OzWiki:Current events

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

Going on now

Oz: The Great and Powerful movie

Now playing: Oz: The Great and Powerful, movie theaters around the world. The newest Oz movie is now playing at a theater near you (or will soon). This prequel from Disney features James Franco as balloonist and magician Oscar Diggs, who is swept away to a magic land and is confronted by witches. Most theaters have 3-D showings, and in some markets, it's playing in IMAX. The official website is at http://disney.go.com/thewizard/.

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Wicked play, around the world

Now playing: Wicked. This is 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:
  • FaceBook
  • iVillage
  • MySpace
  • Twitter

• A British Isles touring production is scheduled to open September 12, 2013, with the following dates and cities announced:
  • September 12-November 16, 2013: Manchester, England
  • November 27, 2013-January 18, 2014: Dublin, Ireland
  • February 4-March 8, 2014: Milton Keynes, England
  • March 12-April 26, 2014: Cardiff, Wales
  • May 6-31, 2014: Glasgow, Scotland
  • June 10-July 5, 2014: Leeds, England
  • July 9-September 6, 2014: Birmingham, England
  • (The tour's website is at http://www.wickedtour.co.uk/.)

• 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 will be returning soon to Australia, after its run in Auckland, New Zealand beginning September 14, 2013. It will reopen in Melbourne in 2014, to be followed by a new Australian tour. Keep an eye on http://www.wickedthemusical.com.au/ for details.

• 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 May 5, 2013: Music Hall at Fair Park, Dallas, Texas
  • May 8-19, 2013: Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend, Indiana
  • May 8-June 2, 2013: Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • May 22-June 9, 2013: Overture Center, Madison, Wisconsin
  • June 5-23, 2013: Ohio Theatre, Columbus, Ohio
  • June 12-July 7, 2013: Uihlein Hall, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • 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
  • August 14-September 1, 2013: Stranahan Theatre, Toledo, Ohio
  • September 4-22, 2013: Civic Center Music Hall, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • September 18-October 27, 2013: Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • September 25-October 6, 2013: Robinson Center Music Hall, Little Rock, Arkansas
  • October 9-27, 2013: Music Hall, Kansas City, Missouri
  • October 30-December 10, 2013: Civic Center, Des Moines, Iowa
  • October 30-December 21, 2013: Oriental Theatre, Chicago, Illinois
  • November 13-December 1, 2013: Murat Theatre, Indianapolis, Indiana
  • December 4, 2013-January 5, 2014: State Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio
  • December 26, 2013-January 12, 2014: Providence Performing Arts Center, Providence, Rhode Island
  • January 8-26, 2014: Shea's Performing Arts Center, Buffalo, New York
  • January 15-February 9, 2014: Benedum Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • January 29-February 16, 2014: Orpheum Theatre, Memphis, Tennessee
  • February 12-March 2, 2014: Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Appleton, Wisconsin
  • February 19-March 9, 2014: Bass Hall, Austin, Texas
  • March 5-23, 2014: Aronoff Center for the Arts, Cincinnati, Ohio
  • March 12-30, 2014: Majestic Theatre, San Antonio, Texas
  • April 23-May 4, 2014: Landmark Theater, Richmond, Virginia
  • May 7-25, 2014: Orpheum Theater, Omaha, Nebraska
  • June 18-July 6, 2014: Chapman Music Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma

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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.

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Positively Ozitively series, on Amazon.com

Now playing: Positively Ozitively series, streaming on Amazon.com. This new educational series, about creativity and problem solving, features Dorothy's daughter, Dot, as she finds her way to Oz and meets the descendants her mother's old friends. Together, they solve the problem of the day. So far, they have recorded a pilot episode, and there's also a short preview that goes behind the scenes and explains the show's goals. You can also download the theme song. If the pilot is a success, there will very likely be more episodes, so support this show!

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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.

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"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.

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"The Wizard of Oz" episode of Alf Tales, on the Internet

Now playing: "The Wizard of Oz" episode of Alf Tales, hulu.com. Everyone's favorite Melmackian, Gordon Shumway (who was later nicknamed ALF when he came to Earth), stars in this series of famous tales told in his own unique way. For one episode, the gang did their take on The Wizard of Oz. And if you have Hulu Plus, you can see it right here.

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"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.

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The Shirley Temple Storybook Collection: The Land of Oz, on the Internet

Now playing: The Land of Oz episode of The Shirley Temple Storybook Collection, hulu.com. This 1961 episode of Temple's show adapts the second Oz book. Features Temple herself as Ozma and Tip, Agnes Moorehead as Mombi, Jonathan Winters as General Nikidik, Sterling Holloway as Jack Pumpkinhead, Ben Blue as the Scarecrow, Gil Lamb as the Tin Woodman, and Mel Blanc as the voice of the Sawhorse. To watch for free on hulu.com, go to http://www.hulu.com/watch/369199.

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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.

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The Wizard of Oz play, Chicago, Illinois

Now through May 7, 2013: The Wizard of Oz musical play, The Stahl Family Theatre, Chicago, Illinois. The Rising Stars Theatre Company presents their spring show, the stage adaptation of the famous movie version of The Wizard of Oz. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 2:0 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $17, with discounts for seniors, children, and groups. For more information, see the show's website at http://www.risingstarschicago.com/spring-show.html, and tickets can be purchased at http://www.risingstarschicago.com/tickets--location.html.

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Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Orlando, Florida

Now through May 19, 2013: Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Epcot Center, Orlando, Florida. To commemorate the release of the movie Oz: The Great and Powerful, this year's flower and garden festival at Epcot will have an Oz theme, as detailed in this blog entry. For more information, see the festival's website.

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Wizard of Oz Month Celebration, the Internet

Now through May 31, 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.

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The Wizard of Oz play, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Now through August 18: Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Wizard of Oz play, Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. After its successful run in the West End, Sir Andrew is bringing his stage version of Oz to North America with this Canadian production. Featuring as Dorothy is Danielle Wade, the winner of the CBC talent contest Over the Rainbow. For more information, or to purchase tickets, see http://mirvish.com/shows/thewizardofoz. And after its run in Toronto, the show is going across the road in Canada and the United States.

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May 2013

The Marvelous Land of Oz play, Chicago, Illinois

May 10-June 2, 2013: The Marvelous Land of Oz play, Den Theatre, Chicago, Illinois. L. Frank Baum's second Oz book gets a new stage adaptation, presented by the New American Folk Theatre. For more information, see the company's Facebook page. To purchase tickets, go to Brown Paper Tickets.

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Yellow Brick Road Festival, Sedan, Kansas

May 25-26, 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 or call 620-725-4033.

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Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York

May 31-June 2, 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.

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June 2013

Judy Garland Festival, Grand Rapids, Minnesota

June 13-15, 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/events.html.

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The Winkie Convention, Pacific Grove, California

June 20-23, 2013: The Winkie Convention, Asilomar Conference Center, Pacific Grove, California. Highlights include the auction and sales tables, the costume contest, and the annual Winkie Award. This year, the Winkie Convention also serves as the Oz Club's national convention, so the Board of Directors will meet, and the Club will present its annual L. Frank Baum Memorial Award. For further information, keep an eye on the Winkie Convention Facebook page and the 2013 convention page.

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July 2013

WesterCon 66, Sacramento, California

July 4-7, 2013: WesterCon 66, The Hilton Arden West Hotel, Sacramento, California. The sixty-sixth annual west coast science fiction convention meets in Sacramento this year. Two of the con's special guests should be of interest to Oz fans: Artist GoH Eric Shanower, and Small Press Special Guest David Maxine of Hungry Tiger Press. For more information, see the convention's website at http://www.westercon66.org/.

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September 2013

Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival, Chesterton, Indiana

September, 2013: Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival, Chesterton, Indiana. One of the earliest Wizard of Oz festivals continues with its thirty-second edition. For more information, see the event's website at http://www.ozfestivalchesterton.com/.

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October 2013

Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas

October 2013: 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/.

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Autumn at Oz Party, Banner Elk, North Carolina

October, 2013: 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.

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November 2013

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

November 2013: 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 Munchkins and events. For details, see the show's website.

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The Wizard of Oz play, Nappanee, Indiana

November 15-December 31, 2013: The Wizard of Oz play, Round Barn Theatre, Amish Acres, Nappanee, Indiana. As part of its 2013 season, the theatre presents the stage adaptation of the famous movie version. For more information or to purchase tickets, see the show's website.

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November/December 2013

The Wizard of Oz, holiday cablecasts

The Wizard of Oz holiday cablecasts, TBS and TNT. The stations' annual holiday season showings of the famous film version are, generally speaking, around Thanksgiving on TBS and Christmas on TNT. For more information, see TNT's dedicated pages for the movie at http://www.tnt.tv/movies/movietitle/?oid=2086&iref=sitesearch. And it's possible (but unlikely) that TBS may also show it again, so take a look at http://www.tbs.com/movies/movietitle/0,,12281%7C%7C,00.html for their information.

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2014

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

Sometime in 2014 (exact date to be announced): Legends of Oz movie, in theaters throughout the United States and Canada (at least). This 3-D CGI animated musical movie, based on the book Dorothy of Oz by Roger S. Baum, has been in production for some time, and it now has a distributor and release date. 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/.

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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A New Musical world premiere, Renton, Washington

2014 (Date to be announced): The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A New Musical world premiere staging, Renton Theatre, Renton, Washington. This show has been in development for a long time, but it looks like the light at the end of the tunnel is finally coming through. For more details and updates, see the show's website at http://wwozanewmusical.webs.com/, and its Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wonderful-Wizard-of-Oz-A-New-Musical/270290333002736?ref=stream.

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April 2014

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

April, 2014 (exact date to be announced): 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 ozmarathon.com.

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June 2014

Judy Garland Festival, Grand Rapids, Minnesota

June 10-15, 2014: 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/events.html.

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