OzWiki:Current events
Other Oz events can also be found on the Wizard of Oz Calendar of Events page on Facebook.
Going on now
Wicked play, around the world
Now playing: Wicked. This is the award-winning musical based on Gregory Maguire's novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The book is by Winnie Holzman, the music by Stephen Schwartz, and the show is directed by Joe Mantello. It has done so well, it has spawned the following sit-down companies:
- Gershwin Theater, Broadway, New York City, New York. Tickets may be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. For more details, go to wickedthemusical.com. For a "Behind the Emerald Curtain" tour on Saturday mornings, go to http://www.emeraldcurtain.com/New-York.html for details.
- The Apollo Victoria Theatre, The West End, London, England, United Kingdom. For more information, including booking tickets, see http://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/ or http://www.wickedwestend.co.uk/, and tickets can be purchased through http://www.wickedtheatretickets.co.uk/. You can also follow the British Wicked on the following social network sites:
- Wicked has finished its latest tour of Australia. See http://www.wickedthemusical.com.au/ for future tours or other news.
- Wicked is also touring the United States and Canada. For more information and updates about the tour, see http://www.wickedthemusical.com/north-american-tour-tickets or http://www.musicalschwartz.com/wicked-tour.htm. Here's the current schedule (locations and dates are subject to change):
- Now through August 23, 2015: Keller Auditorium, Portland, Oregon
- August 26-October 24, 2015: ASU Gammage, Tempe, Arizona
- October 7-18, 2015: Music Hall, Kansas City, Missouri
- October 21-November 1, 2015: Overture Center for the Arts, Madison, Wisconsin
- November 4-15, 2015: Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- November 18-December 6, 2015: The Kentucky Center, Louisville, Kentucky
- December 9, 2015-January 3, 2016: The Fabulous Fox Theatre, St. Louis, Missouri
- January 6-31, 2016: Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- February 17-March 3, 2016: Sangstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, California
- May 25-June 19, 2016: Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, Louisiana
- June 22-July 3, 3016: Jefferson Civic Center Concert HAll, Birmingham, Alabama
- July 6-August 14, 2016: Hobby Center for the Performaing Arts, Houston, Texas
- August 17-September 4, 2016: Ohio Theatre, Columbus, Ohio
Lost in Oz pilot, Amazon.com
Now playing: Lost in Oz pilot episode, Amazon.com. In this pilot episode for a possible new kid's show, 12-year-old Dorothy finds her mother's magic journal, and she and her dog, Toto, are whisked off to Oz in a magic tornado. Once they get there, Dorothy discovers that Oz is facing a magic crisis, and Dorothy must find all of the elements of the magic periodic table to fix her journal and find her way back home. If this pilot is successful enough and receives enough positive feedback, it could become a series later this year. For more information, or to watch it and leave your own comments, go to http://www.amazon.com/Lost-in-Oz/dp/B00Z89OAFY/.
The Origins of Oz documentary, national cablecast and on the Internet
Now playing: The Origins of Oz documentary, Smithsonian Channel cablecast and the Internet. This look at the Oz phenomenon and its influence has the following broadcasts scheduled (all times listed are EDT/PDT):
- (No showings scheduled.)
You can also watch it online at the program's website, at http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/sc/web/show/137669/origins-of-oz-the.
"The Wizard of Paws/Pinocchio Penguin" episode of Hello Kitty's Furry Tale Theater, on the Internet
Now playing: "The Wizard of Paws/Pinocchio Penguin" episode of Hello Kitty's Furry Tale Theater, hulu.com. Hello Kitty and the gang put on their own version of The Wizard of Oz (and Pinocchio, too). To watch, go to http://www.hulu.com/watch/120366#s-p3-so-i0.
The Shirley Temple Storybook Collection: The Land of Oz, on the Internet
Now playing: The Land of Oz episode of The Shirley Temple Storybook Collection, hulu.com. This 1961 episode of Temple's show adapts the second Oz book. Features Temple herself as Ozma and Tip, Agnes Moorehead as Mombi, Jonathan Winters as General Nikidik, Sterling Holloway as Jack Pumpkinhead, Ben Blue as the Scarecrow, Gil Lamb as the Tin Woodman, and Mel Blanc as the voice of the Sawhorse. To watch for free on hulu.com, go to http://www.hulu.com/watch/369199.
The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz, throughout the United Kingdom
Now playing: The Wizard of Oz, throughout the United Kingdom. Oz is a popular show to perform in the United Kingdom, and there always seems to be a show going on somewhere. For a complete listing of all upcoming productions of The Wizard of Oz in the United Kingdom, see the listings at The List, naturally. They also have listings for performances of The Wiz.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz exhibit, Grapevine, Texas
Now through August 21: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz exhibit, Grand Gallery, Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau, Grapevine, Texas. The children's museum exhibit based on the book comes to the heart of Texas—and it's free! For details and hours, see the website at http://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/grapevine-museums/galleries/grandgallery/. There's also an article at http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/colleyville-courier/article25414738.html.
Summerfest, Grapevine, Texas
Now through September 7: Summerfest, Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas. The theme for this year's summer celebration at the resort is the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and there will be Oz-themed family activities throughout the season. Ozzy events include arts and crafts, entertainers, Oz movies, an art tour, and a treasure hunt. For more information, see the resort's Summerfest website and this press release.
August 2015
Oz Fest Illinois, Mapleton, Illinois
August 15, 2015: Oz Fest Illinois, Butler Haynes Park, Mapleton, Illinois. This one day festival, at the site of a permanent Wizard of Oz children's garden, will feature Oz characters, an Oz costume parade, an Oz puppet show, exhibitions, vendors, and more. For more information, see the festival's Facebook page.
Dorothy play, London, England, United Kingdom
August 18-22: Dorothy play, Waterloo East Theatre, London, England, United Kingdom. L. Frank Baum (the man behind the writing of the original Oz books) created a beautiful and timeless story with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This new play explores his life and relationships, and how they influenced and drove him to create one of the worlds most celebrated tales. From the Scarecrow to the Wizard himself, Frank Baum created each character from the love and friendship of the people around him. However, when tragedy strikes, we must ask ourselves if stories and imagination can be either a help or a hindrance in achieving acceptance of loss or whether they are a desperate clinging to what was once real. Tickets cost £12 or £14. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. For more details, or to book tickets, see the theatre's website at http://www.waterlooeast.co.uk/dorothy%20-%20a%20new%20play.html.
The Wizard of Oz Live Film with Orchestra, Concord, California
August 21, 2015: The Wizard of Oz Live Film with Orchestra, Concord Pavilion, Concord, California. The popular pairing of the famous film version of The Wizard of Oz with a live orchestra comes to the San Francisco Bay area, with music provided by the California Symphony. Ticket prices start at $25 for adults and $10 for students. For more information or to buy tickets, go to http://www.californiasymphony.org/oz.
A Day in Oz Festival, Clarksville, Missouri
August 29, 2015: A Day in Oz Festival, Clarksville, Missouri. Oz events, activities, and booths will be going on all day in this event sponsored by the Clarksville Community Chamber of Commerce. For more information, see http://www.riverbender.com/articles/details/a-day-in-oz-coming-to-clarksville-missouri-8458.cfm and the events' Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/adayinozfestival.
September 2015
Midwest Oz Fest 2015, Tinley Park, Illinois
September 11-13, 2015: Midwest Oz Fest 2015, Tinley Park, Illinois. To celebrate seventy-five years of the famous movie version of The Wizard of Oz, the southwest suburbs of Chicago are hosting a big festival, with vendors and food and rides and games and parades and all the rest. It's early still, but to stay on top of the festival's progress, keep an eye on http://midwestozfest.com/, or the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Midwest-Wizard-of-Oz-Festival/577056169054982.
Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas
September 25-26, 2015: Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas. The town not only has an Oz museum, they put on an annual Oz festival. Authors and other special guests will attend, and there's also admission to the museum. For more details, call the Oz museum at 1-866-458-TOTO, or see the event's website at http://oztoberfest.com/.
October 2015
Autumn at Oz Party, Banner Elk, North Carolina
October 3-4, 2015: Autumn at Oz Party, Beech Mountain, Banner Elk, North Carolina. The Wizard of Oz Park on the mountain may no longer be in regular operation, but it's still there, and Oz and park fans get together once a year for a party. For more information, check out http://www.landofoznc.com/#!autumnatoz/c1ox4. Tickets may be purchased at https://autumnatoz.ticketssoeasy.com/index.cfm?include=eventsprofileoutput&eid=2842 (if they're not already sold out).
OzFest, Liberal, Kansas
October 3-4, 2015: OzFest, Liberal, Kansas. The home town of the Dorothy's House attraction hosts its annual tribute to Dorothy and Oz. For more information, see the event's website (and be sure to call 1-800-LIBERAL to confirm event and dates, as the website is a bit sparse on information).
October/November 2015
Greater Gulf State Fair, Mobile, Alabama
October 30-November 8, 2015: Greater Gulf State Fair, The Grounds, Mobile, Alabama. This year, Alabama's largest fair's theme is "Lions, Tigers, the Fair, Oh My" and will take on a definitely Oz-tinged air. Events and exhibitions include a wild animal show, the Circus of Oz, and a giant Emerald City art piece. For more details or to buy tickets, see the fairgrounds' website at http://thegroundsmobile.com/.
November/December 2015
The Wizard of Oz, holiday cablecasts
The Wizard of Oz holiday cablecasts, TBS and TNT. The stations' annual holiday season showings of the famous film version are, generally speaking, around Thanksgiving on TBS and Christmas on TNT. Check back as the season gets closer.
December 2015
The Wiz national live broadcast, NBC
December 3, 2015: The Wiz live musical, NBC. The network's annual live musical has been announced, and it's an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz! Debuting on Broadway in 1975 and winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Wiz retells the story of The Wizard of Oz with an African-American cast. Furthermore, after the broadcast, plans are in the works to bring the show to Broadway in 2016. Among the cast are newcomer Shanice Williamso as Dorothy, David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion, Mary J. Blige as the Wicked Witch of the West, and Queen Latifah as the Wiz. Stephanie Mills, Broadway's original Dorothy, will play Aunt Em. Keep watching the website, http://www.nbc.com/the-wiz-live, and this space for further information, including additional casting.
2015/2016
Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Wizard of Oz national tour
It appears the new stage production of The Wizard of Oz, based on The Movie but expanded with new material by Webber and songs by Tim Rice, is coming back for another tour. Here are the dates we've been able to discover so far:
- December 15-20, 2015: Des Moines Civic Center, Des Moines, Iowa
- January 29-February 4, 2016: San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, San Jose, California
- February 7-13, 2016: The Buelle Theatre, Denver, Colorado
- March 8-13, 2016: Keller Auditorium, Portland, Oregon
- March 15-20, 2016: San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego, California
- May 3-15, 2016: The National Theatre, Washington, DC
- May 31-June 5, 2016: The Majestic Theatre, San Antonio, Texas
- June 21-26, 2016: Fox Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia
- July 5-10, 2016: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
These dates and locations will (presumably) be confirmed on the show's website in the not too distant future.
April 2016
Garmin Marathon in the Land of Oz, Olathe, Kansas
April 2016 (exact date to be announced): Garmin Marathon in the Land of Oz, Olathe, Kansas. If you're going to have a 26.2-mile run in Kansas, you may as well give it an Oz theme! For more information and to register, see the race's website at http://ozrun.org/.
May 2016
Wizard of Oz Month Celebration, the Internet
May 2016: Wizard of Oz Programming, Seasons & Celebrations, Live365.com Internet Radio. In honor of L. Frank Baum's birthday on May 15, this online radio station, with different topical programming each month, plays music about Oz, including songs from Oz movies and plays. Also in the mix is Judy Garland reprising her role as Dorothy in the 1950 Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. To listen, go to http://www.live365.com/stations/tc_arts_ent. You can also look for the station at http://www.athena365.com/index.live and on itunes Adult Contemporary radio.
Yellow Brick Road Festival, Sedan, Kansas
May 2016 (exact dates to be announced): Yellow Brick Road Festival, Sedan, Kansas. This town in Kansas celebrates The Wizard of Oz every year. For details, see http://www.lasr.net/travel/city.php?Sedan&Kansas&Yellow+Brick+Road+Festival&City_ID=KS0604019&Event_ID=KS0604019e002&VE=Y or call 620-725-4033.
June 2016
Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York
June (dates to be announced), 2016: Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York. L. Frank Baum's home town honors their favorite son with this annual festival (formerly known as Oz Fest). Events include a children's Oz costume contest; craft and vendor booths; the Munchkin Mile Kids Fun Run; and lots of other contests. For more information, see the festival's website at http://www.oz-stravaganza.com/, or the town's website at http://www.chittenango.org.
Judy Garland/Wizard of Oz Festival, Grand Rapids, Minnesota
June (dates to be announced), 2016: Judy Garland Wizard of Oz festival, Judy Garland Museum, Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Judy's home town celebrates their native daughter with a festival devoted to her and The Wizard of Oz. For more information, see the museum's website at http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com/.
Wizard of Oz Festival, Ionia, Michigan
June (dates to be announced(, 2016: Wizard of Oz Festival, Ionia, Michigan. This Michigan town becomes the latest city to hold a Wizard of Oz festival. For details and schedule, see the festival's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Wizardofozfestionia.
July 2016
OzCon International 2016, Portland, Oregon
July 15-17, 2016: OzCon International, Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, Portland, Oregon. The world's longest running Wizard of Oz event leaves California for the first time ever and visits the Rose City. Events, guests, and other information will be available soon. Visit the event's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1596137987315439/.