OzWiki:Current events: Difference between revisions

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'''Now playing: ''Hollywood Treasure'' series, Syfy channel and online.''' Joe and the gang from Profiles in History are back with a second season of their efforts to find and auction off movie and television memorabilia. Since Joe is a big fan of ''The Wizard of Oz'', episodes often are of interest to Oz fans. Here's the current schedule of Oz-related episodes:
'''Now playing: ''Hollywood Treasure'' series, Syfy channel and online.''' Joe and the gang from Profiles in History are back with a second season of their efforts to find and auction off movie and television memorabilia. Since Joe is a big fan of ''The Wizard of Oz'', episodes often are of interest to Oz fans. Here's the current schedule of Oz-related episodes:


* May 29: "Riddler Rudy and the Ruby Slippers", 12:30 p.m.
* June 26: "Riddler Rudy and the Ruby Slippers", 12:00 p.m.
* June 26: "Riddler Rudy and the Ruby Slippers", 12:00 p.m.


Revision as of 21:18, 29 May 2012

Other Oz events can also be found on the Wizard of Oz Calendar of Events page on Facebook.

Going on now

Wicked play, around the world

Now playing: Wicked. This is 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, Osaka, and Fukuoka, the Japanese company of Wicked is now playing in Nagoya. See http://wicked.jp/index.html for details.
  • Wicked has wrapped up its tour of Australia, but the company is now touring Asia and the Pacific.

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):

Hollywood Legends Collection exhibit, Hollywood, California

Now on exhibit: Hollywood Legends Collection, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Hollywood, California. The famous theater is now hosting a rotating collection of iconic costumes and memorabilia from the movies, ranging from Mary Pickford to The Terminator. Highlights include Scarlett O'Hara's curtain dress from Gone with the Wind, Marilyn Monroe's gold lamé halter dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and Judy Garland's dress from The Wizard of Oz. The exhibit is part of the theater's VIP tour, or free to those holding a ticket to a movie. For more information, see http://www.chinesetheatres.com/events.html.

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.

"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.

"The Wizard of Paws/Pinocchio Penguin" episode of Hello Kitty's Furry Tale Theater, on the Internet

Now playing: "The Wizard of Paws/Pinocchio Penguin" episode of Hello Kitty's Furry Tale Theater, hulu.com. Hello Kitty and the gang put on their own version of The Wizard of Oz (and Pinocchio, too). To watch, go to http://www.hulu.com/watch/120366/hello-kittys-furry-tale-theater-wizard-of-paws--pinocchio-penguin#s-p3-so-i0.

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):

  • June 1, 5:00 p.m., Showtime Beyond
  • June 4, 6:40 a.m. and 3:05 p.m., Showtime Beyond
  • June 10, 6:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Showtime Beyond
  • June 13, 11:40 a.m., Showtime Beyond
  • June 16, 12:10 p.m., Showtime Beyond
  • June 21, 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Showtime Beyond
  • June 25, 9:10 a.m., Showtime Beyond
  • June 29, 11:30 a.m., Showtime Beyond
  • July 3, 12:20 p.m., Showtime Family Zone
  • July 9, 11:00 p.m., Showtime Family Zone
  • July 19, 8:00 p.m., Showtime Family Zone

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

The Origins of Oz cablecast, The Smithsonian Channel

Now playing: The Origins of Oz cablecast, The Smithsonian Channel. The American edit of this show, first shown on the BBC as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The True Story, is now on the air. The following broadcasts have been scheduled (all times listed are EST):

  • May 30, 6:00 p.m.
  • May 31, 3:00 a.m.

Check local listings for availability, channel, and times in your area. For more information, and to watch a preview video, see the show's website at http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/sn/show.do?show=137669.

Way Off Broadway television series, Canadian cablecast, Bravo network

Now showing: Way Off Broadway television series, Bravo Canada network. What happens when you take a group of Montreal amateur theatre enthusiasts and give them only eight weeks to put on a production of The Wizard of Oz? You get this new show, being shown in Canada on the Bravo cable network. Here's the current schedule:

  • June 2: Episode 1: "What Am I Doing Here?", 6:00 a.m.
  • June 3: Episode 2: "I Hope I Get It", 6:00 a.m.
  • June 9: Episode 3: "This Is a Lot of Work!", 6:00 a.m.
  • June 10: Episode 4: "Keeping Up and Shaping Up", 6:00 a.m.
  • June 16: Episode 5: "Can You Sing and Cry at the Same Time?", 6:00 a.m.
  • June 17: Episode 6: "The Wrestling Game", 6:00 a.m.
  • June 23: Episode to be named, 6:00 a.m.
  • June 24: Episode to be named, 6:00 a.m.

Canadian viewers should check their local listings for channel and exact time in your area. For more information, or to watch episodes online, see the show's website at http://wayoffbroadway.bravo.ca/. More information, including the latest schedule, is at http://www.bravo.ca/television/tvshows/show.aspx?showID=Way%20Off%20Broadway.

The Witches of Oz miniseries, national cablecast

Now playing: The Witches of Oz miniseries, Starz channels cablecasts. The original television miniseries version of the story, which also played in theaters as Dorothy and the Witches of Oz. Dorothy, now grown up and living in New York as a successful children's writer, is finding that parts of her stories about the land of Oz are coming true. Some of her new acquaintances are trying to get something from her — but others want to help protect her. Was Oz real after all? The following showtimes are currently confirmed:

  • June 6, Starz Kids and Family:
    • Part 1, 2:40 p.m.
    • Part 2, 4:10 p.m.
  • June 7, Starz Kids and Family:
    • Part 1, 4:05 a.m.
    • Part 2, 5:35 a.m.
  • June 24, Starz Kids and Family:
    • Part 1, 3:25 p.m.
    • Part 2, 4:55 p.m.
  • June 25, Starz Kids and Family:
    • Part 1, 5:00 a.m.
    • Part 2, 6:30 a.m.

For more information, see http://www.starz.com/series/thewitchesofoz for the series, http://www.starz.com/series/TheWitchesOfOz/ep/Part1 for part 1, or http://www.starz.com/series/TheWitchesOfOz/ep/Part2 for part 2.

Hollywood Treasure series, national cablecast and online

Now playing: Hollywood Treasure series, Syfy channel and online. Joe and the gang from Profiles in History are back with a second season of their efforts to find and auction off movie and television memorabilia. Since Joe is a big fan of The Wizard of Oz, episodes often are of interest to Oz fans. Here's the current schedule of Oz-related episodes:

  • June 26: "Riddler Rudy and the Ruby Slippers", 12:00 p.m.

Full episodes are also available to view online at the show's website, or on Hulu.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, but her time has now ended. So she's now been replaced by the runner-up, Sophie Evans! You can now see her in the part in Andrew Lloyd Webber's version of the show. 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.

The Mermaid's Tale musical, Long Island City, New York

Now through June 9, 2012: The Mermaid's Tale musical play, The Secret Theatre, Long Island City, New York. It's back! The children's musical based on L. Frank Baum's 1911 novel The Sea Fairies is back for a return engagement, as part of The Secret Theatre's Children's Rep series. Performances are at 2:00 p.m. on April 29, May 12 and 19, and June 9. Tickets may be purchased in advance, and prices are $10 for children, $15 for adults, and $40 for a family pack of four. For more information, see the theater's website at http://www.secrettheatre.com/home.html.

The Wizard of Oz play, Columbia, Maryland

Now through July 1, 2012: The Wizard of Oz play, Tobey's Dinner Theatre, Columbia, Maryland. What could be more fun than to go to see The Wizard of Oz performed on stage at your local theater? Why, going to see The Wizard of Oz performed at your local theater and getting a nice meal at the same time! Tobey's Dinner Theatre in Columbia (not to be confused with their Baltimore branch) is putting on The Wizard of Oz for your dining and viewing entertainment. Evening performances are available throughout the week, along with Wednesday matinées and a Sunday morning brunch show. Standard ticket prices (with food) range from $48 to $53, with discounts for children twelve and under. For more information, or to purchase tickets, see the website at http://www.tobysdinnertheatre.com/tobyscolumbia_009.htm.

The Wizard of Oz interactive museum exhibit, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Now through September 2, 2012: The Wizard of Oz interactive museum exhibit, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This exhibit, based on the famous movie version of the story, comes to western Pennsylvania. Admission prices are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and children 2 to 18, and free for museum members and children under two. For more information, see the museum's website at http://www.pittsburghkids.org/Templates/CMP_ExhibitsDetail.aspx?CID=887&SECID=2&MENUID=303#oz.

The Wizard of Oz interactive museum exhibit, Omaha, Nebraska

Now through September 9, 2012: The Wizard of Oz interactive museum exhibit, Omaha Children's Museum, Omaha, Nebraska. This exhibit, based on the original novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, comes to the Nebraska prairie. Admission prices are $8 for adults and kids, $7 for seniors, and members and those two and under get in free. For more information, see the museum's website at http://www.ocm.org/exhibits/temporary/upcoming/.

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.

June 2012

Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York

June 1-3, 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. Special guest this year is Andre DeShields, who originated the title role in The Wiz on Broadway. And the parade's grand marshal is Gregory Maguire, author of the Wicked Years series of books. For more information, see the festival's website at http://oz-stravaganza.com, or the town's website at http://www.chittenango.org.

The Wizard of Oz play, Jacksonville, Florida

June 6-July 22, 2012: The Wizard of Oz play, Dinner Theatre and Dining, Jacksonville, Florida. The nation's longest running dinner theater allowed its fans, for the first time, to vote on its summer musical, and The Wizard of Oz was the winner. So, enjoy a nice meal while you watch Dorothy and her friends traipsing down the yellow brick road. The entire run will be a fundraiser for the Community PedsCare Program of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. For more information, or to buy tickets, see the show's website at http://www.alhambrajax.com/component/content/article/38-upcoming-shows/182-oz.

Judy Garland Marathon with The Wizard of Oz, national cablecast, TCM

June 10, 2012: Judy Garland Marathon, national cablecast, TCM. The classic movie channel celebrates Judy Garland's ninetieth birthday with a twenty-four hour marathon celebrating the star, including a showing of The Wizard of Oz and a documentary about The Movie. Several of the movies will be co-hosted by John Fricke, noted Garland and Oz researcher and historian. Here's the schedule (all times listed are EDT):

  • 6:00 a.m.: Everybody Sing (one of Garland's first starring roles)
  • 7:45 a.m.: Love Finds Andy Hardy (co-starring Mickey Rooney)
  • 9:30 a.m.: Strike Up the Band (co-starring Mickey Rooney)
  • 12:00 p.m.: For Me and My Gal (Garland's first sole star billing above the title, and Gene Kelly's first movie)
  • 2:00 p.m.: Girl Crazy (co-starring Mickey Rooney)
  • 3:45 p.m.: A Star Is Born
  • 7:00 p.m.: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 50 Years of Magic (documentary, hosted by Angela Lansbury)
  • 8:00 p.m.: The Wizard of Oz
  • 10:00 p.m.: Meet Me in St. Louis
  • 12:00 a.m.: Easter Parade (co-starring Fred Astaire)
  • 2:00 a.m.: Summer Stock (co-starring Gene Kelly)
  • 4:15 a.m.: I Could Go On Singing (Garland's last film)

Several short subjects starring and about Garland will be interspersed throughout the day as well. For more details, see the press release on the Judy Garland News website. Also keep an eye on TCM's website, at http://www.tcm.com/, for news as the day gets closer.

Judy Garland Festival, Grand Rapids, Minnesota

June 14-16, 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/festival2012.html.

L. Frank Baum one-man show, Torrance, California

June 27, 2012: L. Frank Baum one-man show, Nakano Theatre, Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Torrance, California. To celebrate Torrance's centennial, the Visionaries series presents one-man shows of famous people in their own words. This day sees L. Frank Baum take the stage. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and students, and $20 for subscribers. For more information, see the show's website at http://www.torrancelive.us/index_files/Page1125.htm.

Dorothy and the Witches of Oz movie, Louisville, Kentucky

June 30, 2012: Dorothy and the Witches of Oz movie, Archibald Cochran Ballroom, Galt House Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky. The film version of the story (Dorothy, now grown up and writing children's books in New York City, finds out that Oz is real, and the witches are coming to get something from her) makes its film festival debut at the Fright Night Film Fest. Special guests at the screening include director Leigh Scott, and stars Eliza Swenson, Sean Astin, Barry Ratcliffe, and Al Snow. The screening starts at 8:00 p.m. For more information about the festival, see their website at http://www.frightnightfilmfest.com/.

July 2012

The Winkie Convention, Pacific Grove, California

July 27-29, 2012: 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, and the ninetieth and eightieth anniversaries of Ruth Plumly Thompson's two Pumperdink books, Kabumpo in Oz and The Purple Prince of Oz. 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.

Autumn 2012

On tour: The Wizard of Oz play, 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 (and the Royal Shakespeare Company's stage adaptation). For more information about the show, see the website at http://wizardofozontour.com/.

Classic Movie Costumes exhibit, London, England, Great Britain

Classic Movie Costumes exhibit, The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England, Great Britain. Sometime later this year, the V&A will host an exhibit of classic movie costumes, including Vivien Leigh's green velvet "curtain dress" from Gone With the Wind, outfits from Breakfast at Tiffany's, Superman, and Pirates of the Caribbean. For Oz fans, the big draw will be a pair of Ruby Slippers and a dress worn by Judy Garland. Keep an eye on http://www.vam.ac.uk/ for updates and further information.

Over the Rainbow, Canadian national broadcast, CBC

Over the Rainbow television series, Canadian national broadcast, CBC. It worked in Britain, it can work again. The new Andrew Lloyd Webber version of The Wizard of Oz opens its second production, later this year in Toronto, and they need a Dorothy. So, after tryouts all over the country, ten eager finalists will see if they have what it takes to play Dorothy in front of Webber, a panel of judges, and the Canadian public. Stay tuned for more information, and keep your eye on the show's website at http://www.cbc.ca/overtherainbow/.

September 2012

Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival, Chesterton, Indiana

September 14-16, 2012: Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival, Chesterton, Indiana. One of the earliest Wizard of Oz festivals continues with its thirty-first edition. For more information, see the event's website at http://www.ozfestivalchesterton.com/.

Out of This World museum exhibit, Naples, Florida

September 22-December 30, 2012: Out of This World Museum Exhibit, Naples Museum of Art, Naples, Florida. The exhibit of iconic movie costumes comes to Florida. Among the items in this exhibit are Arnold Schwarzenegger's leather jacket from The Terminator, a Batman suit, items from Star Trek, Blade Runner, Ghostbusters,… and Margaret Hamilton's Wicked Witch of the West hat from The Wizard of Oz. For more details on the exhibit, see the item in The News-Press. The website for the museum is at http://www.thephil.org/museum/museum.html.

October 2012

Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas

October, 2012: Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas. The town not only has an Oz museum, they put on an annual 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 http://www.oztoberfest.com/.

Autumn at Oz Party, Banner Elk, North Carolina

October, 2012: 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.

November 2012

Wizard of Oz Festival and movie showing, Naperville and Woodridge, Illinois

November, 2012: Wizard of Oz Festival, Hollywood Palms Cinema, Naperville, Illinois, and Hollywood Boulevard Cinema, Woodridge, Illinois. The theaters' annual showing of The Wizard of Oz, with special guest and events. For details, keep an eye on http://www.atriptothemovies.com/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=HomeClapperEVENT&category=Home.

The Wizard of Oz, TBS and/or TNT cablecasts

November, 2012: The Wizard of Oz, TBS and/or TNT cablecasts. The stations' annual holiday season showings of the famous film version. For details, keep an eye on the dedicated pages for the movie on TBS's and TNT's websites.

2013

Dorothy of Oz movie, in theaters throughout the United States and Canada

Sometime in 2013 (exact date to be announced): Dorothy of Oz movie, in theaters throughout the United States and Canada (at least). This 3-D CGI animated musical movie, based on the book by Roger S. Baum, has been in production for some time, and a release date has at last been announced. The movie features the voices of Lea Michele as Dorothy, Dan Aykroyd as the Scarecrow, Kelsey Grammer as the Tin Man, Jim Belushi as the Cowardly Lion, Martin Short as the Jester, Megan Hilty as the China Princess, and Patrick Stewart as Tugg. For more information about the movie, see its website at http://www.dorothyofoz.com/.

January 2013

Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Wizard of Oz play, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

January, 2013: Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Wizard of Oz play, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. There aren't a lot of details yet, but it appears that the current London hit version of The Wizard of Oz will make its North American debut in a Toronto run January and February. No word on which theatre yet. Keep coming back for more details when there are some to report!

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.

April 2013

Garmin Marathon in the Land of Oz Road Race, Olathe, Kansas

April, 2013: Garmin Marathon in the Land of Oz, 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 2013

Yellow Brick Road Festival, Sedan, Kansas

May, 2013: 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

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