Eight-five years ago, at the tender age of 8, JoAnn Van Dam had the privilege of attending the premiere of 'The Wizard of Oz' in 1939. Fast forward to 2024, and now a remarkable 94 years old, JoAnn recently achieved another Oz-related milestone by going to see 'Wicked' in theaters. Her granddaughter, Alison, vividly detailed this nostalgic moment in a now widely shared TikTok.

Reflections on the First 'Wizard of Oz' Viewing

JoAnn shares precious memories of a bygone era when movies were a rare and special treat. "Back then, fantasy was truly novel, and we had no clue what to anticipate," she exclusively tells PEOPLE. "Watching a movie, especially one in color, was a momentous event. It seemed so real compared to anything we had witnessed before." For many at that time, the transition from the sepia-toned opening sequences to the vibrant colors of the rest of the film was an indelible experience. "We had no inkling that such a transformation was coming," she recalls. "The color brought the movie to life and made it feel incredibly magical."

JoAnn's Experience with 'Wicked'

More than eight decades later, JoAnn's viewing of 'Wicked' with Alison and her mom, Lois Martin, completed a beautiful circle of memories. Alison recounts the joy of seeing her grandmother immersed in the moment. "She was astounded by the big screen and the special effects, especially the flying monkeys," she exclusively tells PEOPLE. "It was adorable to see her completely engrossed."

The Viral TikTok and Its Impact

Alison, who filmed parts of JoAnn's reactions and shared them on TikTok, didn't expect the video to go viral. "I just thought it was a wonderful, full-circle moment," she shares. "Seeing people's reactions and how it reminded them of their own grandparents was truly touching." JoAnn, modest about the viral video, focuses on the memory they created together. "It was a lot of fun. And being with them - that's the best part," she says. Her daughter, Lois, also looks back at the moment with a sense of humility. "It's humbling to see how much it means to others."

Looking Ahead to the Next Adventure

With JoAnn's 95th birthday on the horizon, the family is already making plans for their next adventure together - to see the second adaptation of 'Wicked' when it premieres in 2025. This upcoming event will surely create more cherished memories and strengthen the bonds between generations.