The Museum Of The Moving Image’s New Exhibit of Props From Netflix’s The Dark Crystal Age Of Resistance Draws Fans To Queens
By Gina Rathbourne / City News Syndicate
Queens New York- Since its premiere on Netflix earlier this month, The Dark Crystal: Age Of Resistance has been amazing fans young and old. Acting in conjunction with Netflix and The Jim Henson Company, the Museum Of The Moving Image (MOMI) has brought Skeksis, Gelflings, and other creatures straight from Thra to Astoria, Queens. One assumes the subway was used but it is unclear what line goes to Thra, Then again, I’m still not sure what line takes me to Sesame Street either.
The exhibit, which runs until January 2020, features the Hunter Skeksis, the General Skeksis, a Fizzgig, and the All-Maudra and Seladon Gelflings, as well as exquisitely detailed maquettes, created by Toby Froud, which were used as models for the characters. Fun fact: Toby Froud played the baby (also named Toby) in Jim Henson’s film Labyrinth.
According to MOMI; “Creatures from the Land of Thra: Character Design for The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance explores the process of designing the fantastical characters for the new Netflix series, a prequel to the 1982 film co-directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz. The exhibit features a selection of concept art, maquettes, puppets, and behind-the-scenes images, tracing the collaboration between concept artist Brian Froud, who originated the world of Thra in The Dark Crystal, and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, which built the puppets for the series.”
The ten-part Netflix series, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, which premiered on August 30, pits Gelfling heroes against the nefarious Skeksis, as they attempt to save their world. The series is set many years before the story depicted by The Dark Crystal, and presents a greatly expanded world with many additional characters.
Jim Henson and Muppet fans will also find a permanent Henson exhibit within the museum that features not only beloved Muppets like Big Bird, Kermit the frog, and Miss Piggy but also props from films such as Labyrinth (yes, they have David Bowie’s costume) and the 1982 Dark Crystal theatrical film. Queens resident and author Mike Drake visited over the weekend and proclaimed “MOMI exhibits never disappoint and Creatures from the Land of Thra is yet another home run. If you are enjoying the Netflix series go see this exhibit! If you haven’t seen the series yet, come see the exhibit, fall in love with the designs then go home and binge!”
For information on MOMI and the exhibit visit:
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Photos by Dan Webber Photography
Gina Rathbourne / City News Syndicate