Written by Michael Martin
San Francisco – It was a chilly December 12th evening at Davies Symphony Hall, and the air crackled with holiday magic. Inside, the stage was set for an unforgettable journey as two worlds collided: the timeless symphony of the San Francisco Symphony and the endearing, chaotic, and utterly lovable creations of Jim Henson and Frank Oz. The audience, an eclectic mix of families and nostalgic fans buzzed with anticipation. The event? A live performance of The Muppet Christmas Carol with the SF Symphony. Directed by Brian Henson, the son of the legendary Jim Henson, this 1992 holiday classic takes Dickens’ beloved tale. It injects it with the heart, humor, and charm only the Muppets can deliver.
Kermit the Frog donned his scarf and hat as Bob Cratchit, while Michael Caine embodied the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, seamlessly sharing the screen (or stage) with a host of iconic characters. Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and even the perpetually grumpy Statler and Waldorf brought their comedic brilliance to life. At the same time, Scrooge faced his ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future—ingenious creations from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop that reminded us why the studio remains a powerhouse of imagination. The film’s blend of music, humor, and a poignant message about redemption made it a perfect companion to the live orchestration.
Jim Henson founded the Creature Shop, which has long been synonymous with groundbreaking artistry, bringing fantastical creatures to life in films like Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal. Combining puppetry, animatronics, and digital effects, this studio continues to enchant generations, and their touch on The Muppet Christmas Carol remains a masterstroke of storytelling. For many, The Muppet Show, which premiered in 1976, serves as the gateway to this magical universe. A brilliant mix of skits, musical performances, and guest stars, it set the stage for the Muppets’ enduring legacy. From Kermit’s earnest optimism to the Swedish Chef’s chaotic culinary adventures, the show was—and still is—a celebration of creativity and friendship. It’s no surprise that the Muppets’ take on Dickens has become a holiday tradition.
This was my third year celebrating the holidays with the SF Symphony, and Davies Symphony Hall once again transformed into a winter wonderland. Towering trees glittered with lights, wreaths adorned the walls, and the scent of festive cocktails—like the Gingerbread Old Fashioned—wafted through the air. A hot chocolate cart offering steaming cups of comfort was a thoughtful touch on the cold evening. The magic began in earnest when the symphony finally took the stage, led by the incomparable Susie Benchasil Seiter. From the delicate strings evoking the wistful moments of Scrooge’s past to the triumphant brass heralding his redemption, the SF Symphony brought the film’s score to life with
breathtaking precision. It wasn’t just a concert; it was an immersive experience where each note amplified the whimsy and warmth of the story.
Intermission came too soon, a reminder of how enthralled we all were. Wandering the hall during the break, surrounded by intricate holiday decorations, felt like stepping into a Dickensian dreamscape. We hurried back to our seats, eager to discover the surprise Susie Seiter had teased—a rare song edited out of the original film. The packed house erupted in applause when the final credits rolled, and the song played. Michael Caine’s portrayal of Scrooge deserves a standing ovation of its own. A British cultural icon with a career spanning eight decades, Caine brought depth to the haunting and uplifting role. For film buffs, his catalog—The Dark Knight, The Italian Job, Hannah and Her Sisters, and so many more—is worth exploring.
Leaving Davies Symphony Hall that night felt like stepping out of a snow globe filled with joy and wonder. The lingering notes of the performance danced in the crisp San Francisco air, and the city’s twinkling lights seemed to echo the magic we’d just experienced. As I walked to my car, the warmth of the music and the laughter of the Muppets stayed with me, a reminder that even the coldest hearts, like Scrooge’s, can be thawed by the spirit of the season.
Artists Susie Benchasil Seiter (Conductor) San Francisco Symphony Program Miles Goodman (composer) Brian Henson (director) For more info on the SF Symphony go to: https://www.sfsymphony.org
