WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Everyone is invited to attend Missouri State University-West Plains’ second annual Backyard Movie Night featuring a free showing of the 2011 feature film “The Muppets,” starring Amy Adams and Jason Segel, on Tuesday, July 24, in the grass on the north side of the Lybyer Technology Center off Cass Avenue.
The event is co-sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA) and the University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department.
“Last year, we were not sure how many area residents would come to see an outdoor film showing, but we were so pleased to see so many from the community attend and enjoy the experience,” said Student Life & Development Coordinator Rogers Taylor. “We decided this would be a great opportunity to offer something the campus and the whole community could enjoy together.”
“The Muppets” is the first theatrical release featuring the iconic puppet characters, including Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, in 12 years. The story centers around Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan; his brother, Gary (Segel); and Gary’s girlfriend, Mary (Adams), who set out to reunite Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of the gang in a bid to save the Muppets’ old theater from destruction by oil tycoon Tex Richman (Chris Cooper), who wants to drill for oil on the site. The Muppets have gone their separate ways through the years, but they agree to get together for one last show and raise the money needed to save the site from Richman’s greedy scheme.
“We chose ‘The Muppets’ because we were feelin’ froggy…Kermit Froggy,” joked SGA President Tony Ary, West Plains.
“The students obviously love the Muppets, having grown up with them,” added U/CP Theater & Events Coordinator Deborah DeWitt. “Even many of today’s adults have fond memories of the Muppets. Many of the characters have been around for decades, from the earliest days of ‘Sesame Street’ and ‘The Muppet Show’ in the 1970s and 1980s through several feature-length movies in the 1980s and 1990s, so some of these adults have grown up with the characters, as well, and have watched their children enjoy the antics of these characters, too. It was a unanimous vote.”
The movie will begin at dark, and those planning to attend should bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Snacks will be served. For more information, call the U/CP office, 417-255-7966.