OzWiki:Current events

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Going on now

Wicked play, around the world

Now playing: Wicked. This is it, the biggest thing to hit Oz in years: 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:

The show has closed in Sydney, so Wicked will now tour Australia, with the following stops already announced:

See wickedthemusical.com.au for more about the show in Australia.

Wicked is also touring North America. For more information and updates about the tour, see wickedthemusical.com/#WickedCitiesOnTour or musicalschwartz.com/wicked-tour.htm. Here's the current schedule (locations and dates are subject to change):

And for the first time, new productions, not based on the Broadway original, have been authorized. So far announced:


The Wonderful Wizard of Oz series, on the Internet

Now playing: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz series, jaroo.com. The online cartoon broadcast site, jaroo.com, is showing the 1987 Cinar Productions series of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Based on the Oz books The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Marvelous Land of Oz, Ozma of Oz, and The Emerald City of Oz and originally made in Japan, you can now watch selected episodes online, with a new episode being made available once a week. To start watching, go to http://www.jaroo.com/shows/about/the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz.


High Drama: Against All Oz show, on the Internet

Now playing: High Drama: Against All Oz, thewb.com. The late television network is reborn as an online broadcaster. Besides many old Warner Bros. shows, they also have a reality series, a behind-the-scenes look at a high school's production of The Wizard of Oz. To see the trailer and watch episodes from the first two seasons, go to thewb.com/shows/high-drama.


"The Wizard of Odd" on Phineas and Ferb, the Disney Channel, nationwide cablecast

Now airing: "The Wizard of Odd" episode, Phineas and Ferb, the Disney Channel, nationwide cablecast. Stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb are off to see the Wizard in this take-off of The Wizard of Oz. This episode of the show Phineas and Ferb is scheduled to be shown at the following times:

  • Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 3:30 p.m.

Check your local listings for exact channels and times in your area. For further showtimes, see the episode's website at zap2it.com.


Christmas at the Creaky Cauldron, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, England

Now happening: Christmas Grotto, The Creaky Cauldron, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, England. This year, the Creaky Cauldron will open its Christmas Grotto in mid-November, and it will be decorated as a tribute to L. Frank Baum. Then, beginning December 1, visitors will get to meet Santa Claus, the subject of a biography by L. Frank Baum. Admission is £5 for adults, £4 for students and seniors, £2.75 for children, and £12 for a family admission. For more information, see the event's website at http://www.seekthemagic.org/christmas/index.html.


The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus musical, Netcong, New Jersey

Now through December 19, 2010: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus musical, Growing State, Children's Theatre of New Jersey, Netcong, New Jersey. A musical adaptation of the L. Frank Baum story of how Santa Claus grew up, invented toys, delivered them, and became the man known to the world today. Performances are on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For details and to purchase tickets, see the show's site at http://www.growingstage.com/?page_id=187#Santa.


The Wizard of Oz exhibit, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Now through January 2, 2011: The Wizard of Oz exhibit, Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The traveling children's museum exhibit has made its way to the Canadian prairie. Based on the original novel by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W. W. Denslow, visitors step into the book and follow the yellow brick road through interactive exhibits. For more information, see the Royal Alberta Museum's website at www.royalalbertamuseum.ca. (Afterwards, the exhibit will be traveling to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan; the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts; The Kansas Children's Discovery Center in Topeka, Kansas; and the Lied Discovery Children's Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada.)


Wizard of Oz museum exhibit, New York City, New York

Now through January 9, 2011: The Wizard of Oz exhibit, Children's Museum of Manhattan, New York City, New York. Visit this interactive children's museum exhibit, based on the famous MGM film version of the story. As well as the exhibit, special events are planned throughout the run, so check out their calendar. For more details about the exhibit, see http://www.cmom.org/explore/programs/wizard_oz.


November 2010

There's No Place Like Home Festival, New York City, New York

November 22-28, 2010: There's No Place Like Home Festival, Kaufman Center's Merkin Hall and other locations, New York City, New York. To benefit the homeless in New York City, the Yorinks Theater Group is putting on a series of Oz-themed events throughout the city to raise money and awareness. The highlight will be Oz, a new multimedia adaptation of the story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Merkin Hall. Other events include a Toto look-alike contest, a community read, an attempt to break the world record for largest pop-up, and a reception held in conjunction with The Coalition for the Homeless. Special guests and events will be curated by Michael Patrick Hearn. For more information, see the Festival website at http://yorinkstheatergroup.org/oz%20festival.html.


The Wizard of Oz, TBS cablecasts

November 26-28, 2010: The Wizard of Oz, TBS and TNT cablecasts. The stations' annual Thanksgiving-season showing of the famous film version. So far, TBS has announced the following airdates:

  • Friday, November 26, 2010, at 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 27, 2010, at 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 28, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.

Check your local listings for exact times and channels in your area. For details, see the dedicated pages for the movie on TBS's website.


Scarecrow on Fire, St. Paul, Minnesota

November 26-28, 2010: Scarecrow on Fire world premiere production, Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul, Minnesota. Written and performed by storyteller Kevin Kling, this new production is part of the celebration of one hundred years of the Fitzgerald Theater. It's the Oz story picked up by where the original tale left off, and told with music, theatrics and a backdrop of silent-era Oz movies. The audience will reunite with Dorothy at points in her life as her Oz friends stay in touch over the decades. Performances are at 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $27.50. For details or to buy tickets, see the theater's website at http://fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org/events/#scarecrow.


The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus play, Cape May, New Jersey

November 26-December 11, 2010: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus play, The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, Cape May, New Jersey. This production of the story, based on the book by L. Frank Baum, is presented by the East Lynne Theater Company. ELTC artistic director Gayle Stahlhuth wrote the show, and also performs all thirty-some parts (!). Performances are on November 26 and 27, and December 5, 10, and 11 at 8:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $23, $13 for full-time students, and playgoers 12 and under are admitted free. For more information or to purchase tickets, see the company's website.


Book signing with Jerry Maren, Burbank, California

November 26, 2010: Jerry Maren book signing, Alexa's It's New to You, Burbank, California. His long and storied show business career includes the middle Lollipop Guild member in The Wizard of Oz, and Jerry Maren is still going. He meets with fans and signs his autobiography, Short and Sweet, at Alexa's It's New to You store in Burbank from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more details, call 818-588-3688, or see the listing at events.la.com.


The Wizard of Oz and Return to Oz, Santa Monica, California

November 28, 2010: The Wizard of Oz and Return to Oz, The Aero Theatre, Santa Monica, California. Sponsored by the IFC as part of their holiday movie program. The Wizard of Oz starts at 4:00 p.m., and Return to Oz at 7:30 p.m. The latter film will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the director, Walter Murch. For more information, see the IFC's announcement at http://www.ifc.com/news/2010/10/2010-holiday-movie-guide-screenings.php, and the Aero Theatre's calendar at http://www.americancinematheque.com/Aero/aeromastercalendar.htm.


December 2010

WiZaRD: The Musical, New York City, New York

December, 2010: WiZaRD: The Musical, Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York City, New York. This show, set at fictional radio station WZRD, looks at the career and music of Harold Arlen, including his work on The Wizard of Oz. For information about the show, see the website at http://wizardthemusical.com/index.php.


The Wizard of Oz Musical, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

December 1-19, 2010: The Wizard of Oz musical, Civic Light Opera, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This original musical staging of The Wizard of Oz, first presented in 2000, is revived for the holiday season. For information and to get tickets, see the show's website at civiclightoperacompany.com/oz_2010.html.


The Wizard of Oz Musical, White River Junction, Vermont

December 8, 2010-January 2, 2011: The Wizard of Oz, Briggs Opera House, White River Junction, Vermont. The Northern State theater company is performing The Wizard of Oz for the holiday season this year. For details, see www.northernstage.org or call 802-296-7000. A special event planned for this run is an appearance by Gregory Maguire on December 13, who will read from his novel Wicked and his forthcoming fourth Oz book, Out of Oz, and discuss L. Frank Baum's original book.


The Wizard of Oz, TNT cablecasts

December 17, 2010: The Wizard of Oz, TNT cablecast. The station's annual Christmas-season showing of the famous film version. It starts at 9:00 p.m. EST. For details, see the dedicated pages for the movie on TNT's website. And, as always, check your local listings for exact time and channel in your area.


The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus cablecast, ABC Family Channel

December 24, 2010: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus cablecast, ABC Family Channel. The 1985 Rankin-Bass special, based on the book of the same name by L. Frank Baum, makes its annual holiday season showing as part of ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas celebration. Scheduled to be shown at 7:00 a.m. (6:00 a.m. Central Time Zone). Check your local listings for exact time and channel in your area.


2011

The Whiz: Over the Rainbow, on tour

The Whiz: Over the Rainbow show, presented by Nicholas Leichter Dance, on tour. This dance extravaganza reimagines and reinterprets The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz for the Obama generation. Currently scheduled performances:

  • January 7-11, 2011: APAP Elsie Showcases, New York City, New York
  • January 14-16, 2011: World Music/CRASHarts, Boston, Massachusetts
  • January 28 and 29, 2011: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
  • March 15-21, 2011: ACDFA @ University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
  • March 26 and 27, 2011: Dance Place, Washington, DC
  • March 30, 2011: Reston Center Stage, Reston, Virginia
  • May 2-8, 2011: Intermedia Arts, Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • May 21, 2011: Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, Tacoma, Washington
  • June 4, 2011: Tony Bennett Concert Hall, Astoria, New York

For more information, see the company's website at http://www.nldnyc.org/calendar.html.


IceFest, Hamilton, Ohio

January 21-22, 2010: IceFest, Hamilton, Ohio. It's the middle of winter, so of course this Ohio town celebrates with IceFest. This year's theme is "Great Books in Ice", so there will be ice sculptures celebrating Gone with the Wind, Fahrenheit 451, Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, and, of course, The Wizard of Oz. Events begin at 5:00 Friday evening, and run all day Saturday, including professional and speed carving events, a dogsled race, a book fest, and an arts and crafts show. For more information, call 888-462-2282 or 513-844-8080 or 513-895-3934.


The Wizard of Oz musical, Netcong, New Jersey

January 21-February 27, 2011: The Wizard of Oz, The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, Netcong, New Jersey. A staging of the Royal Shakespeare Company's version of the story, adapted from the famous movie version. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, and 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For details and to purchase ticket's see the show's website at http://growingstage.goes.com/?page_id=187#Oz.


The Wizard of Oz fundraising play, London, England, United Kingdom

February 15, 2011: The Wizard of Oz gala fundraiser, Palladium Theatre, London, England, United Kingdom. To raise funds for the Great Ormond Street Hospital and Prostate UK, we're getting an early look at Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber's new stage version of The Wizard of Oz. Starring Over the Rainbow winner Danielle Hope as Dorothy and Michael Crawford as the Wizard. For more details, see the Great Ormond Street Hospital's website. You can also book tickets here.


Bravo Broadway: Wicked Divas concert, Ogden, Utah

February 17, 2011: Bravo Broadway: Wicked Divas concert, Val A. Browning Center, Ogden, Utah. The Ogden Symphony Ballet Association celebrates Wicked with a concert featuring two of the former stars of the show from Broadway (exactly which ones yet to be announced). For show details and ticket information, see the event's website at www.symphonyballet.org/concerts/pops-series/item/25-bravo-broadway-wicked-divas.html.


Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Wizard of Oz play, London, England

Oz in London.jpg

Opening March 29, 2011: The Wizard of Oz, The West End, London, England, United Kingdom. Now that Danielle Hope has won the role of Dorothy through the television show Over the Rainbow (and the runner-up, Sophie Evans, will be her understudy), Andrew Lloyd Webber has to put on his show. It will debut in the West End on March 29, and Michael Crawfod has been cast as the Wizard. News and information is available on Webber's website, at andrewlloydwebber.com/shows/the-wizard-of-oz, and the show's website is now open at http://www.wizardofozthemusical.com/.


The Wizard of Oz, Costa Mesa, California

April 7-9, 2011: The Wizard of Oz, Orange County Performing Arts Center, Cost Mesa, California. This is a brand new listing with few details, so I'm not sure what this is. The Pacific Symphony is listed, however, so perhaps this is a showing of the movie with a symphony performing the music. For details, keep an eye on www.ocpac.org.


Wizard of Oz Month Celebration, the Internet

May, 2011: 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 live365.com/stations/tc_arts_ent.


Yellow Brick Road Festival, Sedan, Kansas

May, 2011: Yellow Brick Road Festival, Sedan, Kansas. Another town in Kansas celebrates The Wizard of Oz. For details, see http://www.lasr.net/travel/city.php?Sedan&Kansas&Yellow+Brick+Road+Festival&City_ID=KS0604019&Event_ID=KS0604019e002&VE=Y


Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York

June 3-5, 2011: Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York. L. Frank Baum's home town honors their favorite son with this annual festival (formerly known as Oz Fest). For more information, see the festival's website at oz-stravaganza.com, or the town's website at www.chittenango.org.


Judy Garland Festival, Grand Rapids, Minnesota

June 16-18, 2011: Judy Garland Festival, Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Judy's home town throws its annual party in her honor. For more information, check out the website at judygarlandmuseum.com.


The Wizard of Oz broadcast, TCM

July, 2011: The Wizard of Oz, national cablecast, Turner Classic Movies. They always seem to show it around Independence Day. The movie has its own dedicated page at www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?stid=852&category=overview, so keep an eye on it for updates.


The Winkie Convention, Pacific Grove, California

July 8-10, 2011: The Winkie Convention, Asilomar Conference Center, Pacific Grove, California. Highlights include the auction and sales tables, the costume contest, and the annual Winkie Award. Special presentations will highlight the centennial of The Sea Fairies. Special guests will be Tommy Kovacs, writer of the comic book The Royal Historian of Oz, and Kirk Kushin, writer of the Ozopolis comic book. For more information, see http://hungrytigerpress.blogspot.com/p/winkie-convention.html, and keep an eye on the event's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135243296512937&ref=ts.


The International Wizard of Oz Club's National Convention, Banner Elk, North Carolina

August 5-7, 2011: The International Wizard of Oz Club's National Oz Convention, Banner Elk, North Carolina. The Oz Club brings its annual convention to the site of the Wizard of Oz theme park of the 1970s, where many of the attractions still stand. Alongside its usual activities, former park employees are expected to talk about their time there. Details coming when they're available.


Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival, Chesterton, Indiana

September 16-18, 2011: Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival, Chesterton, Indiana. One of the earliest Wizard of Oz festivals, this year Chesterton celebrates its twenty-ninth edition. For more information, see the event's website at www.ozfestivalchesterton.com.


Autumn at Oz Party, Banner Elk, North Carolina

October, 2011: 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. Special guests will be announced soon. For more information, check out emeraldmtn.com/LandofOz/autumn.htm.


Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas

October, 2011: Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas. The town not only has an Oz museum, they're putting on an Oz festival. Munchkins, 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 oztoberfest.com.


Downtown in Oz Festival, Poplar Bluff, Missouri

October, 2011: Downtown in Oz Festival, Black River Coliseum, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. A free celebration of Oz. For details, see the website at http://www.downtowninoz.com/.


Wizard of Oz Festival and movie showing, Woodridge, Illinois

November, 2011: Wizard of Oz Festival, Hollywood Boulevard Cinema, Woodridge, Illinois. The cinema's annual showing of The Wizard of Oz, which is usually a big event with special Munchkin guests. For more details, see www.atriptothemovies.com.