Events for November 3rd, 2009
The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland
Directed by Gary Halvorson. 1999. Ages 3+. Running time: 73 min.
Sponsored by St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
Tue, Nov 3 & Sat, Nov 7 -- Roll over to view showtimes.
Elmo loves his fuzzy blanket so much that he gets into a tug-of war over it with his friend Zoe, losing it in far-off Grouchland. Nothing will deter Elmo from retrieving his treasured possession, plunging himself into a series of adventures including a battle of wits with the Queen of Trash (Vanessa Williams). His Sesame Street buddies come to the rescue and help him learn a valuable lesson about sharing and friendship.
The Muppet Movie
Directed by James Frawley. 1979. Ages 6+. Running time: 95 min.
Sponsored by St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
Tue, Nov 3 & Sat, Nov 7 -- Roll over to view showtimes.
From Kermit the Frog’s humble origins in a swamp, to the entire gang being hired by studio head Orson Welles, The Muppet Movie is an absolute delight. As Kermit makes his way to fabled Hollywood, he assembles his team of like-minded individuals, including Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo the Great, and others. The movie includes Kermit’s heart-tugging “Rainbow Connection,” and the film ends on a surprisingly existential note.
Dog City and Storyteller (Shorts)
Ages 6+. Running time: 70 min.
Sponsored by St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
- Tue, Nov 3, 4:00 pm
Originally shown on the Jim Henson Hour, Dog City (1989) features one of the most fully realized Muppet universes—an entire 1940s film noir city populated entirely by dogs (all incredibly detailed and realistic puppets). With Muppet favorite Rowlf the dog (voiced by Henson) narrating from a piano, the action and in-jokes come at a furious pace. The Soldier and Death (1987) is one of the finest episodes produced for Henson’s landmark TV series, The Storyteller. It recounts the tale of a soldier returning home from war being given three magic objects, which he uses to outwit a pack of demons, leading to his encounter with Death himself. Written by Oscar-winner Anthony Minghella.
This screening is included with ticket purchase to see The Muppet Movie.
Labyrinth
Directed by Jim Henson. 1986. Ages 10+. Running time: 101 min.
Sponsored by St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
- Tue, Nov 3, 7:30 pm
Henson returns to the land of fantasy, this time creating a modern-day Alice in Wonderland (with conceptual design by illustrator Brian Froud). Jennifer Connelly plays Sarah, a young girl who must travel through the Labyrinth to save her baby brother from the Goblin King (David Bowie, “perfectly cast”—The New York Times). Full of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop’s typically imaginative creature design, the film’s eye-popping sets, including the M.C. Escher inspired castle, create a wholly believable world existing just behind the facade of reality. More »
The Art of Storytelling and Puppetry (Shorts)
Ages 10+. Running time: 70 min.
Sponsored by St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
- Tue, Nov 3, 9:20 pm
Go behind the scenes to witness the magic of the Muppets in this compilation of rare footage of the variety of puppetry created by Jim Henson. See a classic episode of The Muppet Show (1979, Philip Casson) including a Harry Belafonte’s performance of an African song with puppets derived from traditional masks. Another kind of puppetry is used in The Storyteller: The Heartless Giant (1989, Jim Henson). In this episode of the remarkable TV series based on classic folk tales, an evil giant—who has hidden his heart so he will feel no emotion—tricks young prince Leo into releasing him from his dungeon. Consumed with guilt, Leo searches for the heart and learns about friendship and betrayal.
This screening is included with ticket purchase to see Labyrinth.