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:

After successful runs in Tokyo and Osaka, a Japanese touring company of Wicked is scheduled to play in Fukuoka April 3 to May 29, 2011. See wicked.jp for details.

Wicked is also now touring in Australia, with the following stops already announced:

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

That long-rumored Dutch production may finally open in Scheveningen, The Netherlands late in 2011.

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 and hulu.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Based on the Oz books The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Marvelous Land of Oz, Ozma of Oz, and The Emerald City of Oz and originally made in Japan, you can now watch selected episodes online, with a new episode being made available once a week.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. Also showing the series is hulu.com. To see the show there, go to http://www.hulu.com/tv and do a search for "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.

"Not in Kansas Anymore" episode of Fame, on the Internet

Now playing: "Not in Kansas Anymore" episode of Fame, hulu.com. Episodes of the classic series Fame are now available to watch on the Internet, including this Oz-themed episode. Doris, after finding out that she's not eligible to be in the next show, conks herself on the head and dreams that the School for the Arts has been transformed into Oz, with all of her friends and teachers playing its citizens. To watch, go to http://www.hulu.com/watch/151850/fame-not-in-kansas-anymore.

"Off to See the Wizard" on My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, WE channel, nationwide telecast

Now airing: "Off to See the Wizard" episode, My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, WE Channel, nationwide telecast. Wedding planner David Tutera has to swoop in and rescue a Wizard of Oz-themed wedding. Can he do it without breaking up the happy couple? This episode has the following scheduled airtimes (all times listed are EST):

  • Sunday, March 20, 1:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 22, 3:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 27, 6:00 p.m.

Check your local listings for exact channel and times in your area. For further showtimes, see the episode's website at zap2it.com. You can even watch a clip at http://www.wetv.com/video/747509065001/my-fair-wedding-wizard-of-oz-bride.

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

Now airing: "The Wizard of Odd" episode, Phineas and Ferb, the Disney Channel and Disney XD, 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:

  • Sunday, March 20, 3:30 p.m., Disney XD
  • Saturday, March 26, 9:30 a.m., the Disney Channel
  • Thursday, March 31, 4:30 p.m., Disney XD

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

"Twister" on The Suite Life on Deck, the Disney Channel and Disney XD, nationwide cablecast

Now airing: "Twister" three-part story, The Suite Life on Deck, the Disney Channel, nationwide cablecast. The Suite Life on Deck gang takes on Oz in the three-part storyline, "Twister". The story is scheduled to be shown at the following times:

  • Thursday, March 24, at 8:00 p.m. (part 1), 8:30 p.m. (part 2), and 9:00 p.m., the Disney Channel
  • Friday, March 25, at 5:30 p.m. (part 1), 6:00 p.m. (part 2), and 6:30 p.m., the Disney Channel
  • Friday, March 25, at 11:30 p.m. (part 1), 12:00 midnight (part 2), and 12:30 a.m., the Disney Channel
  • Tuesday, March 29, at 8:00 p.m. (part 1), 8:30 p.m. (part 2), and 9:00 p.m., the Disney Channel

Check your local listings for exact channels and times in your area. For further showtimes, see the episode's websites at zap2it.com — part 1, part 2, and part 3

The Wizard of Oz touring show, throughout the United States and Canada

Now showing: The Wizard of Oz on Tour. This is a North America-wide tour of The Wizard of Oz on stage, based on the famous movie version. Currently scheduled stops on the tour include:

Other dates are sure to be added later. For more information about the show, see the website at http://wizardofozontour.com/.

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

Oz in London.jpg

Now playing: 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 and Friends art exhibit, Nelson, New Zealand

Now through April 2, 2011: The Wizard of Oz and Friends exhibit, Art@203 Gallery, Nelson, New Zealand. An exhibit of the Oz-inspired art of Peta Wright. For more information, see the museum's website at http://www.acn.org.nz/gallery203.aspx.

The Wizard of Oz museum exhibit, Memphis, Tennessee

Now through June 12, 2011: The Wizard of Oz interactive museum exhibit, Children's Museum of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. Based on the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, this exhibit presents interactive displays of Dorothy and her friends. For more information, see the museum's website at http://www.cmom.com/.

Da Hip-Hop Wizzard of Oz, Southern California

Da Hip-Hop Wizzard of Oz, throughout southern California. The LQ's Performing Arts Center is taking their hit show Da Hip-Hop Wizzard of Oz on the road throughout southern California. Currently scheduled performances are:

  • March 26, 2011: Steelworkers' Auditorium, Fontana, California
  • April 23, 2011: Sturges Center, San Bernardino, California
  • May 7, 2011: K. L. Peters Auditorium, Beverly Hills, California

For more details about the company or the show, or to buy tickets, see their website at http://www.lqspac.org/index.html.

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:

  • 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.

150 Things I Love About Kansas museum exhibit, Topeka, Kansas

Now through December 31, 2011: 150 Things I Love About Kansas exhibit, Kansas Museum of History, Topeka, Kansas. To celebrate the state's sesquicentennial (it was admitted to the Union on January 29, 1861), the Kansas Museum of History is presenting an exhibit of 150 Things I Love About Kansas. One area is devoted to The Wizard of Oz and its place in depicting Kansas. For details, see the museum's website at http://www.kshs.org/p/150-things-i-love-about-kansas/15782.

March 2011

"Off to Oz" Choral Pops Concert, Washington Township, New Jersey

March 19-20, 2011: "Off to Oz" Choral Pops Concert, Immaculate HEart Academy, Washington Township, New Jersey. The New Jersey Choral Society celebrates its thirtieth season with (among other events) a pops concert of music from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked. Shows are at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Advance purchase tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and students, and $12 for those twelve and under (prices go up $5 at the door). Canned goods for donation to food banks are accepted and encouraged. For more information, see the society's website at http://www.njcs.org/.

The Wizard of Oz Sing-along, San Francisco, California

March 25-31, 2011: The Wizard of Oz Sing-along, The Castro Theatre, San Francisco, California. Now, you can not only see the famous 1939 film version of The Wizard of Oz the way it was meant to be seen, on a big screen, you can also sing along with the famous songs. Showtimes are at 7:00 p.m. all days, with 2:00 matinées on Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday. Tickets are $15, or $10 for children (12 and under) and seniors (62 and up). For details, see the theater's website at http://www.thecastrotheatre.com/index.html.

April 2011

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.

The Witches of Oz, Syfy Channel, the United Kingdom

April 6 and 13, 2011: The Witches of Oz, Syfy Channel UK, United Kingdom. This new take on Oz gets its world premiere showing as a television miniseries on the UK version of the Syfy Channel. Dorothy Gale, an author of children's books based on the land of Oz created by her grandfather, finds out that the stories she's been writing are based on reality — and the Wicked Witch of the West has plans to take over the world. Dorothy and her friends try to stop the witch's plans. Showtimes are 8:00 p.m. on both nights. (Part 1 is also rerun at 3:00 p.m. BST on April 13.) Check local listings for exact times and channel in your part of the British Isles.

Oz Marathon Road Race, Olathe, Kansas

April 16, 2011: Oz Marthon Road Race, Olathe, Kansas. Well, if you're going to organize a long-distance run in Kansas, you may as well make it Oz-themed. As well as a regulation 26.2 mile marathon, other events include the Wickedly Fast Half Marathon, the Dorothy Dash 5K run, and the Munchkin Marathon for children. For details, including course routes and registration information, check out the website at ozmarathon.com.

The Wizard of Oz ballet, Akron, Ohio

April 30-May 1, 2011: The Wizard of Oz ballet, Akron Civic Theatre, Akron, Ohio. A new ballet interpretation of The Wizard of Oz, presented by the Ballet Theatre of Ohio. For details, see http://www.ballettheatreohio.org/html/seasonWizardOfOz.htm.

May 2011

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.

Linda Eder Sings Judy Garland, Boston, Massachusetts

May 11-13, 2011: "Linda Eder Sings Judy Garland" with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Symphony Hall, Boston, Massachusetts. To open its new season, celebrating the American Songbook, the Boston Pops and singer Linda Eder will present a selection of songs made famous by Judy Garland, including "Over the Rainbow". The public is welcome to take part by submitting videos of themselves singing "Over the Rainbow" for a collage that will highlight Boston Pops performances this season. (For more details on the contest, see http://www.bso.org/bso/mods/content1.jsp?id=43400051.) For more details on the season opening concert, see http://www.bso.org/bso/mods/perf_detail.jsp?pid=prod3880217.

Yellow Brick Road Festival, Sedan, Kansas

May 21, 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

June 2011

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 Wonderful Wizard of Oz exhibit, Kalamazoo, Michigan

June 18-September 5, 2011: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz museum exhibit, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Kalamazoo, Michigan. The traveling children's museum exhibit has made its way to Michigan. 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 Kalamazoo Valley Museum's website at http://kvm.kvcc.edu/. (Afterwards, the exhibit is expected to travel to 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.)

July 2011

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 Wizard of Oz with Seattle Symphony, Seattle, Washington

WizOfOzSeattleSymphony.jpg

July 7 and 9, 2011: The Wizard of Oz with Seattle Symphony, Benaroya Hall, Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Symphony performs the soundtrack of the famous film version of The Wizard of Oz while the movie plays on a screen above them. For more details or to purchase tickets, see seattlesymphony.org.

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.

Oz Forever workshop, Lake Oswego, Oregon

July 11-22, 2011: Oz Forever workshop, Lakewood Center for the Arts, Lake Oswego, Oregon. This is an acting workshop for young thespians, aged 7 to 16, culminating in the public performance of the original musical Forever Oz. It's forty years later, and Dorothy's grandchildren are now off to Oz, where they meet the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, Cowardly Lion, and the new Wizard of Oz. For details, see the website at http://www.lakewood-center.org/pages/lakewood-news-classes-2011-summer.

Pratt County Fair, Pratt, Kansas

July 20-23, 2011: Pratt County Fair, Pratt, Kansas. In honor of the state's sesquicentennial this year, the Pratt County Fair's theme will be "There's No Place Like the Fair", and all kinds of Oz events will take place, including a request for Oz-themed arts and crafts displays. For more information, see the fair's website at http://www.pratt.ksu.edu/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=48.

August 2011

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. But you can take a look at the flyer right here.

September 2011

Galdra Karlin í Oz, Reykjavik, Iceland

Opens September, 2011: Galdra Karlin í Oz, Borgarleikhúsið, Reykjavik, Iceland. The Reykjavik City Theater (to use its English name) is putting on a big stage production of Galdra Karlin í Oz (known in English as The Wizard of Oz). For details, keep an eye on the theater's website at http://www.borgarleikhus.is/.

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.

October 2011

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/.

November 2011

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.

The Wizard of Oz, TBS and/or TNT cablecasts

November, 2011: The Wizard of Oz, TBS and TNT cablecasts. The stations' annual Thanksgiving-season showing of the famous film version. For details, see the dedicated pages for the movie on TBS's and TNT's websites.

December, 2011

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

December, 2011: 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. Keep an eye on the TV listings as the time gets closer.

February 2012

Run for Oz benefit road race, New Orleans, Louisiana

February, 2012: Run for Oz 5K Benefit Road Race, New Orleans, Louisiana. Get a head start on Mardi Gras, dress as your favorite Oz character, and help out the Ozanam Inn Weekend Clinic at Tulane University. For more details, see http://raceforoz.eventbrite.com/.

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