Lorna Luft, daughter of the legendary Judy Garland, recently shared her emotional experience of watching “The Wizard of Oz” in an innovative immersive format at The Sphere in Las Vegas. The production, which opened on 28 August, harnesses state-of-the-art technology to transport audiences directly into the magical world of the beloved 1939 film. For Luft, the experience was profoundly personal, as she reflected on her mother’s iconic role and the family’s connection to the classic.
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At 73, Luft admits she has spent much of her life intertwined with “The Wizard of Oz.” However, the experience at The Sphere surpassed her expectations. “It was overwhelming for all of us,” she expressed during an interview with PEOPLE, alongside her daughter, Vanessa Jade O’Neil. The large-scale display, encompassing a staggering 160,000 square feet, brought a new dimension to a film that has already left such an indelible mark on cinema history.
In a move that highlights its universal appeal, the show at The Sphere has achieved remarkable success, with sales of over 1.5 million tickets and nearly £200 million generated in ticketing revenue, according to Sphere Entertainment Co. Yet, for Lorna and her family, viewing the film in such high definition allowed them to connect with Judy Garland in an entirely different way.
Before attending the premiere, Luft had been hearing buzz about the venue and the event. “I kept saying, ‘What is happening? What are they doing?'” she recalled, excitement building. Upon arriving in Las Vegas and seeing The Sphere, she and her family were left in awe. “It took our breath away,” she shared, revealing how the anticipation added to the magic of the evening.
After walking the red carpet, Luft found herself uncertain about what the viewing would entail. Initially, the enormous screen reminded her of the iconic curtain at Radio City Music Hall. However, her son pointed out that the spectacle was unlike anything she had witnessed before. Moments later, the narrative transformed as the curtains vanished and the classic score began.
Luft’s daughter, O’Neil, who actively preserves Garland’s legacy, described the moment vividly, stating, “The skies open up and the score starts.” It was a unique blending of past and present that left an unforgettable impression. The immersive aspect of the production allowed the family to feel as if they were actually part of the cinematic experience, leading to an extraordinary new appreciation for Garland’s performance.
One notable moment for O’Neil was the first time her grandmother appeared on screen. The clarity of the ultra-high-definition film was astonishing, allowing Lorna to see details she had never before noticed. “Oh my God, you can see her freckles,” she exclaimed, highlighting how this enhanced visibility provided a fresh perspective on Judy’s youth. Remarkably, Garland was just 16 years old when the film was made, and for O’Neil, this portrayal allowed a glimpse into her grandmother’s vibrant youthfulness.
Luft shared that a particular scene struck her as especially poignant. “For me, it was the scene in the poppies,” she remarked, describing it as “so beautiful and so magnificent.” She reflected on how this profound experience comes at a time when people seek hope amid the uncertainties of the world.
When asked to encapsulate the experience of watching “The Wizard of Oz” at The Sphere, Luft struggled to find the right words. “There’s no words,” she said. “You have to go,” emphasising the necessity of experiencing it firsthand.
Judy Garland had a remarkable career filled with personal and professional ups and downs. She had a daughter, Liza Minnelli, with her first husband, Vincente Minnelli, and later two children, Lorna and Joseph Luft, with her second husband, Sid Luft. The legacy continues to thrive, with “The Wizard of Oz” at The Sphere offering multiple showings daily. Tickets are currently available until the end of 2026 via the venue’s website, ensuring that audiences continue to be enchanted by this iconic film in a brand-new light.