OCPAC Free Movie Mondays: The Wizard of Oz
Recently Lane and I were treated to a private backstage tour of the impressive Orange County Performing Arts Center facilities (more on that in a future post). Today I wanted to highlight a program through which the center is giving back to the community that has supported it for so many years: Free Movie Mondays. This summer program consists of five Mondays during which a classic film is projected on the wall of Segerstrom Hall (see below) and is free to be viewed by all who wish to stay.
The staff begins setting up at 5:30 pm, and guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs (or other seating). The large grass area adjacent to the plaza can come in handy for those with children disinclined to sit still until the movie begins at dusk (around 8 pm). If you lack lawn chairs you may also set up shop on a blanket on the grassy area, but folks should arrive by 7 pm to get a good seat. Note: that land has been chosen as the new site for the Orange County Museum of Art, so take advantage of the space while it still remains this summer. You are free to bring a picnic dinner (or just snacks); however Patina Catering will be on hand with food and beverages for purchase.
First up this coming Monday, July 12th, is the family classic (and frequent high-ranker on All Time Best Movie lists), The Wizard of Oz!
One of the most beloved films of all time, the Wizard of Oz has been a cherished favorite for more than 70 years. Join us – and Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion – for this fantastic journey down the Yellow Brick Road.
Rated G, 1939, 1 hour and 42 minutes
There is even more reason to get excited: a costume contest! Can’t you just picture all the cute, little Dorothys and Totos running around? Any dads out there want to be the Tin Man?
The Center will again hold fun and entertaining pre-performance theme contests for this summer’s film screenings. For The Wizard of Oz, guests are invited to dress as their favorite character from the film. The best costumes will win prizes such as tickets to the Orange County Fair, goodies from Broadway shows scheduled to appear in the Center’s 2010-11 season and other fun-filled prizes. The contest is open to all moviegoers and will start at approximately 7:30 p.m.
So, folks, right now: grab your family calendar and schedule a free night over the rainbow at the movies this summer.
