Among the swankiest entertainment options in the District, the Friday night IMAX cinema and jazz music at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is an improbable yet ingenious combination. The Museum is now offering an easy excuse to not only escape the confines of school, but to traverse the plains of South Africa and dive to the depths of the Pacific Ocean. The film Wild Safari 3D: A South African Adventure is wild indeed, giving the audience a driving tour of the savannah from the vantage point of an open-air jeep. Best of all, each guest gets to wear stylish 3D glasses.
In the flick, host Liesl Eichenberger travels in search of the five deadliest animals in Africa: the Cape buffalo, the elephant, the rhino, the leopard and the lion. Luckily, Eichenberger’s sweet South African accent quickly assuages any fear in even the most timorous viewer. To help track down some of the more elusive critters, she employs the talents of a wily college student with an unpronounceable name who is apparently unable to speak English. His hand signals suffice, however, to lead Liesl to a group of majestic leopards lounging in a tree.
The unintentionally amusing narration of the film is reason enough to see it. When describing the deadliness of a Cape Buffalo, the narrator explains that “over long distances, the Cape Buffalo can outrun the lion … and then trample it!” Clearly, Wild Safari 3D is an invaluable educational experience.
The other film currently offered, Into the Deep 3D, is reportedly an equally stunning portrayal of wildlife that features an intriguing “squid orgy,” although this writer was unable to see it.
After dusting off your boots and picking the beetles out of your teeth, you can make your way down to the cafe, where your IMAX ticket stub entitles you to a free cool jazz concert. Diners have the pleasure of seeing vibraphonist and drummer Chuck Redd perform an enjoyable set with his ensemble of talented cats (men, not leopards). While the saxophonist played impeccably, it was Redd’s work on the vibraphone that stole the spotlight. The soothing reverberation of the vibes captivated onlookers and seemed to envelop all the other instruments. It was the perfect environment in which to savor one of the Smithsonian’s mouth-watering desserts, such as German chocolate brownies.
Whether you have a burning desire to explore Africa or just need a break from tedious schoolwork, IMAX and jazz night at the Natural History Museum is a winner. This Friday is the last night that the film and jazz performance will be offered together; now is the time to take advantage of one of the more interesting entertainment options in Washington.
