So he sent along the new batch and I listened over and over and over, coming back to the message and the catchiness of “Trouble, Trouble.” There weren’t any muppets dancing to this one, though. I saw blue sky and dancers in red turtlenecks; I saw the golden sun and the snakes and the kid duo and the purple suit. And it looked like they were all on public access TV inside a cartoon soap opera.

For some reason he said, “Go for it.” We called the folks. It came together through the generous, angelic efforts and star qualities of some very exceptional people on a very long day. From writing the script alone in my studio, to Lory’s dance rehearsals, hanging up clouds with Jet and Gent, framing each shot with Brian, to editing the footage in a fancy downtown office with Justin. The entire process was a surrealist honor and a pleasure, concluding in a surprise screening at the historic Gruene Hall. Feel free to ask detailed questions about everyone involved. I can passionately validate that you need to work and laugh with them, too.