Muppetstm, Music & Magic: Jim Henson’s Legacy At Wexner Center March 17, 24

Rare Collection of Movies, TV Shows, Archival Footage, Experimental Works To Be Featured over Two Separate Saturdays

COLUMBUS, OH–The Wexner Center presents Muppets, Music & Magic: Jim Henson’s Legacy on March 17 and 24. This project appeals to all ages and features a rare collection of movies, TV shows, archival footage and more.

Time magazine called Henson “the most profound influence on children of any entertainer of his time.” Best known as the creator of the world-famous Muppets, Henson's works have touched the lives of millions for more than 50 years.

One of the world’s most inspired and innovative film and puppetry artists, Henson brought a unique combination of childlike wonder and adult sophistication to his groundbreaking work for children and adults alike. This tribute to Henson, a recipient of more than 50 Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards, and the indelible characters he created invites the public to explore all facets of this prolific performer’s output. Morning and early afternoon screenings feature films for kids of all ages. Evening programs focus on Henson’s experimental work, rarities, and films for all the adults who never grew up. Additionally, there will be puppet-making workshops for the kids.

Tickets are $4 for the general public and $3 for Wexner Center members and students and are available now at the Wexner Center (614 292-3535) and Ticketmaster (614 431 3600). Packages of any six tickets are available for $15 (members) and $20 (general public). All films screen in the Wexner Center Film/Video Theater located at 1871 N. High St.

This series is possible through the generous assistance of The Jim Henson Legacy, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and tour organizer Irena Kovarova and is presented with support from Suburban News Publications.

The schedule for Muppets, Music & Magic follows.

Muppet Music Moments Saturday, March 17 | 10:45 AM

Music was always an integral part of The Muppet Show, and we have assembled a collection of some of the classic music numbers interpreted as only the Muppets can. This compilation features a wide range of genres and includes performances by guest stars Harry Belafonte, Elton John, Linda Ronstadt, and many more. (75 mins., video) Recommended for ages 4 and up.

A Better World: Living in Harmony Saturday, March 17 | 12:15 PM

This program starts with an episode of the delightful Fraggle Rock TV series that contrasts three communities—the musical Fraggles, the industrious Doozers, and the giant Gorgs—who all coexist in a carefully balanced underground world beneath those mysterious creatures who live above ground, the humans. Also featured is The Song of the Cloud Forest, a beautiful computer-animated short directed by Henson and focused on a golden toad who must avoid the “uprights” (humans) trying to catch him. (90 mins., video) Recommended for ages 4 and up.

The Muppet Movie (James Frawley, 1979) Saturday, March 17 | 4 PM

Filled with memorable songs (“The Rainbow Connection”) and countless cameos (everyone from Richard Pryor to Orson Welles), The Muppet Movie has become one of the most beloved films for several generations of children. From Kermit the Frog’s humble origins in a swamp, to the entire Muppet gang being hired by a Hollywood movie studio, the film is an absolute delight. (97 mins., 35mm) Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Muppet History 101 Saturday, March 17 | 7 PM

This unique program of rarities examines the origins of the Muppets through early live TV appearances, unusual commercials, guest spots on the Jimmy Dean and Dick Cavett shows, and much more. You’ll also see excerpts from the rarely seen pilot for The Muppet Show—The Muppets: Sex and Violence. (90 mins., video) Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Commercials & Experiments Saturday, March 17 | 8:45 PM

Here’s a mind-blowing collection of experimental shorts, crazy commercials, and other rarities from the Henson vault. Highlights include a legendary industrial film for Wilson’s Meat that has to be seen to be believed, excerpts from Henson’s TV programs The Cube and Youth 68, and the Oscar-nominated Time Piece, an 8-minute masterpiece from 1965 that showcases Henson’s talent for making music out of everyday sounds. (90 mins., video) Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Muppet Fairytales Saturday, March 24 | 10:30 AM

See classic fairytales through the eyes of the Muppets in this program of shorts. The Frog Prince, directed by Henson, features a charming performance by Kermit as the frog awaiting his kiss. What if the elves who come to the aid of the shoemaker are actually Elvises? If Rapunzel appeared on Sesame Street, what twists on the story would you expect? This program offers answers to these burning questions. (105 mins., video) Recommended for ages 2 to 6.

The Art of Puppetry and Storytelling Saturday, March 24 | 12:30 PM

Go behind the scenes to witness the magic of the Muppets in rare footage of the variety of puppetry Jim Henson created. See puppets derived from traditional African masks sing a song with Harry Belafonte during a classic 1979 episode of The Muppet Show directed by Philip Casson. Another kind of puppetry is used in The Storyteller: The Heartless Giant, directed by Henson. In this episode of a 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. (120 mins., video) Recommended for ages 6 and up.

Dog City (Jim Henson, 1989) The Storyteller: The Soldier and Death (Jim Henson, 1987) Saturday, March 24 | 4 PM

The rarely seen Dog City (originally shown on the Jim Henson Hour) features one of most fully realized Muppet universes—an entire 1940s’ film noir city populated entirely by dogs (all incredibly detailed puppets). The Soldier and Death, one of the finest episodes produced for the landmark TV series The Storyteller, recounts the tale of a soldier being given three magic objects, which he uses to outwit otherworldly creatures. The show was written by Oscar-winner Anthony Minghella (The English Patient). (90 mins., video) Recommended for ages 8 and up.

The Dark Crystal (Jim Henson, Frank Oz, 1982) Saturday, March 24 | 7 PM

Mixing elements of Tolkien and fairy tales, Henson and Oz create a fantastic realm where an elf-like orphan must defeat the ruling Skeksis, hulking dragon-like beings. Using a mix of puppetry, marionettes, and more, The Dark Crystal captures a stunning world rarely equaled in any fantasy film, yet deeply rooted in universal myth. (93 mins., 35mm) Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Labyrinth (Jim Henson, 1986) Saturday, March 24 | 8:45 PM

Jim Henson returns to the land of fantasy, this time creating a modern day Alice in Wonderland. Jennifer Connelly plays a young girl who must travel through the Labyrinth to save her baby brother from the Goblin King (a wonderfully cast David Bowie). Full of Henson Creature Shop’s imaginative design, the film’s eye- popping sets convey a whole world existing just behind the façade of reality. (101 mins., 35mm) Recommended for ages 8 and up

Young Arts: Puppet Productions Saturday, March 17 and 24 | 2 PM to 4 PM |Performance Space

Celebrate the films of Jim Henson by animating your own puppet. Kids ages 4 and up and their families can drop in to design unique puppet characters and then participate in impromptu puppet productions. See the Public Programs section for more details.