OzWiki:Current events
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 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:
- Wicked has finished its latest tour of Australia. See http://www.wickedthemusical.com.au/ for future tours or other news. The show is now being performed by amateur theatrical groups around the country, so check for local productions.
- Wicked: A História Não Contada Das Bruxas de Oz is now playing at the Teatro Renault in São Paulo, Brazil, making it the first production in Portuguese and in South America. For more information, see http://wickedomusical.com.br/ (site is in Portuguese).
- A revival of the Japanese production recently closed in Sapporo. See https://www.shiki.jp/applause/wicked/ for information about any possible new productions (site is in Japanese).
- The recent UK tour has now gone international, with the following stops announced before returning to the British Isles:
- Now playing: Beijing, China (site is in Chinese)
- Opens June 18, 2018: Guangzhou, China (site is in Chinese)
- November 11-December 31, 2017: Zurich, Switzerland (site is in German)
- January 31-March 3, 2018: Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol, England
- March 7-31, 2018: Liverpool Empire Theatre, Liverpool, England
- April 4-29, 2018: Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham, England
- May 8-June 9, 2018: Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland
- June 13-July 7, 2018: Leeds Grand Theatre, Leeds, England
- July 17-August 26, 2018: Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin, Ireland
- September 6-29, 2018: Sunderland Empire, Sunderland, England
- October 3-27, 2018: Mayflower Theatre Southampton, Southampton, England
- October 31-November 24, 2018: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, Wales
- December 4, 2018-January 5, 2019: Palace Theatre Manchester, Manchester, England
- Wicked is also touring the United States and Canada. For more information and updates about the tour, see http://www.wickedthemusical.com/north-american-tour-tickets. Here's the current schedule (locations and dates are subject to change):
- Now through June 4, 2017: Shea's Performing Arts Center, Buffalo, New York
- June 7-July 23, 2017: Boston Opera House, Boston, Massachusetts
- July 26-August 27, 2017: Academy of Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- August 30-September 10, 2017: Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Appleton, Wisconsin
- September 13-October 16, 2017: Procter and Gamble Hall, Cincinnati, Ohio
- October 18-November 5, 2017: Devos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- November 8-December 3, 2017: State Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio
- December 6, 2017-January 21, 2018: Oriental Thetre, Chicago, Illinois
- January 24-February 11, 2018: Benedum Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- February 14-March 4, 2018: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- March 7-25, 2018: Orpheum Theatre, Memphis, Tennessee
- June 6-17, 2018: Stranahan Theatre, Toledo, Ohio
Todrick Hall's Straight Outta Oz on tour
Now on tour: Todrick Hall's Straight Outta Oz. The performance artist's Oz-themed show is touring the world, and may be coming to a venue near you. Here are the currently announced stops:
- May 29, 2017: Meervaart, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- June 1, 2017: Astor Theatre, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- June 3, 2017: Plaza Theatre, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- June 4, 2017: Enmore Theatre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- June 5, 2017: Athenaeum, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
For more information, or to book tickets, see Hall's website at http://todrickhall.com/.
Courtney Act's The Girl from Oz revue, on tour
Now on tour: Courtney Act's The Girl from Oz revue. The Australian entertainer presents a look at her home country in her own irreverent way with themes on that other version of Oz. (Not for kids!) Coming soon to:
- May 31-June 2, 2017: Marlborough Theater, Brighton fringe Festival, Brighton, England, United Kingdom
- July 13, 2017: Egyptian Theater, Seattle, Washington
- June 16-18, 2017: Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- August 9-11, 2017: UnderBelly Festival, London, England, United Kingdom
- August 13-26, 2017: Circus Hub, Edinburgh Fringe, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
For more information, or to purchase tickets, see the show's website at http://courtneyact.com/girlfromoz/.
Ozmafia anime series, on the Internet
Now playing: Ozmafia anime series, crunchyroll.com. In this Japanese anime series (based on the video game of the same name), Scarlet is a new transfer student at Oz Academy. He doesn't get off to a good start, but the teachers seem nice enough. But what strange secrets are hiding at Oz Academy, and why are they at war with the other academies? Episodes (in Japanese, with English subtitles) are available to view online at http://www.crunchyroll.com/ozmafia for free.
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.
Emerald City television series, NBC
Emerald City television series, NBC national broadcast. The latest Oz TV project has gone through its broadcast run on NBC. But the show's website is still up at http://www.nbc.com/emerald-city. You can still watch episodes online at http://www.nbc.com/emerald-city/episodes.
The Origins of Oz documentary, national cablecast and on the Internet
Now playing: The Origins of Oz documentary, Smithsonian Channel cablecast and the Internet. This look at the Oz phenomenon and its influence has the following broadcasts scheduled (all times listed are EDT/PDT):
- (No showing currently scheduled.)
You can also watch it online at the program's website, at http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/shows/origins-of-oz-the/0/137669.
Lost in Oz series, Internet streaming
Now playing: Lost in Oz, Amazon Video streaming. This new animated series from Amazon tells the story of Dorothy, a modern-day girl, and her dog Toto, who are whisked to Oz when Dorothy opens one of her mother's old books. To get home, she must find the elements of magic and help restore magic to Oz. Fortunately she has made friends with Ojo the Munchkin and West, a trainee witch, to help her out. The pilot is currently available at https://www.amazon.com/Lost-in-Oz/dp/B00Z89MYTI/, and the reaction to it was so strong that it has been picked up for a series, which should be available soon. So now they have Lost in Oz: Extended Adventure, with more scenes and previews of the upcoming first season (https://www.amazon.com/Lost-in-Oz/dp/B00Z89MYTI/), with the trailer above.
The Wizard of Oz museum exhibit, Jefferson, Wisconsin
Through May, 2017: The Wizard of Oz museum exhibit, Jefferson Historical Museum, Jefferson, Wisconsin. The museum has an exhibit celebrating all aspects of Oz, including a tribute to local resident Meinhardt Raabe, who played the Munchkin Coroner in The Movie. The museum is open Wednesdays and Sundays, and other days by appointment. For more information see this article. The museum's website is at http://jeffersonhistoricalsociety.org/.
The Wizard of Oz marionette show, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Now through June 3, 2017: The Wizard of Oz marionette show, Lancaster Marionette Theatre, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. An all-ages adaptation of L. Frank Baum's story, starring marionettes. For more information or to purchase tickets, see the show's website at https://lmt.yapsody.com/event/index/55184/the-wizard-of-oz/247287.
The Wiz Play, Chicago, Illinois
Now through June 8, 2017: The Wiz play, Apollo Theatre in Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois. Chicago's Emerald City Theatre Company celebrates its twentieth season with an extremely appropriate show, namely 'The Wiz, given a Windy City setting. Adapted especially for young playgoers, aged 5 to 12. For more information, see the show's website at http://www.emeraldcitytheatre.com/shows-and-tickets/the-wiz/.
The Wizard of Oz marionette show, Jersey City, New Jersey
Now through June 11, 2017: The Wizard of Oz marionette show, Jersey City Theater Center, Jersey City, New Jersey.. Puppetworks presents this new adaptation of the famous story, adapted by Nicolas Coppola. Performances are every Sunday at 1:00 pm, and the show is appropriate for anyone aged 3 or up. To get more details, or to purchase tickets, go to the Puppetworks website.
Judy play, London, England, United Kingdom
Now through June 17, 2017: Judy play, Arts Theatre, London, England, United Kingdom. This acclaimed new musical biography, featuring three actresses playing Judy Garland at three different stages in her life, opens for a limited run in the West End. For details, and to book tickets, see https://artstheatrewestend.co.uk/whats-on/judy!/.
Toys from the Land of Oz exhibit, Kansas City, Missouri
Now through August 20, 2017: Toys from the Land of Oz exhibit, The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, Kansas City, Missouri. Explore the original literary story and its many retellings, including the 1939 Technicolor film, Return to Oz, and The Wiz, through playthings, first edition books, and original costumes at The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. For more information, see the museum's website at http://toyandminiaturemuseum.org/.
June 2017
Baum and Garland Incomparabales! exhibit, Syracuse, New York
June and July, 2017: Baum and Garland Incomparabales! exhibit, Maryott Syracuse Downtown hotel, Syracuse, New York. The Lyman Frank Baum Foundation celebrates local native son and his creation, The Wizard of Oz, with an exhibit in the historic hotel. Celebrated will be the novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Judy Garland for her ninety-fifth birthday, Garland costume collector Michael Siewert, and Garland tribute artist Peter Mac. The exhibit is free to the public. For more information, see the Foundation's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Lyman-Frank-Baum-Foundation-Inc-182342648464587/.
Journey with Dorothy, Beech Mountain, North Carolina
Every Friday in June, 2017: Journey with Dorothy, Land of Oz Park, Beech Mountain, North Carolina. Visit the Land of Oz Park at the top of Beech Mountain as one of Dorothy's friends—or a villain! Join Dorothy as she searches for the Wizard. For more information about this event, see the website at http://www.landofoznc.com/journeywithdorothy.
Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York
June 2-4, 2017: 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://www.oz-stravaganza.com/, or the town's website at http://www.chittenango.org.
The Wizard of Oz stage show, Warrenton, Virginia
June 2-11, 2017: The Wizard of Oz stage show, Fauquier Community Theater, Warrenton, Virginia. The company's youth production this summer is The Wizard of Oz. Shows are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm, with Sunday matinées at 2:00 pm. For more information, see the show's website at http://fctstage.org/events-youth/. Tickets can be purchased at https://fctstage.thundertix.com/events/101177/performances.
Wizard of Oz Festival, Grand Rapids, Minnesota
June 8-10, 2017: Wizard of Oz Festival, Judy Garland Museum and environs, Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Judy Garland's home town celebrates her most famous role in this annual festival, with events all over town spread out over three days. For more information, see the announcement at http://garlandletterfromhome.blogspot.com/2017/04/happy-spring-2017-wizard-of-oz-festival.html, and keep an eye on the museum's website at http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com/ for more information.
Wizard of Oz Festival, Ionia, Michigan
June 17, 2017: Wizard of Oz Festival, Ionia, Michigan. This Michigan town becomes the latest city to hold a Wizard of Oz festival. For details and schedule, see the festival's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Wizardofozfestionia.
The Wizard of Oz puppet show, Kansas City, Missouri
June 20-July 9, 2017: The Wizard of Oz puppet show, Menser Puppet Theater, Kansas City, Missouri. This is an original adaptation of L. Frank Baum's first Oz story, presented with puppets. For more information, or to buy tickets, go to http://mesnerpuppets.org/index.php/2015-12-07-05-37-12/2014-07-31-17-34-13.
The Wizard of Oz movie, Portland, Oregon
June 29, 2017: The Wizard of Oz movie, Cinema 21 Theatre, Portland, Oregon. As a special pre-convention event for OzCon International, come see the world's most watched movie on the big screen. Hosted by movie historian John Fricke. For theater details see http://cinema21.com/, and to pre-order tickets go to https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=76248.
OzCon International, Portland, Oregon
June 30-July 2, 2017: OzCon International 2017: The 53rd Annual Winkie Convention, Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, Portland, Oregon. The world's longest-running Wizard of Oz convention comes to the Rose City again, bringing in Oz fans from all over the world. The theme book is The Lost Princess of Oz, and other books celebrating anniversaries this year have nomes, so Ozma and nomes will be celebrated. And the major Saturday evening show will be a recreation of the 1933-34 Wizard of Oz radio show. So make plans now and keep an eye on http://www.ozconinternational.com/our-next-convention.html and https://www.facebook.com/events/161861314230831/ for more information.
July 2017
The Wizard of Oz train ride, Bryson City, North Carolina
July 14-August 6, 2017: The Wizard of Oz train ride, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson, North Carolina. This vintage scenic railway offers a summer Wizard of oz themed ride, with two trips every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For more information, or to purchase tickets, see the railway's website at http://www.gsmr.com/events/wizard-of-oz#.WOo3uVPyv_R, or its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/195868987565565/.
August 2017
National Wizard of Oz Convention 2017, Orland Park, Illinois
August 3-6, 2017: National Wizard of Oz Convention 2017, Chicago, Illinois. The Wizard is coming home! L. Frank Baum wrote The Wizard of Oz in Chicago, where it was also first published in 1900. The International Wizard of Oz Club brings its national convention to this suburb of the Windy City for a homecoming. Convention dues include admission to the Midwest Oz Fest the same weekend. For more information, see the event's website at http://ozclub.org/register-2017-national-convention/, or its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Oz-the-National-Convention-190570977682557/?fref=ts.
Midwest Oz Fest 2017, Tinley Park, Illinois
August 4-6, 2017: Midwest Oz Fest 2017, Tinley Park, Illinois. The southwest suburbs of Chicago are hosting a big festival, with vendors and food and rides and games and parades and all the rest. It's early still, but to stay on top of the festival's progress, keep an eye on http://midwestozfest.com/, or the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Midwest-Wizard-of-Oz-Festival/577056169054982.
Wizard of Oz Festival Illinois, Mapleton, Illinois
August 12, 2017: Wizard of Oz Festival Illinois, Mapleton, Illinois. The annual celebration of Oz in this Illinois town. For more infarmation, see the event's website at http://www.hollispark.org/oz-fest, and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Wizardofozfest/.
The Wizard of Oz outdoor screening, Coronado, California
August 25, 2017: The Wizard of Oz outdoor screening, Hotel del Coronado, Coronado, California. L. Frank Baum spent many winters in Coronado (the only standing house he lived in is on the island, close to the hotel), and he has several ties to the Del. So it's appropriate that one of this year's Movies on the Beach is the famous 1939 film version of The Wizard of Oz. Seating starts at 7:00 pm, and the movie starts at 8:00 pm. For more information, see https://hoteldel.com/activities/movies-on-the-beach/.
Wizard of Oz Days, New London, Missouri
August 26-27, 2017: Wizard of Oz Days Festival, New London City Park, New London, Missouri. The community throws a party celebrating Oz. For more information, see the event's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/374941192901941/.
September 2017
Autumn at Oz Party, Banner Elk, North Carolina
September 8-10, 2017: 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.landofoznc.com/autumnatoz.
Wizard of Oz Festival Ohio, Macedonia, Ohio
September 22-24, 2017: Wizard of Oz Festival Ohio, Macedonia, Ohio. A new Oz festival debuts this year in Ohio. For more information, see the website at https://wizardofozohio.com/, the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wizardofozfestivalohio/, and the event's page at https://www.facebook.com/events/107542616480577/.
October 2017
Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas
October 7, 2017: Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas. The town not only has an Oz museum, they put on an annual Oz festival. 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://oztoberfest.com/.
OzFest, Liberal, Kansas
October 7, 2017: OzFest, Liberal, Kansas. The home town of the Dorothy's House attraction hosts its annual tribute to Dorothy and Oz. For more information, see the city's events page and the city's website (and be sure to call 1-800-LIBERAL to confirm event and dates).
November/December 2017
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. Keep checking back throughout the season.
April 2018
Garmin Marathon in the Land of Oz, Olathe, Kansas
April, 2018: Garmin Marathon in the Land of Oz, Olathe, Kansas. If you're going to have a 26.2-mile run in Kansas, you may as well give it an Oz theme! For more information and to register, see the race's website at http://ozrun.org/.
May 2018
Yellow Brick Road Festival, Sedan, Kansas
May (exact date to be announced), 2018: 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.
The Oz Run, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
May (exact date to be announced), 2018: The Oz Run, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. This annual 5K and half-marathon run raises money for local charities while the participants dress in Oz costumes as they make their ways to the Emerald City at the end. For more information, or to sign up, go to http://www.theozrun.com/. And if you want to find out a little more, including video of the 2016 run, see http://www.weau.com/content/misc/Oz-Run---Dec-19th-407438355.html.
December 2019
Wicked movie
December 20, 2019: Wicked movie, theaters around the world. At long last, Universal has announced a release date for the film adaptation of the Tony-winning musical. No cast has been announced yet, but the director will be Stephen Daldry, Marc Platt (one of the show's producers on Broadway) will be a producer, and Winnie Holzman (book) and Stephen Schwartz (composer) will be reproducing their tasks from Broadway. Stay tuned for more details as they become available, including casting!