Films at PhxArt: A Muppet Christmas Carol

A Muppet Christmas Carol screens at the Phoenix Art Museum on Wednesday, December 23, as part of the Films at PhxArt series. It's a Muppet take on the Dickens classic, and it's one of those rare holiday movies that actually works for adults and kids in the same room.

Michael Caine plays Ebenezer Scrooge, and he famously told director Brian Henson he would play the role "like I'm working with the Royal Shakespeare Company" and never do anything "Muppety." That commitment is a big reason why the film has a reputation as one of the best cinematic adaptations of the story. The Muppets handle the rest: Kermit the Frog is Bob Cratchit, Gonzo steps in as Charles Dickens narrating with the help of Rizzo the Rat, Miss Piggy plays Emily Cratchit, Fozzie Bear is Fozziwig, and Robin the Frog is Tiny Tim.

The music is an original score by Miles Goodman, who also wrote for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Little Shop of Horrors, with songs by Paul Williams. Between Caine's straight-faced Scrooge and the Muppets filling out the town of Victorian London, it's a version that stays true to the source material while leaning into the Muppets' specific brand of humor.

The screening runs from 6 PM to 8 PM. Tickets are free for members and $10 for non-members.