Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey, Sundance 2011. (Richard Termine)

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey, Sundance 2011. (Richard Termine) Credit: Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey, Sundance 2011. (Richard Termine)

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey
3.5 stars
Documentary by Constance Marks and Philip Shane
Not rated

If you’ve ever wanted someone to tell you how to get, how to get to “Sesame Street,” then “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey” is a must-see documentary.

The film tells the uplifting life story of Kevin Clash, the puppeteer behind the superstar Muppet Elmo, from Clash’s poor childhood in Baltimore through his ascension to the top of the puppet world and, ahem, having a hand in creating one of the most popular Muppets of all time.

Much like his squeaky-clean, red, furry, hug-loving pal, Clash is a bit of a Boy Scout, so you're not going to get some of the more salacious tidbits that other celebrity profiles offer. Wht you will get, though, is a wonderful behind-the-scenes peek at “Sesame Street,” charming footage of vintage puppet acts, and a feel-good story about Clash and Elmo.

Playing at IFC Center 

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks about Massapequa and Miller Place wrestling teams winning state dual meet championships and Jonathan Ruban takes a look at the undefeated Northport girls basketball team. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost, Thomas A. Ferrara, John Paraskevas; Jim Staubitser

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 21 Massapequa, Miller Place wrestling champs Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks about Massapequa and Miller Place wrestling teams winning state dual meet championships and Jonathan Ruban takes a look at the undefeated Northport girls basketball team.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks about Massapequa and Miller Place wrestling teams winning state dual meet championships and Jonathan Ruban takes a look at the undefeated Northport girls basketball team. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost, Thomas A. Ferrara, John Paraskevas; Jim Staubitser

Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 21 Massapequa, Miller Place wrestling champs Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks about Massapequa and Miller Place wrestling teams winning state dual meet championships and Jonathan Ruban takes a look at the undefeated Northport girls basketball team.

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