OzWiki:Current events: Difference between revisions
Ericgjovaag (talk | contribs) |
Ericgjovaag (talk | contribs) |
||
| Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
''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): | ''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): | ||
* Now through July 8, 2012: [http://whartoncenter.com/boxoffice/performance.aspx?pid=1107 Wharton Center, Michigan State University], East Lansing, Michigan | |||
* Now through July 15, 2012: [http://broadwaysd.com/wicked.php San Diego Civic Center], San Diego, California | * Now through July 15, 2012: [http://broadwaysd.com/wicked.php San Diego Civic Center], San Diego, California | ||
* July 11-29, 2012: [http://ottawa.broadway.com/shows/wicked-ss/ National Arts Centre], Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | * July 11-29, 2012: [http://ottawa.broadway.com/shows/wicked-ss/ National Arts Centre], Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | ||
* July 18-August 26, 2012: [http://www.newspaceentertainment.com/saltlakecity/wicked-salt-lake-city/ Capitol Theatre], Salt Lake City, Utah | * July 18-August 26, 2012: [http://www.newspaceentertainment.com/saltlakecity/wicked-salt-lake-city/ Capitol Theatre], Salt Lake City, Utah | ||
Revision as of 22:12, 26 June 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:
- 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, 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.
- Now through July 31, 2012: Bluesquare, Seoul, South Korea. See http://wickedthemusical.co.kr/ for details or to book tickets.
- Further stops are in the works for Taipei and New Zealand. See http://www.wickedthemusical.com.au/ for more about the show and further announcements.
- After years of rumors, Wicked finally opened in Scheveningen, the Netherlands, in 2011. 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):
- Now through July 8, 2012: Wharton Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
- Now through July 15, 2012: San Diego Civic Center, San Diego, California
- July 11-29, 2012: National Arts Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- July 18-August 26, 2012: Capitol Theatre, Salt Lake City, Utah
- August 1-26, 2012: Place de Arts, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- August 29-September 9, 2012: Centre in the Square, Kitchener, Ontaro, Canada
- 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
- October 3-November 4, 2012: The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, Baltimore, Maryland
- October 10-November 17, 2012: The Paramount Theatre, Seattle, Washington
- November 7-13, 2012: The Main Stage at Proctors, Schenectady, New York
- November 24, 2012-January 16, 2013: Neill S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, Honolulu, Hawaii
- December 12, 2012-January 6, 2013: The Fabulous Fox Theater, St. Louis, Missouri
- January 9-27, 2013: David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Carol Marsoni Hall, Tampa, Florida
- January 23-February 17, 2013: Orpheum Theatre, San Francisco, California
- January 30-February 17, 2013: Broward Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- February 20-March 10, 2013: Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, Orlando, Florida
- February 20-March 17, 2013: Segerstrom Hall, Costa Mesa, California
- March 20-April 7, 2013: Tucson Music Hall, Tucson, Arizona
- May 8-19, 2013: Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend, Indiana
- May 8-June 2, 2013: Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans, Louisiana
- June 5-23, 2013: Ohio Theatre, Columbus, Ohio
- June 26-August 4, 2013: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- July 10-August 11, 2013: The Hobby Center, Houston, Texas
- August 7-September 15, 2013: Boston Opera House, Boston, Massachusetts
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.
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 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
- July 25, 9:00 a.m., Showtime Family Zone
- July 28, 9:20 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Showtime Family Zone
- August 1, 2:00 a.m., Showtime Family Zone
For more details, see the Return to Oz page on Showtime's website.
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:
- August 4, Starz Kids and Family:
- Part 1, 3:40 p.m.
- Part 2, 5:10 p.m.
- August 16, Starz Kids and Family:
- Part 1, 3:00 p.m.
- Part 2, 4:30 p.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.
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 Wizard of Oz play, New York City, New York
Now through June 30, 2012: The Wizard of Oz, Haberdasher Theatre, New York City, New York. A modern, metropolitan twist highlights this production of The Wizard of Oz. On her cosmopolitan journey, Dorothy navigates much more than the city-that-never-sleeps on her quest to find the Wizard, the guy who must know the secret to "making it" here—or anywhere! This is not your kid sister's Dorothy story! All tickets are $20, and can be purchased at Smartix, or by calling 212-868-4444. All shows start at 8:00 p.m. For more information, see the show's web page.
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 play, Jacksonville, Florida
Now through 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.
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.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Wizard of Oz play, London, England
Now through September 2, 2012: 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/. But it closes soon so that the show can come to North America!
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/.
June 2012
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.
The Wizard of Oz play, Naperville, Illinois
June 29-July 8, 2012: The Wizard of Oz, Pfeiffer Hall, North Central College, Naperville, Illinois. NCC's drama department is putting on The Wizard of Oz for their big summer musical. Performances are at 7:30 Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. The July 1 and 7 shows will be signed for the hearing impaired. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. For more information or to purchase tickets, see the show's website at http://finearts.northcentralcollege.edu/event/%C2%93-wizard-oz%C2%94.
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
Prelude to Pride: A Wizard of Oz play, St. Petersburg, Florida
July 1, 2012: Prelude to Pride: A Wizard of Oz play, American Stage Theatre Company, St. Petersburg, Florida. The Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project celebrates its tenth anniversary with this send-up take on The Wizard of Oz. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $15 for advance reserved seating, or pay what you can ($10-20 suggested) at the door. Performances benefit Metropolitan Charities of Pinellas and ASAP. For more information, see the show's website right here.
Gesneriad Society Convention, Seattle, Washington
July 2-7, 2012: The Gesnariad Society 2012 Convention, Renaissance Seattle Hotel, Seattle, Washington. The society devoted to a certain variety of flowering plants is holding its annual convention in Seattle, so naturally the theme is Gesneriads in the Emerald City. Part of the convention includes a show of Oz-themed exhibits of both growing and fresh-cut flowers, which will be open to the general public on Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information about the convention, see the website at http://www.gesneriadsociety.org/conv2012/index.htm.
The Wizard of Oz play, Woodbury, Minnesota
July 13-21, 2012: The Wizard of Oz play, East Ridge High School, Woodbury, Minnesota. The Woodbury Community Theatre and Kinderberry Hill present the stage adaptation of the famous story. Shows begin at 7:00 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 3:00 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for youth 5-17, and those younger than five are admitted free. There is also a special Punch and Munch mixer with cast members on Sunday, July 15, at 1:30 p.m., for which tickets are $5. For more information, see the company's website at http://woodburycommunitytheatre.org/. Tickets can be purchased in advance at http://woodburycommunitytheatre.org/tickets/.
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. Special guests are Caren Marsh-Doll, Judy Garland's stand-in while filming The Wizard of Oz; and Susan Conway, the singing voice of Dorothy in the 1964 television special Return to Oz. Keep an eye on the Winkie Convention Facebook page.
August 2012
The Wizard of Oz play, Lansing, Michigan
August 3-12, 2012: The Wizard of Oz play, Frandor Shopping Center, Lansing, Michigan. The Mid Michigan Family Theatre puts on the stage adaptation of the story. Details will be coming, but keep an eye on the company's website at http://www.freewebs.com/midmichfamilytheatre/.
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!
February 2013
Returning to Oz: The Afterlife of Dorothy conference, Manchester, England, United Kingdom
February 7, 2013: Returning to Oz: The Afterlife of Dorothy academic conference, Manchester, England, United Kingdom. This one-day academic conference examines the representations and interpretations of Dorothy and Oz in popular culture. For more information, see the event's website at http://www.hic-dragones.co.uk/#/events/4546989762. And if you can't make it, you can at least be represented by a paper. See their call for papers at http://www.hic-dragones.co.uk/#/call-for-papers/4564635392.
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
Wizard of Oz Month Celebration, the Internet
May, 2013: 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, 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
June 2013
Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York
June, 2013: 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 2013: 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/.
