On Jan. 5, we’re off to see the Wizard and the Alper JCC wants you to come along, too!
The Grand Opening of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at the Lisa Ann Watson Children’s Discovery Museum will be a fun-filled afternoon for children up to 8 years old and their families. Come dressed in your favorite Wizard of Oz costume. The festivities begin at noon; at 2 p.m. the colorful and hilarious movie The Muppets’Wizard of Oz will play in the Russell Theater.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz exhibit features larger than life pop-up books that dazzle the eyes and stimulate the mind. Each section of this exhibit, based on the book published in 1900 by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W.W. Denslow, is an oversized three-dimensional page from the original story. Children will follow the yellow brick road to each component, offering educational activities and learning through play. This innovative, interactive, literacy-based traveling exhibit allows children to delve into art, history and science through the magic of this timeless story, as a love of reading and storytelling is instilled.
In Dorothy’s House children will learn about life on the farm as they dress up and role play, collect and count eggs, learn about water and sun, find out about animals and think about what makes their own home special. They will appreciate the awesome power of a Tornado. In keeping with one of the Alper JCC’s recurring themes, children will learn about tolerance for diverse people in The Land of the Munchkins with a play house, try-on clothes and a diversity puppet show. The Tin Woodsman will teach children about having a heart – the “real thing” that pumps blood through their bodies – as well as the idiom having a heart — being emotionally caring and kind. Scarecrow will show how brains are different sizes in different animals; with brain teaser activities, animal pictures and puzzles, children will understand how they are smart in a variety of ways. Art stations stocked with unique materials will allow children to creatively express their own ideas and thoughts.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz exhibit Grand Opening, Jan. 5, Admission: $5 per person. The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz Movie – free with admission.
The exhibit was produced and toured by Great Explorations Children’s Museum; designed and fabricated by Bruce Barry’s Wacky World Studios. The exhibit will be open most Sundays through March 23; call 305- 271-9000, ext. 265, for more information or go to <www.alperjcc.org>.
