We Can Be Happy Underground

Jim Henson's Muppets display more heroism, wit, cowardice and greed than most actors can hope to show — with the exception of David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, of course, in the wildly popular Labyrinth. An epic story about the fight between good and evil, Labyrinth delicately layers symbolism, Henson's abiding faith in humanity's goodness and musical numbers with a touch of magic. A young Connelly plays Sarah, an average teenage girl who becomes mixed up in an extraordinary underground world where "nothing is what it seems." Somewhat aided by the not-so-kindly dwarf, Hoggle, Sarah must journey through Jareth the Goblin King's (Bowie) elaborate maze to find her baby brother, who is currently a hostage of the king. Bowie's disdainfully cool and adolescent attitude is perfect for the role of King Jareth, as a handsome and sophisticated Goblin King could only resent a kingdom of so many undesirable creatures (including a Bog of Eternal Stench). Labyrinth screens at the Tivoli Theatre (6350 Delmar Boulevard, 314-862-1100) at midnight on Friday and Saturday, August 28 and 29. Tickets are $7.
Fri., Aug. 28; Sat., Aug. 29, 2009