by Morgan Herbert
The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved movies in American cinema. First released in 1939, the film was an adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s series of books starting with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It has spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, series, reinterpretations, books, music, art, and other creative productions through the years, from Broadway hit The Wiz to Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked. Starting May 3rd, 2018, there’s one more way to experience the classic: as a live show at the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre in Wytheville.
Passport to Oz Promotion
The Wizard of Oz will run at the Wohlfahrt Haus through the months of May and June, coinciding with National Tourism Week at the beginning of May. The Wytheville Convention and Visitors Bureau is taking advantage of this opportunity to transform the town of Wytheville into the Land of Oz with a promotional program called Passport to Oz. During the show’s run, visitors to the Wohlfahrt Haus and the Wytheville Visitor’s Center will receive a Passport to Oz, which will direct them to local businesses participating in this special promotion. They’ll get their passports stamped and then return them to the Visitor’s Center to be entered to win one of several great prizes. Participating businesses can offer special sales or merchandise, host events, or create window displays, all built around the Wizard of Oz theme. Expect to see ruby slippers, rainbows, hot air balloons, and renditions of the Emerald City all around Wytheville during this event!
Ideas and Inspiration
Planning to participate, but not sure where to start? The film is chock-full of imaginative, thematic elements that lend themselves to truly inspired displays and events. Quotes, song lyrics, and movie moments easily suggest themed ideas:
- Follow the Yellow Brick Road
- There’s No Place Like Home
- …And Your Little Dog, Too
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow
- I Have a Feeling We’re Not in Kansas Anymore
- Release the Flying Monkeys!
Browse Pinterest for a whirlwind of themed ideas for window displays, parties, promotions, merchandise, and events, right after you check out our roundup below!
This Wizard of Oz-themed birthday party pulls out all the stops
That tornado prop will really blow customers away
Wouldn’t Toto be a darling doggy in the window of a groomer or pet supply shop?
To learn more about this spectacular promotional event, contact Shane Terry at the Wytheville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, (877) 347-8307.
