OzWiki:Current events: Difference between revisions

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===''The Witches of Oz'' movie, cable and satellite television===
===''The Witches of Oz'' movie, cable and satellite television===
'''Throughout September: ''The Witches of Oz'' movie, cable and satellite television on demand and pay-per-view, the United States and Canada.''' This new movie tells the story of Dorothy, now grown up and writing children's books, having forgotten about Oz. But when the wicked witches come to New York City to recover something Dorothy has, she is forced to remember and confront them. Fortunately, her old friends from the Yellow Brick Road, the good witches, and the Wizard have also come, to help her. Many cable and satellite systems have the movie this month on their on demand and pay-per-view menus, so take a look at what's available on your system.
'''Throughout September: ''The Witches of Oz'' movie, cable and satellite television on demand and pay-per-view, the United States and Canada.''' This new movie tells the story of Dorothy, now grown up and writing children's books, having forgotten about Oz. But when the wicked witches come to New York City to recover something Dorothy has, she is forced to remember and confront them. Fortunately, her old friends from the Yellow Brick Road, the good witches, and the Wizard have also come, to help her. Many cable and satellite systems have the movie this month on their on demand and pay-per-view menus, so take a look at what's available on your system.
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===''The Wiz'', nationwide broadcast, Bounce TV===
'''September 30, 2011: ''The Wiz'', Bounce TV.''' The new digital broadcast network, aimed primarily at African-American viewers, is featuring the 1978 film adaptation of ''The Wiz'' as one of its overnight movies today. Listed as 4:00 a.m., but check local listings for the time in your area. For more information about Bounce TV, see http://www.bouncetv.com/.


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Revision as of 05:43, 30 September 2011

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, the Japanese company of Wicked is now playing in Fukuoka. See http://wicked.jp/index.html for details.
  • Wicked has wrapped up its tour of Australia, but the company is heading abroad to tour Asia. The show opens at the Grand Theater, Marina Bay Sands, in Singapore in December. See http://wickedthemusical.com.sg/ for more information and to book tickets. Further stops are in the works for Seoul, Taipei, and New Zealand. See http://www.wickedthemusical.com.au/ for more about the show and further announcements.
  • After years of rumors, Wicked is finally opening in Scheveningen, the Netherlands, with previews starting October 26 and the official opening November 6. For details and tickets, see http://www.musicals.nl/wicked/.

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

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.

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.

Hollywood Treasure, Syfy nationwide cablecast and on the Internet

Now airing: Hollywood Treasure, Syfy, nationwide cablecast and on the Internet. Joe Maddalena of Profiles in History and his team track down, appraise and help auction off valuable film, television and pop culture memorabilia. Joe is a big an of The Wizard of Oz, so several episodes feature Oz items and guests, including:

  • "I'll Get You My Pretty" (with the Wicked Witch's hat)
  • "Joe Gets Animated" (Joe searches for the Yellow Brick Road; guest appearance by Jerry Maren)
  • "Joe's Golden Opportunity" (with the Lion's "Courage" badge)
  • "Justice for Dorothy" (Joe visits the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota, hoping to unearth clues about a pair of Ruby Slippers stolen from there in 2005)
  • "Packrats, Robots and Oz" (with a copy of the book signed by the entire cast)
  • "Demons and Spacesuits and Slippers, Oh My" (Joe helps Debbie Reynolds organize her movie memorabilia collection, including a test pair of Ruby Slippers not actually used in The Movie)

The show is currently off the air, but Syfy has complete episodes available to view on the show's website, at http://www.syfy.com/rewind/hollywoodtreasure/.

Return to Oz, Showtime and related channels, nationwide cablecasts

Now airing: Return to Oz, Showtime and related premium channels, nationwide cablecasts. The cult hit 1985 Disney movie, based on the books The Marvelous Land of Oz and Ozma of Oz, has found a cable home on Showtime and its related premium channels. Here are the currently scheduled showtimes and channels (times given are EDT/PDT):

  • October 5, 6:10 a.m., The Movie Channel Xtra
  • October 8, 7:00 a.m., The Movie Channel
  • October 12, 8:00 a.m., The Movie Channel
  • October 16, 6:35 a.m., The Movie Channel
  • October 19, 4:00 a.m., Showtime Beyond
  • October 20, 7:50 a.m., The Movie Channel
  • October 22, 6:00 a.m. and 2:05 p.m., The Movie Channel Xtra

For more details, see the Return to Oz page on Showtime's website.

"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):

  • (No showings currently scheduled.)

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:

  • (No showings currently scheduled.)

Check your local listings for exact channels and times in your area. For further showtimes, see the episode's website at zap2it.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. Danielle Hope won the role of Dorothy through the television show Over the Rainbow (and the runner-up, Sophie Evans, is her understudy), and now you can see her in the part in Andrew Lloyd Webber's version of the show. Michael Crawford is playing the Wizard, with Hannah Waddingham as the Wicked Witch of the West. News and information is available on Webber's website, at http://www.andrewlloydwebber.com/shows/the-wizard-of-oz/, and the show's website is at http://www.wizardofozthemusical.com/. Webber has also talked about the possibility of bringing the show to Broadway!

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.

Galdra Karlin í Oz, Reykjavik, Iceland

Now playing: 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, see the show's web page (in Icelandic) at http://www.borgarleikhus.is/leiksyningar/stora-svid/nr/600.

Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas

Now through October 2, 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. This year, the stage play will be The Wiz. The Oz Winery is sponsoring a beer garden, debuting its newest vintage, Tin Woodman, and donating the weekend's proceeds to the Pottawatomie County Caring Hearts Humane Society. For more details, call the Oz museum at 1-866-458-TOTO, or see the event's website at http://www.oztoberfest.com/.

The Wiz, Wamego, Kansas

Now through October 9: The Wiz, The Columbian Theatre, Wamego, Kansas. In conjunction with the town's annual Oztoberfest, this year the Columbian is presenting their version of the Tony Award-winning adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz. Special ticket prices are available during Oztoberfest weekend September 30 to October 2. For more information, see the theatre's website at http://www.columbiantheatre.com/calendar/default.asp.

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.

Celebrating 100 Years, New York City, New York

Now through December 31, 2011: "Celebrating 100 Years" exhibit, Gottesman Exhibition Hall, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library, New York City, New York. The famous Beaux-Arts main branch of the New York Public Library, at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in Manhattan, opened in 1911, and so it's celebrating its centennial this year. Of special interest to Oz fans (besides the library's use as the Cowardly Lion's home in the film version of The Wiz) is that some of the library's collection of W. W. Denslow's original art for the novel of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz will be on display. The exhibit is free, and docent-led tours meet outside the entrance to Gottesman Exhibition Hall on the Library's first floor. For more information, see the exhibit's website at http://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/celebrating-100-years.

The Wizard of Oz Children's Educational Exhibition, Dearborn, Michigan

Now through January 9, 2012: The Wizard of Oz Children's Educational Exhibition, The Henry Ford Museum, Dearbor, Michigan. The children's educational exhibition makes its way to Michigan. Based on the famous film version, visitors can create a mini-tornado, meet Dorothy's friends on the yellow brick road, create a Horse of a Different Color, and other activities. Saturdays in October, visitors can come dressed as their favorite Oz characters and take part in special events. Saturdays in November feature a Munchkin Luncheon, with crafts and photo opportunities. For more information, see the exhibit's website at http://www.thehenryford.org/events/wizardOfOzExhibit.aspx.

Autumn 2011

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

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. Dates for the possible upcoming season have yet to be announced. For more information about the show, see the website at http://wizardofozontour.com/.

September 2011

The Witches of Oz movie, cable and satellite television

Throughout September: The Witches of Oz movie, cable and satellite television on demand and pay-per-view, the United States and Canada. This new movie tells the story of Dorothy, now grown up and writing children's books, having forgotten about Oz. But when the wicked witches come to New York City to recover something Dorothy has, she is forced to remember and confront them. Fortunately, her old friends from the Yellow Brick Road, the good witches, and the Wizard have also come, to help her. Many cable and satellite systems have the movie this month on their on demand and pay-per-view menus, so take a look at what's available on your system.

October 2011

Wizard of Oz exhibit, Seattle, Washington

October, 2011: Wizard of Oz exhibit, Northwest Museum of Legends and Lore, Seattle, Washington. For Halloween, this museum is hosting an Oz exhibit. It's an Oz art exhibit with a steampunk flair. For more information, keep your eyes on the museum's website.

Scary'um Aquarium, Charleston, South Carolina

October, 2011: Scary'um Aquarium, South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston, South Carolina. Celebrate Halloween at the South Carolina Aquarium, with special shows and events — including The Wizard of Oz 4-D Experience in the 4-D theater. For more information, see http://www.scaquarium.org/.

Autumn at Oz Party, Banner Elk, North Carolina

October 1-2, 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. For more information, check out http://www.emeraldmtn.com/LandofOz/autumn.htm. And tickets can now be purchased in advance from http://www.bandtastic.com/index.cfm.

Oogaboo Rendezvous, Vashon Island, Washington

October 22, 2011: Oogaboo Rendezvous, Vashon Island, Washington. Oz fans in the Pacific Northwest gather for one of their social events, this time at the home of Robin and Arlene Hess. For more information, contact the hosts at host@oogaboo.org.

November 2011

Book Tour, Out of Oz

Throughout November: Book Tour, Out of Oz. Gregory Maguire wraps up his series about an adult, looking-glass version of Oz with the fourth volume, Out of Oz. And as any good author does, he's going on tour to publicize the book. The following stops have been announced so far:

For more information about the tour, see http://harpercollins.com/Author/Tour.aspx?authorID=6173.

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

Wizard of Oz memorabilia auctions, Hollywood, California

December, 2011: Wizard of Oz memorabilia auctions, Profiles in History, Hollywood, California. We're still trying to track down details, but word on the yellow brick road has it that three major items from the famous film version of The Wizard of Oz will be going under the gavel at Profiles in History this month:

  • The Wicked Witch of the West's crystal ball
  • A test dress, not actually used in the film, worn by Judy Garland as Dorothy
  • A pair of Ruby Slippers

In case that last one wasn't clear: A PAIR OF RUBY SLIPPERS. (Trust me, this one will be all over the news!) Already a price of $2,000,000 is being talked about.

For more information, and to possibly get in on the bidding, go to http://www.profilesinhistory.com/.

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.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus play, Stow, Ohio

December 9-17, 2011: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus play, The Heritage Barn, Stow, Ohio. The life story of Santa, as originally envisioned by L. Frank Baum in his 1902 novel, is now a comedy play, presented by the Stow Players. For more information, see the company's website at http://www.stowplayers.net/season.html.

January 2012

End of the Rainbow play, Minneapolis, Minnesota

January 28-March 11, 2012: End of the Rainbow play, Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, Minnesota. After its run in London's West End, this play about the final days of Judy Garland's life makes its American premiere in Minneapolis, not far from Judy's birthplace in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, before heading to New York for a Broadway run. Features Olivier Award-winner Tracie Bennett as Judy, reprising her performance in London, and many of the songs Judy made famous, including "Over the Rainbow". For more information or to purchase tickets, see the theater's website at http://www.guthrietheater.org/whats_happening/shows/2011/end_rainbow.

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/.

April 2012

Oz Marathon Road Race, Olathe, Kansas

April 21, 2012: Oz Marathon 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. For details, including course routes and registration information, check out the website at http://www.olathe.org/cvb/sports/Marathon/index.html.

May 2012

Wizard of Oz Month Celebration, the Internet

May, 2012: Wizard of Oz Programming, Seasons & Celebrations, Live365.com Internet Radio. In honor of L. Frank Baum's birthday on May 15, this online radio station, with different topical programming each month, plays music about Oz, including songs from Oz movies and plays. Also in the mix is Judy Garland reprising her role as Dorothy in the 1950 Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. To listen, go to http://www.live365.com/stations/tc_arts_ent. You can also look for the station at http://www.athena365.com/index.live and on itunes Adult Contemporary radio.

Yellow Brick Road Festival, Sedan, Kansas

May, 2012: 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

June 2012

Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York

June, 2012: Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York. L. Frank Baum's home town honors their favorite son with this annual festival (formerly known as Oz Fest). Events include a children's Oz costume contest; craft and vendor booths; the Munchkin Mile Kids Fun Run; and lots of other contests. For more information, see the festival's website at http://oz-stravaganza.com, or the town's website at http://www.chittenango.org.

Judy Garland Festival, Grand Rapids, Minnesota

June, 2012: 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 http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com.

July 2012

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz stage musical, Seattle, Washington

July 25-September 9, 2012: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz stage musical, Moore Theater, Seattle, Washington. Stage2Page Entertainment brings their new musical version of L. Frank Baum's story to the Emerald City for a preview before its New York run. Based on the original novel and incorporating music from the 1902 stage adaptation, this new show isn't like any Oz you've seen before. For more information, see the website at http://wwozanewmusical.webs.com/apps/calendar/showEvent?calID=5083025&eventID=142072300.

The Winkie Convention, Pacific Grove, California

July 27-29, 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 Sky Island. Details will be coming soon! And keep an eye on the Winkie Convention Facebook page.

August 2012

The International Wizard of Oz Club's National Convention, Macatawa, Michigan

August 17-19, 2012: The International Wizard of Oz Club's National Convention, Holland, Michigan. L. Frank Baum's old summer home, The Sign of the Goose, was in the resort town of Macatawa, on the shore of Lake Michigan. Baum even poked fun at his neighbors in his pseudonymous book, Tamawaca Folks. And the old Ozmopolitan Convention was held for many years at nearby Castle Park. So the Oz Club returns to the area to celebrate islands and castles and homes ("Oh, my!"). The main convention venue will be the Doubletree Inn in Holland. Already lined up for the weekend is a dramatization of Tamawaca Folks. Keep an eye here for updates and further information.

September 2012

Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival, Chesterton, Indiana

September, 2012: Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival, Chesterton, Indiana. One of the earliest Wizard of Oz festivals, this year Chesterton celebrates its thirtieth edition. For more information, see the event's website at http://www.ozfestivalchesterton.com/.

October 2012

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz stage musical, New York City, New York.

Opens October 18, 2012: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz stage musical, American Theater of Actors, New York City, New York. Stage2Page Entertainment brings their new musical version of L. Frank Baum's story to the Big Apple for an Off-Off-Broadway run. Based on the original novel and incorporating music from the 1902 stage adaptation, this new show isn't like any Oz you've seen before. For more information, see the article right here, and tickets can be ordered at Brown Paper Tickets.

March 2013

Oz: The Great and Powerful, North American (at least) movie release

March 8, 2013: Oz: The Great and Powerful movie premiere, North America-wide (at least) release. The newest Oz movie is on its way to a theater near you. This prequel from Disney features James Franco as a balloonist and magician who is swept away to a magic land and is confronted by witches. It is tentatively scheduled to open in theaters all over the United States and Canada (and possibly other parts of the world), some even in 3-D. More details will be given here when there are some.

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