SHOW OF THE WEEK: Family-Friendly Show Opens at Abrams Planetarium

Elmo, Big Bird, and their new friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, will help MSU’s Abrams Planetarium kick off its Spring semester this coming Saturday, January 11, at 2:30pm. In “One World, One Sky”, the three friends take a voyage of the imagination to the moon and back in a show designed especially for families and children of preschool and early elementary ages. Attendees can expect to watch a recorded production with the Sesame Street characters running approximately 30 minutes in length, followed by an interactive presentation of the projected current night sky with an Abrams staff member.       

“One World, One Sky” began in September 2014 using the new Digistar Five projector, says Education Coordinator Shane Horvatin. This is the first upgrade in 20 years, and only the third star projector Abrams has used since it opened. Horvatin indicates “One World, One Sky” will run through March, when Abrams will offer a new family friendly show. The Planetarium tries to change shows approximately two to three times throughout the year to offer variety, says Horvatin.

The Planetarium, which celebrated its 50^th anniversary in 2014, offers public shows for all ages on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (excluding major holidays).  “Ice Worlds” is a brand new presentation debuting January 2015. Abrams also offers field trips and the Astronomical Lecture Series to the public and local schools.

ELi spoke with several families in the area who have attended Planetarium shows in the past. MSU Alumni and East Lansing resident Kate Powers takes her eight-year-old son to Planetarium shows regularly and says their family enjoys going together when they can.   

The Talbert and Leota Abrams Planetarium is located at 755 Science Road on the MSU campus.  Admission is $4 for adults, $3.50 for students and senior citizens, and $3 for children aged 12 and under. Parking is free on the weekends in a lot across the street from the Planetarium. For show times and information call or (517) 355-4672 or visit their website.

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