might think today's performer is the biggest surprise of all. Â However,
Beverley Sills was willing to take on most anything. Â She had a great sense of comic timing, which became evident in her early career.
Sills' professional stage debut came in 1945. Â In her autobiography she said, "I played the title role in Patience, and I absolutely loved the character, because Patience is a very funny, flaky girl.... I played her as a dumb Dora all the way through and really had fun with the role.... My Patience grew clumsier and clumsier with each performance, and audiences seemed to like her.... I found that I had a gift for slapstick humor, and it was fun to exercise it onstage." In her 1979 appearance on the Muppet Show, the opera star sang country, practiced sticking a spoon on her nose with Gonzo, performed with Miss Piggy in Pigoletto and, well, you'll just have to see it to believe it. Â It all begins above with a little song and dance. Â See the entire episode here. Below, she demonstrates her ability to perform with absolutely anyone. Â Her appearance with Danny Kaye is priceless. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=4ZEzVbGzbNg&NR=1 Here you can see her final appearance on the opera stage where it all began. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoXHfNGtccc