JoAnn Van Dam has seen the magic of Oz transform over the years. At the age of 94, JoAnn had the unique opportunity to watch ‘Wicked’ with her granddaughter, bringing her full circle from when she first attended the premiere of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in 1939, as a young girl.
Back in 1939, JoAnn, who was just 8 years old, was mesmerized by the world of Oz. Movies then were a different spectacle, a rare treat rather than the common occurrence they are today. “Back then, fantasy was so new, and we didn’t know what to expect,” JoAnn recalls. The technology of color film was groundbreaking, making the magical land of Oz come alive in a way no one had experienced before. “The color made it feel so much more alive and magical,” she says, noting how the shift from sepia tones to vibrant colors left audiences in awe.
Fast forward to 2024, JoAnn found herself once again stepping into the world of Oz, this time through the perspective of ‘Wicked’. Accompanied by her granddaughter, Alison, and her daughter, Lois Martin, JoAnn’s experience was captured in a now-viral TikTok. Alison, who filmed some of her grandmother’s reactions, didn’t anticipate the wholesome video would touch the hearts of so many.
Experiencing the spectacle of ‘Wicked’ was another highlight in JoAnn’s life. “She was amazed at the big screen and the special effects — like the flying monkeys,” Alison shares. JoAnn was not only touched by the special effects but by sharing these moments with her family, “It was so much fun. And being with them — that’s the best part,” JoAnn reflects.
@alison.vandam Core memory today. 🥹💕 #wicked #wickedmovie #arianagrande #cynthiaerivo
For Alison, it was not just about watching a show; it was about witnessing her grandmother reliving a cherished moment from her childhood. “Seeing people’s reactions — how much it reminded them of their own grandparents — was so touching,” she notes. The video resonated with many, signaling the universal appeal of sharing generational experiences.
As JoAnn approaches her 95th birthday, her family is planning yet another trip to see the second adaptation of ‘Wicked’ when it premieres in 2025. This tradition of bonding over stories old and new highlights the importance of these experiences in bringing families together. For Lois, watching her children bond with her parents brings joy and deepens the connections between generations.
JoAnn’s journey from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to ‘Wicked’ is a testament to the lasting impact of shared experiences and the joy they bring across generations. As films and stories evolve, they continue to connect us to our past, offering opportunities to create cherished memories with loved ones.
Source: Yahoo
