Cinema Arts Centre - Huntington, NY

In conjunction with The Jim Henson Legacy (www.JimHensonLegacy.org) and Brooklyn Academy of Music (www.BAM.org), Puppets on the Sound pays tribute to one of the world's most inspired and innovative film and puppetry artists, Jim Henson. A visionary TV producer and a world-class puppeteer who created indelible characters like Kermit the Frog, Henson brought a unique combination of childlike wonder and adult sophistication to his ground-breaking work for children and adults alike. Morning and early afternoon screenings feature films for kids of all ages, while evening programs focus on Henson's experimental work, commercials, rarities, and films for all the adults who never grew up. This weekend-long series will feature many special guests and explore all facets of this prolific artist's output, while allowing children to make their own puppets in our workshops. Series organizer Irena Kovarova.

Rated G; for families with young children, ages 3 and up

Additional screening Sunday, August 12 @ 9:30AM

After an adoption agency lures Big Bird away to live with a bird family so he can grow up “with his own kind,” he quickly becomes homesick. As he returns to Sesame Street, a couple of unscrupulous and bumbling carnival owners scheme to put him in their sideshow. In the end Big Bird realizes who his real family is—the wonderfully diverse community of Sesame Street. 1985; 35mm; 88 min. • Directed by Ken Kwapis • With Chevy Chase, John Candy and Sandra Bernhard

Click HERE for trailer.

Muppets From Space Friday @ 4:45PM

Rated G; for families with young children, ages 3 and up
Additional screening Saturday, August 11 @ 9:15AM

When Gonzo starts getting messages in his cereal bowl it seems that he might be close to figuring out where he comes from (and what the heck he is). Following the signs, he is drawn to a particular spot for a reunion with his family but is kidnapped by a mysterious government agency along the way. This terrific recent entry into the Muppets movie series features superb musical numbers set to funk hits by the likes of Funkadelic and James Brown. 1999, 35mm., 87 min. • Directed by Tim Hill • With Ray Liotta, F. Murray Abraham, Andie McDowell, David Arquette and Rob Schneider

Click HERE for trailer.

Dog City & Storyteller Friday @ 7:15PM

Special Guest: Fran Brill (Colleen Barker)

For adults and families with children, ages 6 and up
Combined running time, approximately 70 min.

Dog City (1989)
Originally shown on the Jim Henson Hour, Dog City 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.

Followed by:

Storyteller: The Soldier and Death (1987)
One of the finest episodes produced for this landmark TV series ("ingenious" - Time), The Soldier and Death 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. Starring John Hurt. Written by Academy Award-winner Anthony Minghella (The English Patient, Cold Mountain). Directed by Jim Henson.

The Dark Crystal Friday @ 9:30PM

Special Guest: Dave Goelz (Fizzgig & Skesis General)

Rated PG; for adults and families with children, ages 11 and up

Mixing Brian Froud’s conceptual design and elements of traditional fairy tales, Jim Henson and longtime collaborator Frank Oz create a fantastic world into which an elf-like orphan must venture forth to defeat the rulers, the hulking dragon-like Skeksis. Using a mix of puppetry, marionettes, modern special effects, and more, The Dark Crystal creates a visual world rarely equaled in any fantasy film while remaining true to its basis in universal myth. 1982; 35mm; 93 min.

Click HERE for trailer.