Appearances from Frank Oz, Brian Henson, et al. Accompany Museum of Moving Image's Jim Henson Exhibition

A very rare personal appearance by Frank Oz, conversations with Brian Henson and illustrator Brian Froud, 25th anniversary screenings of Labyrinth, a preview of the new movie The Muppets, and rare showings of Jim Henson's experimental television works, are among the highlights of the next three months of programs to be presented by Museum of the Moving Image in conjunction with the exhibition Jim Henson's Fantastic World.

The Smithsonian traveling exhibition, which has been drawing record crowds to the Museum (and to all the other venues where it was exhibited), will be on view through January 16, 2012.

The program with Frank Oz, Jim Henson's longtime creative partner and one of the early Muppet performers, will take place on Sunday, October 23. Oz will be interviewed by Craig Shemin, President of The Jim Henson Legacy, about his career with the Muppets, from his early experiences performing Rowlf the Dog to his creation of Miss Piggy's feisty persona, and his successful directorial career. Of the films Oz directed, the Museum will screen The Muppets Take Manhattan, on October 22 and 23, and Little Shop of Horrors, on October 29 and 30.

In addition to screenings and discussions with Henson colleagues and performers, the Museum will present a special full-day workshop for young people on televised puppetry with John Tartaglia, the Tony- and Emmy-nominated star of Broadway's Avenue Q, on November 11 (Veterans Day). Workshops on shadow puppets and sound effects are also among the weekly offerings. Holiday programs continue into the Thanksgiving and Christmas season with screenings of Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas, A Muppet Family Christmas, The Muppet Christmas Carol, "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street," and other seasonal specials featuring Henson's famous characters.

Most screenings are free with Museum admission, which also includes entry to the exhibition. Special event programs are noted with separate ticket prices. Jim Henson's experimental Academy Award-nominated film, Time Piece (1965), will screen continuously through November 16 in the Museum's Video Screening Amphitheater.

A full schedule of programs is included below.

This series was organized by Chief Curator David Schwartz and Assistant Film Curator Rachael Rakes for Museum of the Moving Image, in partnership with The Jim Henson Legacy, Brooklyn Academy Of Music, and Irena Kovarova. It includes programs from the touring series Muppets, Music and Magic: Jim Henson's Legacy.

Jim Henson's Fantastic World features over 120 artifacts, including drawings, storyboards, and props, and video material that illustrate Henson's boundless creativity and innumerable accomplishments. Among the highlights are fifteen iconic original puppets of such characters as Kermit the Frog, Rowlf, Bert, Ernie, and Miss Piggy; photographs of Henson and his collaborators at work; and excerpts from Henson's early projects and experimental films.

The exhibition was organized by The Jim Henson Legacy and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in cooperation with the Henson family, The Jim Henson Company, The Muppets Studio, LLC, and Sesame Workshop. This exhibition is made possible by the BIO channel. Additional support has been provided by The Jane Henson Foundation and Cheryl Henson.

Support for Jim Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image is provided by The Jane Henson Foundation, Five Napkin Burger, and Cheryl Henson. Additional support is provided by Schmutter, Strull, Fleisch Inc. and The Astor Room.

The Jim Henson Legacy is a non-profit 501(C3) organization that is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating Jim Henson's contributions to the worlds of puppetry, television and motion pictures, special effects and media technology. More information at http://www.jimhensonlegacy.org.

The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science, and history. More information at www.sites.si.edu.

‘Jim Henson'S FANTASTIC WORLD' SPECIAL PROGRAMS: SCHEDULE FOR OCTOBER 1, 2011-JANUARY 2, 2012

Time Piece
On view continuously through November 16, 2011
IN THE VIDEO SCREENING AMPHITHEATER
Dir. Jim Henson. 1965, 9 mins. With Jim Henson. Time Piece tells what Henson called "the story of Everyman, frustrated by the typical tasks of a typical day." The film opens with a man-played by Henson-in a hospital bed. A doctor takes his pulse. The pulse turns into a drumbeat, which becomes the percussive soundtrack for the film, in a syncopated score created by Don Sebesky. Through a series of jump cuts, we follow the man as he walks through city streets, then suburban streets, and then the jungle. Playfully surreal sequences are bridged by short passages of stop-motion animation. Time Piece played for a year at the Paris Theatre in Manhattan, along with the French art-house hit A Man and a Woman. The film is presented courtesy of The Jim Henson Company.

Sing! The Music of Sesame Street
Saturday, October 1, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 2, 1:00 p.m.
With Sesame Street songwriter Christopher Cerf and Bob McGrath in person (October 2 only)
82 mins. This joyous and sometimes poignant salute to 40 years of Sesame Street music features old favorites and guest appearances by some of the music industry's biggest stars.

Jim Henson Television Experiments: "The Cube" and "Youth: 68"
Friday, October 7, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 9, 7:00 p.m.
With Peter Goldfarb, producer of NBC Experiment in Television, and Karen Falk, Jim Henson Company Archivist, in person (October 9 only)
Jim Henson made two films for the fascinating series NBC Experiment in Television. "Youth '68: Everything's Changing ... Or Maybe It Isn't" (dir. Jon Stone, 60 mins.) is a montage of interviews with people from all walks of life, creating a time capsule of 1960s lifestyles. In "The Cube" (dir. Jim Henson, 53 mins.), a man trapped inside a white cube faces strange questions about the nature of existence, and a lot of odd characters who only add to the mystery.
Tickets for Friday evening screenings are $12 adults / $9 senior citizens and college students / Free for Museum members.

A Better World: Living in Harmony
Saturday, October 8, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 9, 1:00 p.m.
77 mins. Jim Henson made several films highlighting environmental issues. The Song of the Cloud Forest, about a golden toad's struggle to avoid extinction, was broadcast as part of The Jim Henson Hour. It is followed by two episodes of Fraggle Rock ("Beginnings" and "River of Life"). Also included are several public service announcements.

Muppet Fairytales
Monday, October 10 (Columbus Day), 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 15, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 16, 1:00 p.m.
70 mins. Includes: "The Frog Prince" (dir. Jim Henson,1971), an episode of the series Tales from Muppetland in which Kermit and friends retell the classic fairy tale; and "The Elves and the Shoemaker" (dir. David Grossman, 1994), a story from Muppet Classic Theater featuring Kermit as a shoemaker with questionable taste. To improve his business, three little Elvises sneak into the workshop to replace the ugly shoes with blue suede ones.

The Muppets Take Manhattan
Saturday, October 22, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 23, 12:00 p.m.
With Bonnie Erickson, Executive Director of The Jim Henson Legacy and designer of Miss Piggy, in person (October 22 only)
Dir. Frank Oz. 1984, 94 mins. When the Muppets' college revue is a big hit, they decide to take it all the way to Broadway. This delightful backstage musical, filled with cameos by famous New Yorkers, was the first feature film directed by Frank Oz.

Special Event: A Conversation with Frank Oz
Sunday, October 23, 2:00 p.m.
Frank Oz was Jim Henson's main creative partner and one of the early Muppet performers. Craig Shemin, President of The Jim Henson Legacy, will interview Oz, taking him through his early experiences performing Rowlf the Dog, to his creation of Miss Piggy's feisty persona, and his successful directorial career. The program will include clips from Oz's performances and films.
Tickets: $30 public/$25 Museum members/Free for Silver Screen members and above.

Little Shop of Horrors
Saturday, October 29, 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 30, 1:00 p.m.
Dir. Frank Oz. 1986, 94 mins. With Rick Moranis. Frank Oz's first non-Muppet film is about a down-and-out floral assistant who becomes a sensation when he discovers an exotic plant that craves fresh blood. Soon Audrey II (an elaborate puppet created by Henson Creature Shop alumnus Lyle Conway) grows into an ill-tempered, foulmouthed, R&B-singing carnivore.

Sell! Sell! Sell!: The Commercials of Jim Henson
Saturday, November 5, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 6, 1:00 p.m.
With Karen Falk both days
Jim Henson Company Archivist Karen Falk presents commercials and industrial films created by Jim Henson, including irreverent and award-winning spots for Wilkins Coffee, and ads for Purina, La Choy, IBM, and more. These commercials introduced such irresistible characters as Rowlf the Dog, Delbert the La Choy Dragon, and Sir Linit.

"Brought to you by...":The Short Films of Sesame Street
Saturday, November 12, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 13, 1:00 p.m.
This program highlights the animated and live action short films produced for Sesame Street since its inception-including animated classics like "Ladybug Picnic," "Alligator King," and several counting films created by Jim Henson.

Preview Screening: The Muppets
Thursday, November 17, 7:00 p.m.
Dir. James Bobin. 2011. With Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper. In the first Muppet movie in more than a decade, the Muppets must reunite, with the help of three fans, to save their old theater from a greedy oil tycoon.
Tickets: $20 public/$15 Museum members/Free for Silver Screen members and above.

The Muppet Movie
Saturday, November 19, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 20, 1:00 p.m.
Dir. James Frawley. 1979, 95 mins. With Jim Henson, Frank Oz. In anticipation of the new movie The Muppets, here is a chance to look back at Kermit's beginnings. We follow him from his origins in a swamp to Hollywood fame, assembling his posse along the way.

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas
Friday, November 25, 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 26, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 27, 1:00 p.m.
Dir. Jim Henson. 1977, 65 mins. This beloved television special tells the story of Ma Otter and her son Emmet, who both secretly enter a talent contest to win money for each other's Christmas presents. These screenings include outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage.

Labyrinth
Saturday, December 3, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 4, 1:00 p.m.
With puppeteer Brian Henson (Hoggle, goblins) and Brian Froud, Wendy Froud, and Toby Froud (December 3 only)
Dir. Jim Henson. 1986, 101 mins. With Jennifer Connelly, David Bowie. In order to save her brother, who has been captured by the Goblin King, Sarah must find her way through a magical labyrinth. Rich with elaborate set pieces, including a castle inspired by M.C. Escher, and a witty and fantastical script by Monty Python member Terry Jones, the result is a stunning visual achievement.
Tickets (for December 3 screening and discussion): $20 public/$15 Museum members/Free for Silver Screen members and above.

Special Event: The Evolution of Puppetry: A presentation by Brian Henson
Sunday, December 4, 7:00 p.m.
Brian Henson, son of Jim Henson, Chairman of The Jim Henson Company, and award-winning director, producer, and puppeteer, will explore the unique Henson technique and style of puppetry that revolutionized the art form for television and film. Henson will present an overview of the groundbreaking technical achievements in animatronics and digital puppetry that continue to be a part of the Company's legacy.
Tickets: $25 public/$20 Museum members/Free for Silver Screen members and above.

"Christmas Eve on Sesame Street" and Sesame Street Holiday Moments
Saturday, December 10, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 11, 1:00 p.m.
With Joseph Bailey, co-writer of "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street" (December 11 only)
85 mins. In "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street" (dir. Jon Stone, 1978), Big Bird camps out on his roof to prove to Oscar the Grouch that Santa Claus does, in fact, deliver the presents to every house on Christmas Eve. The episode will be preceded by a compilation of clips from Sesame Street holiday programs.

The Muppet Christmas Carol
Saturday, December 17, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 18, 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 24, 1:00 p.m.
Dir. Brian Henson. 1992, 85 mins. With Michael Caine, voices of Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz. The Dickens classic is recast with Muppets, including Gonzo as Charles Dickens, Kermit at Bob Cratchit, and Fozzie Bear as Fozziewig. This faithful adaptation is as full of Christmas spirit as the original.

A Muppet Family Christmas and A Classic Henson Holiday
Monday-Friday, December 26-30, 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
67 mins. A Muppet Family Christmas (dir. Peter Harris, 1989) is about a holiday gathering at Fozzie's mother's country house. The compilation A Classic Henson Holiday collects the finest moments from various holiday shows.

Jim Henson and Friends: Inside the Sesame Street Vault
Saturday, December 31, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 1, 1:00 p.m.
Monday, January 2, 1:00 p.m.
83 mins. This program highlights the contributions of Jim Henson and his early Sesame Street collaborators, Frank Oz (Bert, Grover, Cookie Monster), Jerry Nelson (Count Von Count, Snuffleupagus), Fran Brill (Prairie Dawn, Zoe), and Caroll Spinney (Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch). This is a unique opportunity to see rare clips from specials and guest appearances on other television programs.

HENSON RELATED FAMILY WORKSHOPS

Shadow Puppet Family Workshop
Saturday -Monday, October 8, 9, and 10, 3:00 p.m.
Learn about the very first moving images in this 90-minute workshop. Participants will design and create puppets made of paper, then perform with them, casting silhouettes into an animated setting.
$5 materials fee/Free for Red Carpet Kids members. Ages 8+

Sound Effects Family Workshop
Saturday, October 15, 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 16, 3:00 p.m.
Find out how Foley artists create sound effects for movies and television shows. Participants will watch a clip of The Muppet Movie and learn how the sounds in the film were produced. Afterward, they will create new sounds for the action on-screen using a variety of materials and props.
$5 materials fee/Free for Red Carpet Kids Members. Ages 8+

Artist-Led Workshop:
Televised Puppetry Master Class with John Tartaglia
Veteran's Day , Friday , November 11, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Professional puppeteer John Tartaglia, the Tony- and Emmy-nominated star of Broadway's Avenue Q and Disney Channel's Johnny and the Sprites, leads this daylong workshop on the craft of televised puppetry. Working closely with Tartaglia, participants will have the opportunity to develop characters and voices, interpret scripts, and learn behind-the-scenes secrets and stories. Then, they will stage their own televised puppet show, learning how to use a monitor and camera frame, improvising for the screen, and developing their eye focus and lip-synch skills. This dynamic workshop is open to beginners as well as young people with previous puppetry experience.
$75 materials fee/$65 for Red Carpet Kids members. For tickets, call 718 777 6800 or visit movingimage.us. Ages 10+

 

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