How Rita rained on Kermit’s parade

Were you somewhat surprised at the rather low-key approach that the Muppet Holding Company took toward the launch of “Kermit’s World Tour” yesterday?

I mean, everyone’s favorite frog made a brief appearance on “Good Morning, America,” followed by Reuters rolling out a smallish news story. Is this any way to kick off a 15-month-long celebration of Kermit’s 50th year in show business?

Well, truth be told, this was NOT the way that the folks at the Muppet Holding Company had originally wanted to launch “Kermit’s World Tour.” If all had gone according to plan, a GMA film crew would have been on hand in Kermit, TX early yesterday morning to record residents’ reactions as America’s favorite amphibian made a surprise appearance in this small West Texas community.

And — up until last week, when Hurricane Rita suddenly appeared in the Gulf of Mexico and began bearing down on the Texas coastline — this plan was still a go. Muppet Holding Company reps were working quietly with several prominent Kermit citizens to arrange the final details of the Muppet’s “surprise” visit. During which Kermit was to have been paraded through town in a mint green Cadillac. After which he would have taken part in a brief ceremony where a Kermit, TX street was to have been renamed in the frog’s honor.

But as I mentioned earlier … Rita suddenly roared into the Gulf last week. And — given that this then-Category 5 hurricane appeared to be heading for Houston, certain to rain Katrina-style destruction down on the Lone Star State — the folks at the Muppet Holding Company then decided that it might not be such a bright idea to send Kermit to Kermit, TX. At least until after they saw how much damage this incoming hurricane would actually cause.

Which is why the Muppet Holding Company quickly formed a back-up plan. Given that Kermit was already scheduled to appear on “Good Morning, America” yesterday morning, the decision was made to send this Muppet to Manhattan. Where Kermit would then appear live in GMA’s Times Square studio. Chatting with Charlie Gibson, Diane Sawyer and Tony Perkins about how the official kick-off event for “Kermit’s World Tour” would now be held on October 14th

Mind you, this event will still be held in Kermit, TX. But the whole “surprise” aspect of Kermit’s visit to this small West Texas community has now obviously been dropped. Which — I’m guessing — will make it that much easier for the welcoming committee to get the Frog’s face painted on the side of the town’s water tower.

Anyway … Once “Kermit’s World Tour” officially gets underway, look for the frog to pop up in all sorts of interesting places as this 15-month-long event unfolds. In the months ahead, look for Kermit to appear at:

Kermit is also reportedly heading for France, where he’ll set up a kissing booth at the base of the Eiffel Tower. Among the other great landmarks that the frog is expected to visit as part of his “World Tour” will be NYC’s Statue of Liberty in NYC as well as the Great Wall of China.

What’s that you say? You’d like to see some footage of Kermit as he visits exotic locales like Hong Kong and Milan. Not to worry. The Muppet Holding Company has already set up a “Kermit’s World Tour” web page. Where — to quote Kermit:

” This frog is bloggin’, so check back soon for pics, videos and more …”

Mind you, “Good Morning America” will also be keeping track of Kermit’s travels. Current plans call for the October 14th coverage of the “Kermit’s World Tour” to be the first installment of a 15-month-long series of reports. Where Kermit will periodically check in from various points in his travels and then humorously bring Charlie, Diane and Tony up-to-speed about everything that he’s seen & done in that particular locale.

So that’s the current lowdown on “Kermit’s World Tour.” Which was only temporarily thrown off track by Hurricane Rita’s projected storm track. Look for the fun to finally officially get underway on October 14th in Kermit, TX.

Provided  — of course — that no tropical storms suddenly pop up in the Gulf of Mexico that week.

Your thoughts?