The documentary “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey” opens in limited release this

The documentary “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey” opens in limited release this week. The film is about every toddler’s favorite red monster and the man who brings him to life, Kevin Clash. One of the joys of watching Clash in action is seeing how seamlessly he relates to both children and adults. And the segments he does with celebrities, as Elmo learns a lesson or explains a new word, are among his best. So here’s a look at five of the greatest celebrity appearances over the four-plus decades “Sesame Street” has been on air:

v Stevie Wonder performs “Superstition” (1973): Check out the little kids playing maracas on the stairs and rocking out on the fire escapes.

v Ricky Gervais sings a lullaby to Elmo (2009): A great example of how Clash skillfully straddles the line between appealing to kids through Elmo’s innate sweetness and making adults laugh with more knowing, playful humor.

v Lena Horne sings “Bein’ Green” with Kermit the Frog (1974): A classic “Sesame Street” song with its poignant message of self-acceptance.

v Johnny Cash sings “Nasty Dan” to Oscar the Grouch (1974): Can you imagine a more perfect collaboration than this?

v Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts explain the word “exchange” with Elmo (2011): Schreiber, Watts and Elmo have various toys to trade with each other, but the running gag is that Schreiber keeps getting nudged out, and he becomes increasingly exasperated.

“The Biggest Loser” (8 p.m., NBC): It’s time for a special Halloween episode of “The Biggest Loser.” Better go easy on that trick-or-treat candy.

“Zombies — A Living History” (8 p.m., History Channel): We’ve been waiting for someone to explain the whole zombie thing to us. Now comes “Zombies: A Living History.” It’s a documentary that explains how the concept of zombies stretches back for centuries — long before “Night of the Living Dead.”

tv listings, B6

entertainment news

Playhouse adds ‘Rent’ performance

NEW CASTLE, PA.

Because of high demand, New Castle Playhouse, 212 E. Long Ave., has added an extra performance of “Rent” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

The rock musical played to sold-out houses the past two weekends. For reservations, call 724-654-3437. If available, tickets will also be sold at the door.

Night of Irish Music at Croatian Center

YOUNGSTOWN

The St. George Croatian Center, 3200 Vestal Road, will host A Night of Irish Music from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, featuring County Mayo.

Admission is $5, food and beverages will be available.

Halloween bash and square dance

SALEM

The Salem Memorial Building, 785 E. State St., will have its annual Halloween Bash from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday. Round dancing and old- fashioned square-dancing music will be played by Betty Billie and the Country Squares.

Door prizes will be awarded for those in costume. The dance is free and open to the public. Call 330-332-5512.