At a Glance
- Labyrinth returns for its 40th anniversary with a 60-city North American concert tour
- Live band performs the full soundtrack in sync with David Bowie’s original vocals
- Tour runs September 14-November 24, with tickets on sale January 16
- Why it matters: Fans can experience the 1986 cult classic on a giant HD screen while a live band plays the iconic soundtrack
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth is hitting the road. The 1986 fantasy film-celebrating its 40th anniversary-will tour 60 North American cities this fall as Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert. A live band will play the complete soundtrack in perfect sync with David Bowie’s original vocals, all while the movie unfolds on a massive HD screen.
What to Expect at the Show
The concert format blends film and live music. Audiences watch Jennifer Connelly’s babysitter brave the Goblin King’s maze while musicians perform Trevor Jones’ score and Bowie’s songs, including “Magic Dance,” “As the World Falls Down,” and “Within You.” The press release promises the band will match Bowie’s vocals note-for-note, ensuring no deviation from the beloved recordings.
Key elements of the live experience:
- Giant HD projection of the remastered film
- Full band performing every cue and song
- Bowie’s voice preserved exactly as heard in theaters
- Audience sing-alongs expected during “Magic Dance”
Tour Schedule and Ticket Info
The trek begins September 14 in Buffalo, NY, and winds through major markets until November 24. Presales for fan-club members and newsletter subscribers begin January 15; general public sales open January 16. Full dates, venues, and on-sale times are posted at www.labyrinthinconcert.com.
Why the Film Still Matters
Released in 1986, Labyrinth blended Henson’s puppetry, Bowie’s rock-star charisma, and Monty Python-style humor into a box-office disappointment that became a home-video phenomenon. The story of 16-year-old Sarah wishing away her baby brother-then braving a 13-hour maze to reclaim him-has sold millions of DVDs, Blu-rays, and streaming rentals. Bowie’s soundtrack went gold in the U.S. and platinum in the U.K., cementing songs like “Magic Dance” as cult classics.
How the Concert Concept Began
The live show premiered overseas, selling out venues in Europe and Australia. Strong ticket demand and positive reviews convinced organizers to mount a full North American run. The production uses time-code technology to lock the band’s tempo to the film, ensuring that every drum hit, synth arpeggio, and goblin shout lands in perfect alignment with the on-screen action.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Social media buzz has already started. Longtime fans talk of dressing in ballroom gowns, Sarah-style peasant blouses, and even Jareth’s crystal-ball juggling attire. News Of Fort Worth‘s original coverage noted that attendees should expect a fair amount of singing along-especially during “Magic Dance,” where Bowie trades verses with a chorus of puppets.
The Larger Legacy
While a Robert Eggers-directed remake remains in development limbo, the concert tour keeps the original film in the spotlight. Henson’s Creature Shop has preserved many of the original puppets, and periodic theatrical re-releases have introduced Labyrinth to new viewers. The upcoming tour offers both nostalgic parents and first-time watchers a communal way to experience the music-heavy fantasy.
Key Takeaways
- 60-city tour launches September 14, ends November 24
- Live band synchronizes with Bowie’s untouched vocal tracks
- Tickets available via presale January 15, general sale January 16
- Experience blends cinema, concert, and cosplay-friendly atmosphere
