By TOM IACUZIO STAFF WRITER
Thanks to the Orange County Regional History Center, Central Florida is ready for its close-up, Mr. DeMille.
Earlier this month, the Orlando museum unveiled its newest exhibit, "Out of this World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television." The 3,500-square-foot exhibit is a gleaming mecca of pop culture's greatest endeavors in TV and film.
On loan from the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame in Seattle, the costumes and props on display are from the personal collection of Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen.
And while the back story is interesting, it's the exhibit's contents that are the star of the show. We're talking about an encyclopedia of media gems from films like "Star Wars," "The Terminator" and "Batman."
"Visitors are thrilled to see pieces of entertainment history up close and to learn the history behind the designs," said Jen Cipolla, marketing manager at the center. "It's fun to watch visitors' reactions to different pieces."
"For some it's Harrison Ford's jacket and whip from "Indiana Jones," for some it's Dan Aykroyd's jumpsuit and proton pack from "Ghostbusters II," for others it's the Wicked Witch's hat from "The Wizard of Oz," she added.
While you're at the museum, don't forget to check out "Lights! Camera! Action! Filming in Paradise," a complementary exhibit that shows off Florida's role in the world of film.
And though the exhibits are sure to mean a lot to museum lovers and film buffs, the center believes they could inspire a new generation of visitors. "We really believe this exhibition will help us get first-time or young people into the museum who we hope will then become lifelong museum visitors," said Cipolla.
Both exhibits have been open since Feb. 6, kicking off with a block party that drew nearly 1,000 people. They continue until May 16 allowing visitors to check out not just the incredible costumes and displays, but a variety of special events the museum will hold throughout its run. Here's some of the cool stuff, the center has planned:
OUT OF THIS WORLD FASHION SHOW, March 6A runway show featuring original creations by fashion design students based on superheroes and villains. The show will be judged by local celebrities. The event kicks off with a 6 p.m. reception followed by the show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 or $10 for members of the center. Call 407-836-7010 for more info.
BROWN BAG LUNCH AND LEARN AND FILM SHOWING, March 16
In the world of cool, this event reigns supreme. The center will feature a day with stunt double Ginger Stanley Hallowell of the 1954 classic "Creature from the Black Lagoon" fame. Things kick off with a free lunch discussion with the actress from noon-1 p.m. For reservations, call 407-836-7010. At 6:30 p.m., the Enzian Cinema Cafe will show "Creature" in 3-D followed by a meet and greet with Hallowell. Tickets for that event are $10. The theater is at 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland.
COSMIC COMIC CONNECTION, April 10
This free event features a day of workshops, crafts and more. It will even give you the chance to hang out with comic book legends Dick Giordano and Allen Bellman. Event runs during regular museum hours.
STAR WARS DAY, May 8
Figures with only one week left in the exhibit's run, stormtroopers invade. Chaos and a load of free fun will ensue. The day consists of costume and makeup workshops, an appearance by R2-D2 and a demonstration by a LEGO Master Builder. Event runs during regular museum hours.
If You Go
WHAT: "Out of this World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television"
WHERE: Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando
WHEN: Through May 16; museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
ADMISSION: $12; $9 seniors, military and students; $7 children ages 5-12
INFO: Call 407-836-8500 or thehistorycenter.org
