Keene Celebrates 30 Years of “Jumanji”
Madeline Murphy has vivid memories of her time as an extra in “Jumanji,” particularly the repeated lines she had to recite about three decades ago. It was November 1994, and she found herself running in Central Square, Keene, New Hampshire, on a rather long and chilly day.
“I was pretty exhausted and cold by the end of it,” Murphy (61) recalled, mentioning she earned a check for $60.47 for her efforts.
Murphy was among roughly 125 extras who participated in the beloved Robin Williams film, which is now celebrating its 30th anniversary. Several sequels have followed, including one slated for next year. This weekend, the city, home to around 23,000 residents, is marking its connection to “Jumanji.”
The standout event is the Cyrumble Road Race, which pays homage to the memorable stampede scenes with various animals. Runners don inflatable animal costumes to dash a quarter mile around the square.
Additionally, the festivities include cast reunions, parades, scavenger hunts, and more activities.
Why Keene Was Chosen for “Jumanji”
The film, adapted from Chris Van Allsburg’s children’s book about a jungle adventure board game, features a fictional small town named Brantford, New Hampshire. Veteran location manager Dow Griffiths scouted New England for an ideal filming site. One day, craving a good coffee, he found himself near Keene and was directed to a coffee shop.
“I took my double dry cappuccino to the porch, took a sip and looked to my left—there it was, just what I was after!” he told the Associated Press. “So, really, I owe my appreciation for the coffee for what came next.”
Filming took place in the plaza during fall and the subsequent spring. Scenes from autumn depicted a somewhat run-down town, featuring extras as homeless individuals and panicked runners escaping from jungle creatures.
Joan Hoff, now 78, shared that she ran alongside an actor dressed as an elephant, and she even bought a videotape of “Jumanji” to show to children she taught.
“They were really impressed that I was in the film,” she said, showcasing her fond memories.
Scenes from early spring represented the town as it was in 1969.
The Transformation of Central Square
The “Jumanji” team collaborated closely with the city to transform Central Square into a worn-down public space, according to Patty Little, who recently retired as city clerk. “They added old plants, stripped paint from the gazebo, and even brought in an old Civil War statue to obscure the fountain,” she recalled.
The crew spent about a week filming there, and Little observed the action unfold from her office.
“Did I assist much? I’m not really sure,” she admitted.
Meeting Robin Williams
During production, onlookers saw a bearded Robin Williams sprinting down the street in a tunic adorned with leaves, right after breaking free from the game in which he was trapped as a boy.
Some spectators remarked, “He’s shorter than I expected!” while others noted his impressively muscular legs and his unique attire.
Williams was given the keys to the city during the proceedings, humorously engaging with the local council members. He mingled with the audience for about 15-20 minutes, full of energy and charisma, before concluding with a heartfelt “thank you.” One council member, Randy Fillier, reflected, “It was truly a memorable moment for us.”
After Williams’ tragic death by suicide in 2014, fans left flowers and mementos at a mural featuring “Parrish Shoes,” a fictional business from the film.
Joe Collins, a former police officer who watched over the child actors during filming, also passed away by suicide last year. In Williams’ and Collins’ honor, festival organizers planned discussions about mental health and suicide prevention.
“I think Robin would have appreciated that,” said Murphy, recounting how she waved at him during filming.
If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide or facing a mental health crisis, help is available. Reach out to 1-888-NYC-Well for free, confidential crisis counseling in New York City, or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 for support. For more resources, you can visit saidpreventionlifeline.org.
