Ep 1. Guest: Gene Kelly

As the fifth season of The Muppet Show begins, the stage is set for the arrival of Hollywood legend Gene Kelly. The beloved actor and dancer steps off a bright blue bus outside the theater, surrounded by an adoring crowd of fans and paparazzi. As he enters the building, he is greeted by Kermit the Frog, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the gang.

The show begins with an opening number featuring Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the Electric Mayhem band. The performers sing and dance to a lively song called "Hooray for Hollywood," while Gonzo the Great shoots out of a cannon and crashes into a stack of crates. The audience roars with laughter and applause as the chaos unfolds on stage.

Next up is the classic sketch "Pigs in Space," starring First Mate Piggy and the rest of the crew as they navigate the galaxy in their spaceship, the Swinetrek. In this episode, they encounter a dangerous alien creature that tries to take over their ship. Hilarity ensues as they attempt to outwit the creature and save themselves from its clutches.

The main event of the night is Gene Kelly's performance, which features him singing, dancing, and telling stories about his time in Hollywood. He performs several of his signature dance numbers, including the iconic "Singin' in the Rain" number that made him famous. The Muppets join Kelly on stage for a lively medley of songs and dances, including "Put on a Happy Face" and "Witchcraft."

In between Kelly's performances, the Muppets put on several skits and musical numbers. In one memorable moment, Miss Piggy desperately tries to get Kelly's attention, but he only has eyes for Kermit. She sings a sultry rendition of "I Wanna Be Loved By You" while dressed in a Marilyn Monroe-style white dress, but Kelly remains oblivious to her advances.

Other highlights of the episode include a performance of "The Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" by the rambunctious band Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, and a hilarious sketch called "At the Dance," in which various Muppet couples flirt and dance together in a ballroom setting.

As the show draws to a close, Kelly takes the stage once more to deliver a heartfelt message to the audience. He shares his love for the art of dance and encourages everyone to pursue their passions, no matter how difficult or challenging they may seem. The episode ends with a rousing final number, as Kelly and the Muppets perform a joyous rendition of "Putting on the Ritz."

Overall, this episode of The Muppet Show is a must-watch for fans of classic Hollywood and great entertainment. With its unforgettable musical performances, hilarious comedy skits, and charming puppetry, it is sure to delight viewers of all ages.