Goblin Party Interactive
IBEX Puppetry
Jim Henson’s 1986 film Labyrinth was considered a box office failure, but you couldn’t prove that by the legions of fans who treasure it. It’s easy to see how the fantasy film has gained a cult following with star David Bowie crooning his own tunes, imaginative puppets, and a classic children’s tale storyline. Now at the 2010 Orlando Fringe, Labyrinth gets the Rocky Horror treatment with a live interactive screening led by none other than Henson’s daughter, Heather.
Audience members receive a goodie bag as they arrive, and instructions on what to do with its contents. You’ll get a small rattle to shake whenever Toby cries, a Nerf-ish shooter to battle fairies, a fruit slice to taste when Hoggle give Sarah the peach, to name a few of the items. You can also stop by IBEX Puppetry’s tent in the Beer Pasture before the show to create horns and a mask to wear at the appropriate times.
The lead roles of Sarah and Jareth the Goblin King are reenacted by Heather Henson and Marsian De Lellis respectively, with their tongues placed firmly in their cheeks. The cast playfully uses puppets, props, set piece and beautiful kites — crafted by Curtiss Mitchell — to recreate the story in front of its big screen original.
You’ll be encouraged to participate, but you won’t be able to resist hurling a foam rock at the goblin army, anyway. If you’re lucky, you may even find yourself dancing with Bowie’s doppelganger at the Masquerade Ball.
While childlike silliness is in order, the event is a respectful homage at its heart, appealing to Labyrinth faithfuls as well as those unacquainted with the film — fun is had by all.
To see a full schedule for the 2010 Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, and purchase tickets, visit OrlandoFringe.org.
