OzWiki:Current events: Difference between revisions

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'''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 productions:
'''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 productions:


* <s>[http://www.gershwintheatre.com/ Gershwin Theater], Broadway, New York City, New York. Tickets may be purchased online at [http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/24579 ticketmaster.com]. For more details, go to [http://wickedthemusical.com/ wickedthemusical.com]. For a "Behind the Emerald Curtain" tour on Saturday mornings, go to https://wickedthemusical.com/behind-the-emerald-curtain#scrolldown for details.</s> '''Currently suspended.'''
* <s>[http://www.gershwintheatre.com/ Gershwin Theater], Broadway, New York City, New York. Tickets may be purchased online at [http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/24579 ticketmaster.com]. For more details, go to [http://wickedthemusical.com/ wickedthemusical.com]. For a "Behind the Emerald Curtain" tour on Saturday mornings, go to https://wickedthemusical.com/behind-the-emerald-curtain#scrolldown for details.</s> '''SUSPENDED until further notice'''


* <s>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/.</s> '''Currently suspended.'''
* <s>The Apollo Victoria Theatre, The West End, London, England, United Kingdom. For more information, including booking tickets, see http://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/.</s> '''Return scheduled for May 17, 2021'''


*''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. Here's the current schedule (locations and dates are subject to change):
*''Wicked'' is also touring the United States and Canada. For more information and updates about the tour, see https://wickedthemusical.com/tickets/#tour. Here's the current schedule (locations and dates are subject to change):
** <s>April 22-May 17, 2020: [https://columbus.broadway.com/shows/wicked/ Ohio Theatre], Columbus, Ohio</s> '''CANCELLED'''
** <s>March 31-April 18, 2021: [https://broadwaygrandrapids.com/wicked-2021 DeVos Performance Hall], Grand Rapids, Michigan</s> '''POSTPONED'''
** <s>May 20-31, 2020: [https://broadwaynorfolk.com/wicked/ Chrysler Hall], Norfolk, Virginia</s> '''CANCELLED'''
** <s>April 21-May 9, 2021: [https://austin.broadway.com/shows/wicked/ Bass Concert Hall], Austin, Texas</s> '''POSTPONED'''
** <s>June 3-14, 2020: [https://broadwayinrichmond.com/wicked/ Altria Theater], Richmond, Virginia</s> '''CANCELLED'''
** <s>May 12-30, 2021: [https://www.okcbroadway.com/wicked Civic Center Music Hall], Oklahoma City, Oklahoma</s> '''POSTPONED'''
** June 17-July 5, 2020: [https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/wicked/ Civic Center], Des Moines, Iowa
** <s>June 2-20, 2021</s>: [https://kansascity.broadway.com/shows/wicked/ Municipal Auditorium Music Hall], Kansas City, Missouri — '''POSTPONED TO JANUARY 5-23, 2022'''
** <s>July 9-26, 2020: [https://vancouver.broadway.com/shows/wicked/ Queen Elizabeth Theatre], Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada</s> '''CANCELLED'''
** <s>July 29-August 9, 2020: [https://calgary.broadway.com/shows/wicked/ Southern Jubilee Auditorium], Calgary, Alberta, Canada</s> '''CANCELLED'''
** <s>August 12-23, 2020: [https://edmonton.broadway.com/shows/wicked/ Northern Jubilee Auditorium], Edmonton, Alberta, Canada</s> '''CANCELLED'''
** <s>August 26-September 6, 2020: [https://ottawa.broadway.com/shows/wicked/ National Arts Centre], Ottawa, Ontario, Canada</s> '''CANCELLED'''
** September 9-27, 2020: [https://bushnell.org/Wicked The Bushnell], Hartford, Connecticut
** September 30-October 25, 2020: [https://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/wicked-2 Durham Performing Arts Center], Durham, North Carolina
** October 28-November 15, 2020: [https://tickets.peacecenter.org/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=21-BW-Wicked&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id= Peace Center], Greenville, South Carolina
** November 18-December 6, 2020: [http://www.tangercenter.com/events/detail/wicked-1 Tanger Center], Greensboro, North Carolina
** December 9, 2020-January 10, 2021: [https://www.blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/wicked-1 Ovens Auditorium], Charlotte, North Carolina
** January 13-31, 2021: [https://strazcenter.org/Events/Straz/Shows/2021_BroadwayAddOn/Wicked Straz Center for the Performing Arts], Tampa, Florida
** February 3-14, 2021: [https://www.kravis.org/events/wicked/ Kravis Center], West Palm Beach, Florida
** February 17-March 7, 2021: [https://www.arshtcenter.org/Tickets/Subscriptions/Broadway/Broadway-in-Miami-2020-2021/ Arsht Center], Miami, Florida
** March 10-28, 2021: [https://www.drphillipscenter.org/events/tickets/2021/wicked/ Dr. Phillips Center], Orlando, Florida
** March 31-April 18, 2021: [https://broadwaygrandrapids.com/wicked-2021 DeVos Performance Hall], Grand Rapids, Michigan
** April 21-May 9, 2021: [https://austin.broadway.com/shows/wicked/ Bass Concert Hall], Austin, Texas
** May 12-30, 2021: [https://www.okcbroadway.com/wicked Civic Center Music Hall], Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
** June 2-20, 2021: [https://kansascity.broadway.com/shows/wicked/ Municipal Auditorium Music Hall], Kansas City, Missouri
** June 23-August 1, 2021: [https://houston.broadway.com/shows/wicked/ The Hobby Center], Houston, Texas
** June 23-August 1, 2021: [https://houston.broadway.com/shows/wicked/ The Hobby Center], Houston, Texas
** August 4-September 5, 2021: [https://dallassummermusicals.org/shows/wicked/ Music Hall at Fair Park], Dallas, Texas
** August 4-September 5, 2021: [https://dallassummermusicals.org/shows/wicked/ Music Hall at Fair Park], Dallas, Texas
** September 8-October 3, 2021: [https://www.blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/wicked-1 Ovens Auditorium, Blumenthal Performing Arts], Charlotte, North Carolina
** October 6-24, 2021: [https://www.tangercenter.com/events/detail/wicked-1 Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts], Greensboro, North Carolina
** October 22-November 14, 2021: [https://foxcitiespac.com/events-tickets/tickets/show-updates Fox Cities Performing Arts Center], Appleton, Wisconsin
** November 17-December 5, 2021: [https://cincinnati.broadway.com/shows/wicked/ Arnoff Center], Cincinnati, Ohio
** January 5-23, 2021: [https://kansascity.broadway.com/shows/wicked/ Municipal Auditorium Music Hall], Kansas City, Missouri
** February 9-March 6, 2022: [https://scfta.org/events/2022/wicked Segerstrom Center for the Arts], Costa Mesa, California
** April 27-May 15, 2022: [https://ticketomaha.com/powered-by/?organization=omaha-performing-arts#/Broadway%20Series Orpheum Theater], Omaha, Nebraska


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===''Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz'', Internet Streaming and Cablecast===
===''Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz'', Internet Streaming and Cablecast===
<html><center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X6pm1qRmUVI?ecver=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center></html>
<html><center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X6pm1qRmUVI?ecver=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center></html>
'''Now playing: ''Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz'' cartoon series, Internet Streaming, Boomerang.''' Boomerang brings you the latest Oz cartoon series, based (very loosely) on the famous 1939 film version. Dorothy is now a princess of Oz and living in the Emerald City with Queen Ozma. But she's still having adventures! The first episode is free on the Boomerang website, but getting the rest means subscribing to Boomerang's streaming service. For more information, see the show's website at https://www.boomerang.com/shows/dorothy-franchise/series/dorothy-series. Or, if you have the Boomerang or Cartoon Network cable channels, episodes are now being shown there as well. Other territories around the world, outside the United States, also have the show, so check your local version of the Cartoon Network or Boomerang channels or websites.
'''Now playing: ''Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz'' cartoon series, Internet Streaming, Boomerang.''' Boomerang brings you the latest Oz cartoon series, based (very loosely) on the famous 1939 film version. Dorothy is now a princess of Oz and living in the Emerald City with Queen Ozma. But she's still having adventures! The first episode is free on the Boomerang website, but getting the rest means subscribing to Boomerang's streaming service. For more information, see the show's website at https://watch.boomerang.com/shows/dorothy-franchise/series/dorothy-series/volume-1. Or, if you have the Boomerang or Cartoon Network cable channels, episodes are now being shown there as well. Other territories around the world, outside the United States, also have the show, so check your local version of the Cartoon Network or Boomerang channels or websites.


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===''Lost in Oz'' series, Internet streaming===
===''Lost in Oz'' series, Internet streaming===
<html><center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fvFaDcgZ3qI?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></center></html>
<html><center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fvFaDcgZ3qI?rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></center></html>
'''Now playing: ''Lost in Oz'', Amazon Video streaming. NOW FREE FOR EVERYONE!''' This animated series from Amazon tells the story of Dorothy, a modern-day girl, and her dog Toto, who are whisked to Oz when Dorothy opens one of her mother's old journals. To get home, she must find the elements of magic and help restore magic to Oz. Fortunately she has made friends with Ojo the Munchkin and West, a trainee witch, to help her out. To get started, see Amazon's ''Lost in Oz'' website at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z89MYTI! More episodes are now in production, so keep an eye out for the announcements of even more of the show.
'''Now playing: ''Lost in Oz'', Amazon Video streaming.''' This animated series from Amazon tells the story of Dorothy, a modern-day girl, and her dog Toto, who are whisked to Oz when Dorothy opens one of her mother's old journals. To get home, she must find the elements of magic and help restore magic to Oz. Fortunately she has made friends with Ojo the Munchkin and West, a trainee witch, to help her out. To get started, see Amazon's ''Lost in Oz'' website at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z89MYTI! More episodes are now in production, so keep an eye out for the announcements of even more of the show.


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===''Chronicles of Oz'' podcast, the Internet===
===''Chronicles of Oz'' podcast, the Internet===
'''Now streaming: The ''Chronicles of Oz'' podcast, seasons 1, 2, and 3.''' This audio adaptation of the first three Oz books, each in six episodes, presents ''The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'', ''The Marvellous Land of Oz'', and ''Ozma of Oz''. Produced by Crossover Adventure Productions out of Australia. All episodes, along with trailers and other materials, can be downloaded at http://chroniclesofoz.com/. And now complete…
'''Now streaming: The ''Chronicles of Oz'' podcast, seasons 1, 2, and 3.''' This audio adaptation of the first three Oz books, each in six episodes, presents ''The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'', ''The Marvellous Land of Oz'', and ''Ozma of Oz''. Produced by Crossover Adventure Productions out of Australia. All episodes, along with trailers and other materials, can be downloaded at http://chroniclesofoz.com/. And now available…
<html><center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8KBvu2-lEP8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></center></html>
<html><center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T_2b7A0uf2E" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></center></html>


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===''Hit the Bricks!'' podcast, the Internet===
===''Hit the Bricks!'' podcast, the Internet===
'''Now playing: ''Hit the Bricks!'' podcast, the Internet.''' One hundred years after the events of ''The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'', the Gale farm is abandoned, and a new generation is off to have adventures in Oz. The first episode has now dropped, with further episodes to come every two weeks. For more information, see the show's website at https://hitthebricks.com/, and its Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/HitTheBricksPod/.
'''Now playing: ''Hit the Bricks!'' podcast, the Internet.''' One hundred years after the events of ''The Wonderful Wizard of Oz'', the Gale farm is abandoned, and a new generation is off to have adventures in Oz. The first act has now dropped, with further episodes to come. For more information, see the show's website at https://hitthebricks.com/, and its Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/HitTheBricksPod/.
 
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===''The Smallwood Sessions'' podcast, "The Podcast of Oz", the Internet===
'''Now playing: "The Podcast of Oz" episode of ''The Smallwood Sessions'' podcast.''' To celebrate what would have been the 2020 edition of Chittenango's Oz-Stravaganza, this podcast about upstate New York celebrates Oz and creator L. Frank Baum's connections to the area. To listen, go to https://anchor.fm/josh-taylor87/episodes/Episode-22-The-Podcast-of-Oz-ef05f4.
 
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===''Down the Yellow Brick Pod'' podcast, the Internet===
'''Now playing: ''Down the Yellow Brick Pod'' podcast.''' This podcast takes a deep dive into the Oz books, one chapter at a time, and looks at all that they encompass. Available on many podcast sources, including Google Podcasts, and through [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xMTcyMTM4LnJzcw?hl=en this link].
 
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===''The Wonderful Recap of Oz'' podcast, the Internet===
'''Now playing: ''The Wonderful Recap of Oz'' podcast.''' This podcast recaps the Oz books, one per episode. Available Available on many podcast sources, including Google Podcasts, and through [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80ZjgyMWIyYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw== this link].
 
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===To Oz? To Oz! online convention, the Internet===
'''To Oz? To Oz! online convention.''' With so many Oz events having to be cancelled this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a bunch of them got together to present some of their events to a worldwide, online audience for free. The live portions of the convention have now ended, but if you go to https://ozis.us/, you can see many prerecorded talks and events.
 
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===The OzConnection, YouTube===
'''The OzConnection, YouTube.''' OzCon International, the world's longest running ''Wizard of Oz'' convention, now has a YouTube channel at "The OzConnection", which features highlights of earlier cons and new material. The link is at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQU5pEFZZ6n_vXvRalgclSg.
 
The OzConnection has recently started two shows specifically for their channel. The first is a talk show called "OZ:Connect". Here are those episodes:
* [https://youtu.be/r-NAe0FKDXk Episode 1, February 15, 2021]
* [https://youtu.be/Ok9lU3nIwpg Episode 2, March 20, 2021]
* [https://youtu.be/p1tfE3c1ctM Episode 3, April 9, 2021]
 
The other new show is "Crypto-Oz-ology", short stories about all kinds of unusual happenings in Oz. Here are the episodes:
* [https://youtu.be/QQGTLitayZE Show and submission announcement]
* [https://youtu.be/sCoSH97u4ts Episode 1, February 7, 2021: "The Society of Oz Fellows Meet Their Match"]
* [https://youtu.be/ALjx60oiI7k Episode 2 Preview, March 3, 2021]
* [https://youtu.be/L0QNIf9087w Episode 2, March 5, 2021: "A Rotten Pumpkin"]
 
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===Oz Talk, YouTube===
'''''Oz Talk'' panel talk show, YouTube.''' Join five Oz friends as they discuss any and all Oz subjects under the sun. New episodes will drop every two weeks on [https://www.youtube.com/c/TheOfficialOzClub/videos the Official Oz Club's YouTube Channel].
* [https://youtu.be/_0Vo_zKS8A8 Episode 1: October 12, 2020]
* [https://youtu.be/eXN7nNun15U Episode 2: October 26, 2020]
* [https://youtu.be/fD6ryPxgArg Episode 3: November 10, 2020]
* [https://youtu.be/D47g3tWwcrQ Episode 4: November 23, 2020]
* [https://youtu.be/TX0d2Ax5PQs Episode 5: December 14, 2020]
* [https://youtu.be/_NBwsRZcZzQ Episode 6: January 13, 2021]
* [https://youtu.be/xvct124k35c Episode 7: January 24, 2021]
* [https://youtu.be/W7AUkldzZx4 Episode 8: February 21, 2021]
* [https://youtu.be/tuObGXUNpD4 Episode 9: March 8, 2021]
* [https://youtu.be/RQE_13EA2aQ Episode 10: March 22, 2021]
* [https://youtu.be/CVyEyYNfHTc Episode 11: April 5, 2021]
 
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===''Fifty Years of Oziana'' Readings, Youtube===
'''''Fifty Years of Oziana'' short story readings, YouTube.''' To celebrate fifty years of ''Oziana'', the International Wizard of Oz Club's annual literary magazine, Club members read stories from the last five decades. Many authors have even revisited their own stories. You can see the playlist of all stories [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm6WXDLg9U8&list=PL3OVMLWgINCQ2a_CDuBggCt7kCYVaS4yD right here].
 
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==April 2021==
===Garmin Marathon in the Land of Oz, Olathe, Kansas===
<s>'''April 17, 2021: 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/.</s> '''POSTPONED TO NOVEMBER 6.'''
 
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===''American Oz'' documentary, PBS broadcast===
[[File:Safe_image.jpeg|center]]
'''April 19, 2021: ''American Oz'' documentary, ''The American Experience'' series, PBS.''' American Oz fans who get PBS can enjoy this new documentary about L. Frank Baum and Oz, the latest addition to the series ''The American Experience''. You can read more about it [https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/american-oz/ on PBS's website]. Check your local listings for exact channel, day, and time in your area. Here's the trailer:
<html><center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7kDH6DR8dAg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></center></html>
 
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==May 2021==
===''The Wizard of Oz'' national cablecast, TCM===
'''May 1, 2021: ''The Wizard of Oz'' national cablecast, Turner Classic Movies.''' As part of its annual "31 Days of Oscar" celebration, TCM is showing all kinds of Oscar-winning and -nominated movies — in alphabetical order! So they don't hit ''The Wizard of Oz'' until the final day, May 1. It shows at 8:00 pm EDT. Check your local listings fo the exact time and channel on your system. The complete line-up, including many other Judy Garland movies and other nominations from 1939, can be found at https://www.tcm.com/31days.
 
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===Chesterton Wizard of Oz Days Gala, Chesterton, Indiana===
'''May 14-16, 2020: Chesterton Wizard of Oz Days Gala, Chesterton, Indiana.''' The home of one of the most celebrated ''Wizard of Oz'' festivals is going to do it again, after taking a few years off. For more information, see the event's Facebook pages at https://www.facebook.com/WizardofOzDays/ and https://www.facebook.com/events/2409107332697500/.
 
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===L. Frank Baum Birthday Celebration, online===
[[File:OzCon 5-15.jpeg|left]]'''May 15, 2021: L. Frank Baum Birthday Celebration, Online.''' The International Wizard of Oz Club celebrates the 165th birthday of the creator of Oz with an online celebration. Everything begins at 6:00 pm CDT. If you're not already part of the  Oz Club's online community, go to https://ozis.us/ and register, and you should get an online invitation to connect via Zoom not long before the big day.
 
<br clear=all>


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==May 2020==
===Yellow Brick Road Festival, Sedan, Kansas===
===Yellow Brick Road Festival, Sedan, Kansas===
'''May 22-23, 2020: 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.
'''May 21-22, 2021: 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.


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==June, 2020==
==June 2021==
===Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York===
===Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York===
<s>'''June 5-7, 2020: Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York.''' L. Frank Baum's home town honors their favorite son with this annual festival (formerly known as OzFest). 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.</s> '''CANCELLED'''
<s>'''June 4-6, 2021: Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York.''' This village in upstate New York honors one of its native sons, L. Frank Baum, with an annual festival honoring his creation, the Land of Oz. For more information, see the event's website at http://www.oz-stravaganza.com/.</s> '''CANCELLED'''


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===''Wizard of Oz'' Festival, Grand Rapids, Minnesota===
===''Wizard of Oz'' Festival, Grand Rapids, Minnesota===
'''June 11-13, 2020: ''Wizard of Oz'' Festival, Judy Garland Museum and environs, Grand Rapids, Minnesota.''' Judy Garland's home town celebrates her most famous role in this annual festival, with events all over town spread out over three days. For more information, keep an eye on the event's website at http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com/festivals/judy-garland-festival-2020.
'''June 9-12, 2021: ''Wizard of Oz'' Festival, Judy Garland Museum and environs, Grand Rapids, Minnesota.''' Judy Garland's home town celebrates her most famous role in this annual festival, with events all over town spread out over three days. For more information, keep an eye on the event's website at http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com/festivals/judy-garland-festival-2021.


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===Wizard of Oz Festival, Ionia, Michigan===
===Wizard of Oz Festival, Ionia, Michigan===
'''June 12-13, 2020: Wizard of Oz Festival, Ionia, Michigan.''' This Michigan town holds an annual ''Wizard of Oz'' festival. For details and schedule, see the festival's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MichiganWizardofozfest/.
'''June (exact dates to be announced), 2021: Wizard of Oz Festival, Ionia, Michigan.''' This Michigan town holds an annual ''Wizard of Oz'' festival. For details and schedule, see the festival's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MichiganWizardofozfest/.


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===Journey with Dorothy, Banner Elk, North Carolina===
===Journey with Dorothy, Banner Elk, North Carolina===
'''June 12, 19, and 26, and July 2 and 3, 2020: Journey with Dorothy, Land of Oz Park, Banner Elk, North Carolina.''' This year celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of its opening, the now-mostly-closed-but-not-abandoned ''Wizard of Oz'' theme park in the mountains of western North Carolina opens on select dates this summer for its annual Journey with Dorothy tour. For more information, see https://www.landofoznc.com/.
<s>'''June and July (exact dates to be announced), 2021: Journey with Dorothy, Land of Oz Park, Banner Elk, North Carolina.''' This year celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of its opening, the now-mostly-closed-but-not-abandoned ''Wizard of Oz'' theme park in the mountains of western North Carolina opens on select dates this summer for its annual Journey with Dorothy tour. For more information, see https://www.landofoznc.com/.</s> '''CANCELLED FOR 2021 — open for private tours and events.'''


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==July 2020==
==July 2021==
===Chesterton Wizard of Oz Days Gala, Chesterton, Indiana===
===OzCon International, Pomona, California===
[[File:Chesterton 2020.jpg|center]]
[[File:OzCon Intl 2021.jpg|center]]
'''DATE CHANGE! July 11-12, 2020: Chesterton Wizard of Oz Days Gala, Chesterton, Indiana.''' The home of one of the most celebrated ''Wizard of Oz'' festivals is going to do it again, after taking a few years off. For more information, see the event's Facebook pages at https://www.facebook.com/WizardofOzDays/ and https://www.facebook.com/events/2409107332697500/.
<s>'''July 16-18, 2021: OzCon International, Kellogg West Conference Center and Hotel, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, Pomona, California.''' The world's longest continuously running ''Wizard of Oz'' convention is bark live (we hope) in 2021! As part of the centennial celebration of ''The Royal Book of Oz'', the first book not written by L. Frank Baum, the convention will celebrate ''all'' of the Royal Historians. Keep your eye on the convention's website, http://www.ozconinternational.com/, for more information as it is updated. And if you want to see any of the videos presented at the 2020 online version of the convention, you can now watch many of them through the OzConnection YouTube channel, at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQU5pEFZZ6n_vXvRalgclSg/featured.</s> '''NOW VIRTUAL.''' Keep an eye on the website for more information.


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===OzCon International, Pomona, California===
===''Wicked, Das Musical: Die Magie Zwischen Gut und Böse'', Hamburg, Germany===
[[File:Ozcon2020newdate.jpg|center]]
'''Opening July 20, 2021: ''Wicked, Das Musical: Die Magie Zwischen Gut und Böse'', Hamburg, Germany.''' For the first time in many years, ''Wicked'' will play on a German stage, and this time it's an all-new production, different from the original Broadway version. If you can read German, you can find out more information at https://www.stage-entertainment.de/musicals-shows/wicked-hamburg.html.
<s>'''DATE CHANGE! July 17-19, 2020: OzCon International, Kellogg West Conference Center and Hotel, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, Pomona, California.''' The fifty-sixth annual gathering of Oz fans on the west coast meets once again at Cal Poly Pomona. This year, the convention will be celebrating the widening of the Oz series to different authors after the death of L. Frank Baum with programming focusing on his successors as Royal Historian; thirty-five years of ''Return to Oz''; and the music of Oz. For more information, see the convention website at http://www.ozconinternational.com/.</s> '''NOW CANCELLED.'''


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==August 2020==
==August 2021==
===The International Wizard of Oz Club National Convention, East Aurora, New York===
===The International Wizard of Oz Club National Convention, East Aurora, New York===
'''August 3-6, 2020: The International Wizard of Oz Club National Convention, East Aurora, New York.'''
<s>'''August 5-8, 2021: The International Wizard of Oz Club National Convention, East Aurora, New York.'''
[[File:National Oz Con 2020.png|center]]
The next live (we all hope) national Oz convention will celebrate illustrators W. W. Denslow (in a place he actually worked) and John R. Neill, and the arts and crafts of Oz. For more information, see the convention's website at https://ozclub.org/2020-national-convention/.</s> '''Postponed another year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.'''
For more information, see the convention's website at http://www.ozconvention.org/.


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==September 2020==
==September 2021==
===Autumn at Oz Party, Banner Elk, North Carolina===
===Autumn at Oz Party, Banner Elk, North Carolina===
'''September 11-13 and 18-20, 2020: 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. This year, the park celebrates its fiftieth anniversary. For more information, check out http://www.landofoznc.com/autumnatoz.
'''September (dates to be announced), 2021: 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/.


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===Midwest Oz Fest 2020===
===''Wizard of Oz'' Festival Ohio, Twinsburg, Ohio===
'''September 26-27, 2020: Midwest Oz Fest 2020, Tinley Park, Illinois.''' 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 the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MidwestWizardOfOzFestival/, and the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/778939432609537/.
'''September 25-26, 2021: ''Wizard of Oz'' Festival Ohio, Location to be announced.''' For more information, see the website at https://wizardofozohio.com/, and the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wizardofozfestivalohio/.


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===''Wizard of Oz'' Festival Ohio, Twinsburg, Ohio===
===Midwest Oz Fest 2021===
[[File:ohio2020.jpg|center]]
'''September (exact dates to be announced), 2021: Midwest Oz Fest 2020, Tinley Park, Illinois.''' 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 the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MidwestWizardOfOzFestival/, and the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/778939432609537/.
<s>'''September (exact dates to be announced), 2020: ''Wizard of Oz'' Festival Ohio, Location to be announced.''' The third year for this event in Ohio. For more information, see the website at https://wizardofozohio.com/, and the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wizardofozfestivalohio/.</s> '''CANCELLED'''


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==October 2020==
==October 2021==
===Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas===
===Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas===
'''October (exact date to be announced), 2020: 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 2, 2021: 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/.


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===OzFest, Liberal, Kansas===
===OzFest, Liberal, Kansas===
'''October (exact date to be announced), 2020: OzFest, Liberal, Kansas.''' The home town of the Dorothy's House attraction hosts its annual tribute to Dorothy and Oz. For more information, see [http://www.lasr.net/travel/city.php?Liberal+Events&TravelTo=KS1019015&VE=Y the city's events page] and [http://visitliberal.com/ the city's website] (and be sure to call 1-800-LIBERAL to confirm event and dates).
'''October 2, 2021: OzFest, Liberal, Kansas.''' The home town of the Dorothy's House attraction hosts its annual tribute to Dorothy and Oz. For more information, see [http://www.lasr.net/travel/city.php?Liberal+Events&TravelTo=KS1019015&VE=Y the city's events page] and [http://visitliberal.com/ the city's website] (and be sure to call 1-800-LIBERAL to confirm event and dates).


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===The Oz Run, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin===
===The Oz Run, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin===
'''October (exact date to be announced), 2020: The Oz Run, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.''' This annual 5K and half-marathon run raises money for local charities while the participants dress in Oz costumes as they make their ways to the Emerald City at the end. For more information, or to sign up, go to http://www.theozrun.com/. And if you want to find out a little more, including video of the 2016 run, see http://www.weau.com/content/misc/Oz-Run---Dec-19th-407438355.html.
'''October (exact date to be announced), 2021: The Oz Run, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.''' This annual 5K and half-marathon run raises money for local charities while the participants dress in Oz costumes as they make their ways to the Emerald City at the end. For more information, or to sign up, go to http://www.theozrun.com/. And if you want to find out a little more, including video of the 2016 run, see http://www.weau.com/content/misc/Oz-Run---Dec-19th-407438355.html.


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===The Magic of Oz: It's Illuminating event, Mattydale, New York===
===The Magic of Oz: It's Illuminating event, Mattydale, New York===
'''October 3-4, 2020: The Magic of Oz: It's Illuminating event, Mattydale, New York.''' This event celebrates the legacy of Oz creator L. Frank Baum and central New York State's role in Oz. Keep an eye on https://www.facebook.com/Lyman-Frank-Baum-Foundation-Incorporated-of-Syracuse-182342648464587/ for further information.
'''October (exact date to e announced), 2021: The Magic of Oz: It's Illuminating event, Mattydale, New York.''' This event celebrates the legacy of Oz creator L. Frank Baum and central New York State's role in Oz. Keep an eye on https://www.facebook.com/Lyman-Frank-Baum-Foundation-Incorporated-of-Syracuse-182342648464587/ for further information.
 
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==November/December 2021==
===''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. We'll have 2021 times when they are available. Check your local listings for the exact time and channel in your area.


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===''Wicked, Das Musical: Die Magie Zwischen Gut und Böse'', Hamburg, Germany===
===''If I Only Had Christmas'' television movie, The Hallmark Channel===
'''Opening October 25, 2020: ''Wicked, Das Musical: Die Magie Zwischen Gut und Böse'', Hamburg, Germany.''' For the first time in many years, ''Wicked'' will play on a German stage, and this time it's an all-new production, different from the original Broadway version. It's in development now (they're even auditioning), and is scheduled to open October 25. If you can read German, you can find out more information at https://www.stage-entertainment.de/musicals-shows/wicked-hamburg.html.
'''''If I Only Had Christmas'' television movie, The Hallmark Channel.''' A Hallmark Christmas romance movie, first shown in 2020 and  based (loosely) on ''The Wizard of Oz''! Candace Cameron Bure stars as Darcy Gale, a publicist who teams up with Huck, a cynical business owner played by Neil Webb, to help out a charity in need. For more details and a sneak peek behind the scenes, take a look at [https://www.etonline.com/candace-cameron-bure-stars-in-hallmark-channels-if-i-only-had-christmas-first-look-exclusive-154864 the news report on the ''Entertainment Tonight'' website]. And [https://celebratingthesoaps.com/hallmark/hallmark-channel-news-wizard-of-oz-reimagined-candace-cameron-bure-in-if-i-only-had-christmas/ here's another report with another preview].


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==November/December 2020==
==November 2021==
===''The Wizard of Oz'', holiday cablecasts===
===Garmin Marathon in the Land of Oz, Olathe, Kansas===
'''''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. Keep checking back for details throughout the season.
'''November 6, 2021: 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/.


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==March 2021==
==March 2022==
===Wicked Marathon/Half Marathon/5K race, Wamego, Kansas===
===Wicked Marathon/Half Marathon/5K race, Wamego, Kansas===
'''March (exact date to be announced), 2021: Wicked Marathon/Half Marathon/5K race, Wamego, Kansas.''' The annual Oz-themed road race, in the home of the Oz Museum, benefits the Wamego High School cross-country team and other running and fitness charities in the area. There is also a carbo-loading spaghetti feed the night before. For more information, and to register, see https://runsignup.com/Race/KS/Wamego/WickedFast and http://wickedmarathon.org/.
'''March (exact date to be announced, we hope), 2022: Wicked Marathon/Half Marathon/5K race, Wamego, Kansas.''' The annual Oz-themed road race, in the home of the Oz Museum, benefits the Wamego High School cross-country team and other running and fitness charities in the area. There is also a carbo-loading spaghetti feed the night before. For more information, and to register, see https://runsignup.com/Race/KS/Wamego/WickedFast and http://wickedmarathon.org/.


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==April 2021==
==June 2022==
===Garmin Marathon in the Land of Oz, Olathe, Kansas===
===Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York===
'''April (exact date to be announced), 2021: 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/.
'''June 3-5, 2021: Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York.''' This village in upstate New York honors one of its native sons, L. Frank Baum, with an annual festival honoring his creation, the Land of Oz. For more information, see the event's website at http://www.oz-stravaganza.com/.
 
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==August 2022==
===The International Wizard of Oz Club National Convention, East Aurora, New York===
'''August (exact dates to be announced), 2021: The International Wizard of Oz Club National Convention, East Aurora, New York.'''
The next live (we all hope) national Oz convention will celebrate illustrators W. W. Denslow (in a place he actually worked) and John R. Neill, and the arts and crafts of Oz. For more information, see the convention's website at https://ozclub.org/2020-national-convention/.


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Line 205: Line 292:
==Date TBA==
==Date TBA==
===''Wicked'' movie, cinemas worldwide===
===''Wicked'' movie, cinemas worldwide===
<s>'''December 22, 2021: ''Wicked'' movie, cinemas worldwide.''' The original release date for 2019 didn't pan out, but Universal is trying again by announcing a new release date for the film version of the hit Broadway musical version of the story of the witches of Oz, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire. Keep watching this space for updates, including casting.</s> Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic messing up film production, Universal has pushed several animated films further back in the schedule—including ''Sing 2'' to December 22, 2021. This now leaves ''Wicked'' without a release date. As soon as one is announced, this entry will be updated again.
'''Date to be announced: ''Wicked'' movie, cinemas worldwide.''' The original release date for 2019 didn't pan out, and the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the 2021 release date further back. But Universal is committed to making the film version of the hit Broadway musical version of the story of the witches of Oz, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire. Keep watching this space for updates, including casting.


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<div style="text-align:center;">[http://thewizardofoz.info/index.html "There's no place like the home page."]</div>
<div style="text-align:center;">[http://thewizardofoz.info/index.html "There's no place like the home page."]</div>

Revision as of 13:52, 9 April 2021

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 productions:

  • The Apollo Victoria Theatre, The West End, London, England, United Kingdom. For more information, including booking tickets, see http://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/. Return scheduled for May 17, 2021

The Wizard of Oz tour

The Wizard of Oz tour. This touring production of the musical, based on The Movie, has wrapped up its tour of China and the Middle East China and the Middle East. The following stops have been announced:

  • (No shows currently scheduled.)

For more information, or to purchase tickets, see the show's website at http://wizardofoztour.com/.


Ozmafia anime series, on the Internet

Now playing: Ozmafia anime series, crunchyroll.com. In this Japanese anime series (based on the video game of the same name), Scarlet is a new transfer student at Oz Academy. He doesn't get off to a good start, but the teachers seem nice enough. But what strange secrets are hiding at Oz Academy, and why are they at war with the other academies? Episodes (in Japanese, with English subtitles) are available to view online at http://www.crunchyroll.com/ozmafia for free.


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.


Emerald City television series, NBC.com

Emerald City television series, NBC.com The latest Oz TV project has gone through its broadcast run on NBC. But the show's website is still up at http://www.nbc.com/emerald-city. You can still watch episodes online at http://www.nbc.com/emerald-city/episodes.


Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz, Internet Streaming and Cablecast

Now playing: Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz cartoon series, Internet Streaming, Boomerang. Boomerang brings you the latest Oz cartoon series, based (very loosely) on the famous 1939 film version. Dorothy is now a princess of Oz and living in the Emerald City with Queen Ozma. But she's still having adventures! The first episode is free on the Boomerang website, but getting the rest means subscribing to Boomerang's streaming service. For more information, see the show's website at https://watch.boomerang.com/shows/dorothy-franchise/series/dorothy-series/volume-1. Or, if you have the Boomerang or Cartoon Network cable channels, episodes are now being shown there as well. Other territories around the world, outside the United States, also have the show, so check your local version of the Cartoon Network or Boomerang channels or websites.


Lost in Oz series, Internet streaming

Now playing: Lost in Oz, Amazon Video streaming. This animated series from Amazon tells the story of Dorothy, a modern-day girl, and her dog Toto, who are whisked to Oz when Dorothy opens one of her mother's old journals. To get home, she must find the elements of magic and help restore magic to Oz. Fortunately she has made friends with Ojo the Munchkin and West, a trainee witch, to help her out. To get started, see Amazon's Lost in Oz website at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z89MYTI! More episodes are now in production, so keep an eye out for the announcements of even more of the show.


Chronicles of Oz podcast, the Internet

Now streaming: The Chronicles of Oz podcast, seasons 1, 2, and 3. This audio adaptation of the first three Oz books, each in six episodes, presents The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Marvellous Land of Oz, and Ozma of Oz. Produced by Crossover Adventure Productions out of Australia. All episodes, along with trailers and other materials, can be downloaded at http://chroniclesofoz.com/. And now available…


The Royal Podcast of Oz, the Internet

Now streaming: The Royal Podcast of Oz, podbean.com and other podcasting sites. Now running for over a decade, this podcast is devoted to all things Oz, with interviews, reviews, news, and other items of interest to Oz fans of all types. You can listen to or download all editions at https://anchor.fm/the-royal-podcast-of-oz/, or look for it on your favorite podcast site.


Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me, National Public Radio

Now streaming: Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me edition of May 11, 2019, npr.org. The popular current events quiz show recorded this episode in St. Louis, and got one of the city's most celebrated residents to play "Not My Job". Former Cardinals shortstop and Hall of Fame inductee Ozzie Smith was nicknamed "The Wizard of Oz" in his playing days, so naturally, he gets to answer questions about The Wizard of Oz! You can listen to the entire episode here, or just Smith's segment here.


Hit the Bricks! podcast, the Internet

Now playing: Hit the Bricks! podcast, the Internet. One hundred years after the events of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the Gale farm is abandoned, and a new generation is off to have adventures in Oz. The first act has now dropped, with further episodes to come. For more information, see the show's website at https://hitthebricks.com/, and its Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/HitTheBricksPod/.


The Smallwood Sessions podcast, "The Podcast of Oz", the Internet

Now playing: "The Podcast of Oz" episode of The Smallwood Sessions podcast. To celebrate what would have been the 2020 edition of Chittenango's Oz-Stravaganza, this podcast about upstate New York celebrates Oz and creator L. Frank Baum's connections to the area. To listen, go to https://anchor.fm/josh-taylor87/episodes/Episode-22-The-Podcast-of-Oz-ef05f4.


Down the Yellow Brick Pod podcast, the Internet

Now playing: Down the Yellow Brick Pod podcast. This podcast takes a deep dive into the Oz books, one chapter at a time, and looks at all that they encompass. Available on many podcast sources, including Google Podcasts, and through this link.


The Wonderful Recap of Oz podcast, the Internet

Now playing: The Wonderful Recap of Oz podcast. This podcast recaps the Oz books, one per episode. Available Available on many podcast sources, including Google Podcasts, and through this link.


To Oz? To Oz! online convention, the Internet

To Oz? To Oz! online convention. With so many Oz events having to be cancelled this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a bunch of them got together to present some of their events to a worldwide, online audience for free. The live portions of the convention have now ended, but if you go to https://ozis.us/, you can see many prerecorded talks and events.


The OzConnection, YouTube

The OzConnection, YouTube. OzCon International, the world's longest running Wizard of Oz convention, now has a YouTube channel at "The OzConnection", which features highlights of earlier cons and new material. The link is at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQU5pEFZZ6n_vXvRalgclSg.

The OzConnection has recently started two shows specifically for their channel. The first is a talk show called "OZ:Connect". Here are those episodes:

The other new show is "Crypto-Oz-ology", short stories about all kinds of unusual happenings in Oz. Here are the episodes:


Oz Talk, YouTube

Oz Talk panel talk show, YouTube. Join five Oz friends as they discuss any and all Oz subjects under the sun. New episodes will drop every two weeks on the Official Oz Club's YouTube Channel.


Fifty Years of Oziana Readings, Youtube

Fifty Years of Oziana short story readings, YouTube. To celebrate fifty years of Oziana, the International Wizard of Oz Club's annual literary magazine, Club members read stories from the last five decades. Many authors have even revisited their own stories. You can see the playlist of all stories right here.


April 2021

Garmin Marathon in the Land of Oz, Olathe, Kansas

April 17, 2021: 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/. POSTPONED TO NOVEMBER 6.


American Oz documentary, PBS broadcast

Safe image.jpeg

April 19, 2021: American Oz documentary, The American Experience series, PBS. American Oz fans who get PBS can enjoy this new documentary about L. Frank Baum and Oz, the latest addition to the series The American Experience. You can read more about it on PBS's website. Check your local listings for exact channel, day, and time in your area. Here's the trailer:


May 2021

The Wizard of Oz national cablecast, TCM

May 1, 2021: The Wizard of Oz national cablecast, Turner Classic Movies. As part of its annual "31 Days of Oscar" celebration, TCM is showing all kinds of Oscar-winning and -nominated movies — in alphabetical order! So they don't hit The Wizard of Oz until the final day, May 1. It shows at 8:00 pm EDT. Check your local listings fo the exact time and channel on your system. The complete line-up, including many other Judy Garland movies and other nominations from 1939, can be found at https://www.tcm.com/31days.


Chesterton Wizard of Oz Days Gala, Chesterton, Indiana

May 14-16, 2020: Chesterton Wizard of Oz Days Gala, Chesterton, Indiana. The home of one of the most celebrated Wizard of Oz festivals is going to do it again, after taking a few years off. For more information, see the event's Facebook pages at https://www.facebook.com/WizardofOzDays/ and https://www.facebook.com/events/2409107332697500/.


L. Frank Baum Birthday Celebration, online

OzCon 5-15.jpeg

May 15, 2021: L. Frank Baum Birthday Celebration, Online. The International Wizard of Oz Club celebrates the 165th birthday of the creator of Oz with an online celebration. Everything begins at 6:00 pm CDT. If you're not already part of the Oz Club's online community, go to https://ozis.us/ and register, and you should get an online invitation to connect via Zoom not long before the big day.



Yellow Brick Road Festival, Sedan, Kansas

May 21-22, 2021: 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 2021

Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York

June 4-6, 2021: Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York. This village in upstate New York honors one of its native sons, L. Frank Baum, with an annual festival honoring his creation, the Land of Oz. For more information, see the event's website at http://www.oz-stravaganza.com/. CANCELLED


Wizard of Oz Festival, Grand Rapids, Minnesota

June 9-12, 2021: Wizard of Oz Festival, Judy Garland Museum and environs, Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Judy Garland's home town celebrates her most famous role in this annual festival, with events all over town spread out over three days. For more information, keep an eye on the event's website at http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com/festivals/judy-garland-festival-2021.


Wizard of Oz Festival, Ionia, Michigan

June (exact dates to be announced), 2021: Wizard of Oz Festival, Ionia, Michigan. This Michigan town holds an annual Wizard of Oz festival. For details and schedule, see the festival's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MichiganWizardofozfest/.


Journey with Dorothy, Banner Elk, North Carolina

June and July (exact dates to be announced), 2021: Journey with Dorothy, Land of Oz Park, Banner Elk, North Carolina. This year celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of its opening, the now-mostly-closed-but-not-abandoned Wizard of Oz theme park in the mountains of western North Carolina opens on select dates this summer for its annual Journey with Dorothy tour. For more information, see https://www.landofoznc.com/. CANCELLED FOR 2021 — open for private tours and events.


July 2021

OzCon International, Pomona, California

OzCon Intl 2021.jpg

July 16-18, 2021: OzCon International, Kellogg West Conference Center and Hotel, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, Pomona, California. The world's longest continuously running Wizard of Oz convention is bark live (we hope) in 2021! As part of the centennial celebration of The Royal Book of Oz, the first book not written by L. Frank Baum, the convention will celebrate all of the Royal Historians. Keep your eye on the convention's website, http://www.ozconinternational.com/, for more information as it is updated. And if you want to see any of the videos presented at the 2020 online version of the convention, you can now watch many of them through the OzConnection YouTube channel, at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQU5pEFZZ6n_vXvRalgclSg/featured. NOW VIRTUAL. Keep an eye on the website for more information.


Wicked, Das Musical: Die Magie Zwischen Gut und Böse, Hamburg, Germany

Opening July 20, 2021: Wicked, Das Musical: Die Magie Zwischen Gut und Böse, Hamburg, Germany. For the first time in many years, Wicked will play on a German stage, and this time it's an all-new production, different from the original Broadway version. If you can read German, you can find out more information at https://www.stage-entertainment.de/musicals-shows/wicked-hamburg.html.


August 2021

The International Wizard of Oz Club National Convention, East Aurora, New York

August 5-8, 2021: The International Wizard of Oz Club National Convention, East Aurora, New York. The next live (we all hope) national Oz convention will celebrate illustrators W. W. Denslow (in a place he actually worked) and John R. Neill, and the arts and crafts of Oz. For more information, see the convention's website at https://ozclub.org/2020-national-convention/. Postponed another year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.


September 2021

Autumn at Oz Party, Banner Elk, North Carolina

September (dates to be announced), 2021: 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/.


Wizard of Oz Festival Ohio, Twinsburg, Ohio

September 25-26, 2021: Wizard of Oz Festival Ohio, Location to be announced. For more information, see the website at https://wizardofozohio.com/, and the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wizardofozfestivalohio/.


Midwest Oz Fest 2021

September (exact dates to be announced), 2021: Midwest Oz Fest 2020, Tinley Park, Illinois. 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 the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MidwestWizardOfOzFestival/, and the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/778939432609537/.


October 2021

Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas

October 2, 2021: 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/.


OzFest, Liberal, Kansas

October 2, 2021: 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 city's events page and the city's website (and be sure to call 1-800-LIBERAL to confirm event and dates).


The Oz Run, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

October (exact date to be announced), 2021: The Oz Run, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. This annual 5K and half-marathon run raises money for local charities while the participants dress in Oz costumes as they make their ways to the Emerald City at the end. For more information, or to sign up, go to http://www.theozrun.com/. And if you want to find out a little more, including video of the 2016 run, see http://www.weau.com/content/misc/Oz-Run---Dec-19th-407438355.html.


The Magic of Oz: It's Illuminating event, Mattydale, New York

October (exact date to e announced), 2021: The Magic of Oz: It's Illuminating event, Mattydale, New York. This event celebrates the legacy of Oz creator L. Frank Baum and central New York State's role in Oz. Keep an eye on https://www.facebook.com/Lyman-Frank-Baum-Foundation-Incorporated-of-Syracuse-182342648464587/ for further information.


November/December 2021

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. We'll have 2021 times when they are available. Check your local listings for the exact time and channel in your area.


If I Only Had Christmas television movie, The Hallmark Channel

If I Only Had Christmas television movie, The Hallmark Channel. A Hallmark Christmas romance movie, first shown in 2020 and based (loosely) on The Wizard of Oz! Candace Cameron Bure stars as Darcy Gale, a publicist who teams up with Huck, a cynical business owner played by Neil Webb, to help out a charity in need. For more details and a sneak peek behind the scenes, take a look at the news report on the Entertainment Tonight website. And here's another report with another preview.


November 2021

Garmin Marathon in the Land of Oz, Olathe, Kansas

November 6, 2021: 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/.


March 2022

Wicked Marathon/Half Marathon/5K race, Wamego, Kansas

March (exact date to be announced, we hope), 2022: Wicked Marathon/Half Marathon/5K race, Wamego, Kansas. The annual Oz-themed road race, in the home of the Oz Museum, benefits the Wamego High School cross-country team and other running and fitness charities in the area. There is also a carbo-loading spaghetti feed the night before. For more information, and to register, see https://runsignup.com/Race/KS/Wamego/WickedFast and http://wickedmarathon.org/.


June 2022

Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York

June 3-5, 2021: Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York. This village in upstate New York honors one of its native sons, L. Frank Baum, with an annual festival honoring his creation, the Land of Oz. For more information, see the event's website at http://www.oz-stravaganza.com/.


August 2022

The International Wizard of Oz Club National Convention, East Aurora, New York

August (exact dates to be announced), 2021: The International Wizard of Oz Club National Convention, East Aurora, New York. The next live (we all hope) national Oz convention will celebrate illustrators W. W. Denslow (in a place he actually worked) and John R. Neill, and the arts and crafts of Oz. For more information, see the convention's website at https://ozclub.org/2020-national-convention/.


Date TBA

Wicked movie, cinemas worldwide

Date to be announced: Wicked movie, cinemas worldwide. The original release date for 2019 didn't pan out, and the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the 2021 release date further back. But Universal is committed to making the film version of the hit Broadway musical version of the story of the witches of Oz, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire. Keep watching this space for updates, including casting.