OzWiki:Current events: Difference between revisions
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'''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: | '''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: | ||
* [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 | * [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 http://www.emeraldcurtain.com/New-York.html for details. | ||
* The Apollo Victoria Theatre, The West End, London, England, United Kingdom. For more information, including booking tickets, see | * The Apollo Victoria Theatre, The West End, London, England, United Kingdom. For more information, including booking tickets, see http://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/ or http://www.wickedwestend.co.uk/, and tickets can be purchased through http://www.wickedtheatretickets.co.uk/. You can also follow the British Wicked on the following social network sites: | ||
** [http://www.facebook.com/WickedLondon FaceBook] | ** [http://www.facebook.com/WickedLondon FaceBook] | ||
** [http://www.ivillage.co.uk/newspol/community/leisure/articles/0,,598817_705003,00.html iVillage] | ** [http://www.ivillage.co.uk/newspol/community/leisure/articles/0,,598817_705003,00.html iVillage] | ||
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** [http://twitter.com/wickedlondon Twitter] | ** [http://twitter.com/wickedlondon Twitter] | ||
* After successful runs in Tokyo and Osaka, the Japanese company of ''Wicked'' is now playing in Fukuoka. See | * 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 | * ''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/. | * 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 | ''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): | ||
* September 7-October 2, 2011: [http://www.pgharts.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=26485 Benedum Center], Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ([http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11244/1171196-325.stm Read the preview article here.]) | * September 7-October 2, 2011: [http://www.pgharts.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=26485 Benedum Center], Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ([http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11244/1171196-325.stm Read the preview article here.]) | ||
Revision as of 07:36, 22 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:
- Gershwin Theater, Broadway, New York City, New York. Tickets may be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. For more details, go to wickedthemusical.com. For a "Behind the Emerald Curtain" tour on Saturday mornings, go to http://www.emeraldcurtain.com/New-York.html for details.
- The Apollo Victoria Theatre, The West End, London, England, United Kingdom. For more information, including booking tickets, see http://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk/ or http://www.wickedwestend.co.uk/, and tickets can be purchased through http://www.wickedtheatretickets.co.uk/. You can also follow the British Wicked on the following social network sites:
- 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):
- September 7-October 2, 2011: Benedum Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Read the preview article here.)
- September 14-October 9, 2011: Fox Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia
- October 5-16, 2011: Landmark Theater, Richmond, Virginia
- October 12-30, 2011: Peoria Civic Center, Peoria, Illinois
- October 19-November 6, 2011: Andrew Jackson Hall, Tennesee Performing Arts Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- November 2-26, 2011: Proctor & Gamble Hall, Arnoff Center for the Arts, Cincinnati, Ohio
- November 9-December 4, 2011: Willis Center, Des Moines Civic Center, Des Moines, Iowa
- November 30, 2011-January 22, 2012: Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, California
- December 7-31, 2011: Detroit Opera House, Detroit, Michigan
- January 4-22, 2012: Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, Jacksonville, Florida
- January 25-February 12, 2012: Bass Concert Hall, Austin, Texas
- February 1-12, 2012: Plaza Theatre, El Paso, Texas
- February 15-March 4, 2012: BJCC Concert Hall, Birmingham, Alabama
- February 15-March 11, 2012: Gammage Auditorium, Tempe, Arizona
- March 7-25, 2012: Chrysler Hall at Seven Venues, Norfolk, Virginia
- March 14-April 8, 2012: Keller Auditorium, Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Portland, Oregon
- March 28-April 15, 2012: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Fort Meyers, Florida
- April 11-May 20, 2012: The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver, Colorado
- April 18-29, 2012: North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center, North Charleston, South Carolina
- May 2-27, 2012: Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham, North Carolina
- May 23-June 17, 2012: Community Center Theatre, Sacramento, California
- May 30-June 24, 2012: Victoria Theatre, Dayton, Ohio
- June 20-July 15, 2012: San Diego Civic Center, San Diego, California
- June 27-July 8, 2012: Wharton Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
- July 18-August 6, 2012: Capitol Theatre, Salt Lake City, Utah
- August 29-October 7, 2012: Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Las Vegas, Nevada
- September 12-30, 2012: Robert S. Whitney Hall, The Kentucky Center, Louisville, Kentucky
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/.
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):
- September 23, 9:10 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Showtime Family Zone
- September 27, 2:05 p.m., Showtime Beyond
- September 29, 5:50 p.m., Showtime Family Zone
- September 30, 3:10 a.m., Showtime Family Zone
- October 5, 6:10 a.m., The Movie Channel Extra
- October 8, 7:00 a.m., The Movie Channel
- October 12, 8:00 a.m., The Movie Channel
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:
- September 27, 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., Disney XD
- September 28, 2:00 p.m., Disney Channel
- September 29, 4:00 a.m., Disney Channel
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
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 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.
W sermon series, Florida, Peru, and online
Through September: W sermon series, Potential Church, locations in Florida and Lima, Peru, and online. The Florida megachurch kicks off their fall ministry with W, a series of sermons based on the events and characters of The Wizard of Oz and Wicked. Presentations will be at the Potential Church locations in Cooper City, Hallandale, Miami, and Pensacola, Florida, and Lima, Peru. There will also be an online presentation. For more information, see the church's website at http://potentialchurch.com/teachings/w.
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.
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.
Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas
September 30-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. For more details, call the Oz museum at 1-866-458-TOTO, or see the event's website at oztoberfest.com.
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.
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. Special guests will be announced soon. For more information, check out emeraldmtn.com/LandofOz/autumn.htm. And tickets can now be purchased in advance from bandtastic.com.
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:
- November 1: {http://www.coolidge.org/ Coolidge Corner Theater], Brookline, Massachusetts, on behalf of Brookline Booksmith
- November 2: Needham Public Library, Needham, Massachusetts, on behalf of Wellesley Books
- November 3: Book Revue, Huntington, New York
- November 4: Barnes and Noble Union Square, New York City, New York
- November 5: Outwrite Books, Atlanta, Georgia
- November 5: Toco Hill Library, Decatur, Georgia, on behalf of Georgia Center for the Book
- November 6: Unabridged Bookstore, Chicago, Illinois
- November 7: Forum Theater, Wichita, Kansas, on behalf of Watermark Books
- November 8: Tattered Cover Bookstore (LoDo Branch), Denver, Colorado
- November 9: University Methodist Temple, Seattle, Washington, on behalf of University Book Store
- November 10: Bagdad Theater, Portland, Oregon, on behalf of Powell's Books
- November 11: Book Passage, Corte Madera, California
- November 12: The Booksmith, San Francisco, California
- November 13: Barnes and Noble The Grove, Newport Beach, California
- November 14: Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe, Arizona
- November 15: St. Louis County Library, St. Louis, Missouri, on behalf of Pudd'nhead Books
- November 16: Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati, Ohio
- November 18: Concord Bookshop, Concord, Massachusetts
- November 29: Boston Public Library (Central Branch), Boston, Massachusetts
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
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 ozmarathon.com.
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 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 oz-stravaganza.com, or the town's website at 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 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 wwozanewmusical.webs.com.
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 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.
