OzWiki:Current events

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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:

The show has closed in Sydney, so Wicked will now tour Australia, with the following stops already announced:

See wickedthemusical.com.au for more about the show in Australia.

Wicked is also touring North America. For more information and updates about the tour, see wickedthemusical.com/#WickedCitiesOnTour or musicalschwartz.com/wicked-tour.htm. Here's the current schedule (locations and dates are subject to change):

And for the first time, new productions, not based on the Broadway original, have been authorized. So far announced:

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Based on the Oz books The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Marvelous Land of Oz, Ozma of Oz, and The Emerald City of Oz and originally made in Japan, you can now watch selected episodes online, with a new episode being made available once a week.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.

"The Wizard of Odd" on Phineas and Ferb, the Disney Channel and Disney XD, nationwide cablecast

Now airing: "The Wizard of Odd" episode, Phineas and Ferb, the Disney Channel, nationwide cablecast. Stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb are off to see the Wizard in this take-off of The Wizard of Oz. This episode of the show Phineas and Ferb is scheduled to be shown at the following times:

  • Thursday, December 23, 5:30 p.m., Disney Channel; and 11:30 a.m., Disney XD
  • Saturday, December 25, 3:30 p.m., Disney Channel
  • Sunday, December 26, 2:00 a.m., and 9:40 p.m., Disney Channel; and 4:00 p.m., Disney XD
  • Saturday, January 1, 9:00 a.m., Disney Channel

Check your local listings for exact channels and times in your area. For further showtimes, see the episode's website at zap2it.com.

Christmas at the Creaky Cauldron, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, England

Now happening: Christmas Grotto, The Creaky Cauldron, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, England. This year, the Creaky Cauldron will open its Christmas Grotto in mid-November, and it will be decorated as a tribute to L. Frank Baum. Then, beginning December 1, visitors will get to meet Santa Claus, the subject of a biography by L. Frank Baum. Admission is £5 for adults, £4 for students and seniors, £2.75 for children, and £12 for a family admission. For more information, see the event's website at http://www.seekthemagic.org/christmas/index.html.

The Wizard of Oz Musical, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Now through December 19, 2010: The Wizard of Oz musical, Civic Light Opera, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This original musical staging of The Wizard of Oz, first presented in 2000, is revived for the holiday season. For information and to get tickets, see the show's website at civiclightoperacompany.com/oz_2010.html.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus musical, Netcong, New Jersey

Now through December 19, 2010: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus musical, Growing State, Children's Theatre of New Jersey, Netcong, New Jersey. A musical adaptation of the L. Frank Baum story of how Santa Claus grew up, invented toys, delivered them, and became the man known to the world today. Performances are on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For details and to purchase tickets, see the show's site at http://www.growingstage.com/?page_id=187#Santa.

The Wizard of Panto-Land, Ashland, Oregon

Now through December 31, 2010: The Wizard of Panto-Land, Oregon Cabaret Theatre, Ashland, Oregon. An American version of a British pantomime gives us this off-the-wall production of The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, TinMan and Lion are on the Yellow Brick Road headed for The White City where they hope to find the Wizard of Ozegon and have their wishes fulfilled. But their journey unfolds in unexpected directions and along the way they encounter a number of witches and wizards from other fairy tales and the ending has a surprise twist as well. Shows are most nights at 8:00 p.m., with Sunday brunch matinees at 1:00 p.m. Tickets vary in price, depending on when you go. For more details, see the company's website at http://www.oregoncabaret.com/current.html.

The Wizard of Oz exhibit, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Now through January 2, 2011: The Wizard of Oz exhibit, Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The traveling children's museum exhibit has made its way to the Canadian prairie. Based on the original novel by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by W. W. Denslow, visitors step into the book and follow the yellow brick road through interactive exhibits. For more information, see the Royal Alberta Museum's website at www.royalalbertamuseum.ca. (Afterwards, the exhibit will be traveling to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan; the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts; The Kansas Children's Discovery Center in Topeka, Kansas; and the Lied Discovery Children's Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada.)

The Wizard of Oz Musical, White River Junction, Vermont

Now through January 2, 2011: The Wizard of Oz, Briggs Opera House, White River Junction, Vermont. The Northern State theater company is performing The Wizard of Oz for the holiday season this year. For details, see www.northernstage.org or call 802-296-7000. A special event planned for this run is an appearance by Gregory Maguire on December 13, who will read from his novel Wicked and his forthcoming fourth Oz book, Out of Oz, and discuss L. Frank Baum's original book.

The Wizard of Oz play, Chicago, Illinois

Now through January 2, 2011: The Wizard of Oz, Emerald City Theatre at Apollo Theater, Chicago, Illinois. It's another staging of the Royal Shakespeare Company's adaptation of The Movie, but it's never quite been like this! With an American Idol/Lady Gaga vibe, Oz has definitely been updated for 2010. For more information and to order tickets, see the show's website at http://www.emeraldcitytheatre.com/show_1011_thewizardofoz.shtml.

Wizard of Oz museum exhibit, New York City, New York

Now through January 9, 2011: The Wizard of Oz exhibit, Children's Museum of Manhattan, New York City, New York. Visit this interactive children's museum exhibit, based on the famous MGM film version of the story. As well as the exhibit, special events are planned throughout the run, so check out their calendar. For more details about the exhibit, see http://www.cmom.org/explore/programs/wizard_oz.

The Wizard of Oz touring show, throughout the United States and Canada

Now showing: 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. Currently scheduled stops on the tour include:

Other dates are sure to be added later. For more information about the show, see the website at http://wizardofozontour.com/.

December 2010

The Wizard of Oz, TNT cablecasts

December 17-18, 2010: The Wizard of Oz, TNT cablecasts. The station's annual Christmas-season showing of the famous film version. The currently scheduled times (all EST) are:

  • Friday, December 17, 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 18, 9:15 p.m.

For details, see the dedicated pages for the movie on TNT's website. And, as always, check your local listings for exact time and channel in your area.

The Wiz, TVOne cablecasts

December 20-26, 2010: The Wiz, TVOne cablecasts. The new TVOne cable channel now has the rights to show The Wiz, the 1978 movie version of the Tony Award-winning play. The all-star cast includes Diana Ross as Dorothy, Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow, Nipsey Russell as the Tin Man, Ted Ross as the Cowardly Lion, Mabel King as Evermean, Lena Horne as Glinda, and Richard Pryor as The Wiz. Currently scheduled showings are:

  • Monday, December 20, 10:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 26, 12:00 midnight
  • Sunday, December 26, 12:00 noon

Check your local listings for times and channel in your area.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus cablecast, ABC Family Channel

December 24, 2010: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus cablecast, ABC Family Channel. The 1985 Rankin-Bass special, based on the book of the same name by L. Frank Baum, makes its annual holiday season showing as part of ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas celebration. Scheduled to be shown at 7:00 a.m. (6:00 a.m. Central Time Zone). Check your local listings for exact time and channel in your area.

The Wizard of Oz, TBS cablecast

December 25, 2010: The Wizard of Oz, TBS cablecast. A Christmas telecast of the famous film version, beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST. For details, see the dedicated pages for the movie on TBS's website.

The Wizard of Oz, TCM cablecast

December 27, 2010: The Wizard of Oz, TCM cablecast. No, this isn't the famous movie version of the story. This is an earlier, silent version, made in 1925, with Larry Semon as the Scarecrow, Dorothy Swan as Dorothy, and Oliver Hardy (yes, that Oliver Hardy) as the Tin Woodman. It runs from midnight until 1:15 a.m. Check your local listings for exact time and channel in your area.

January 2011

The Wizard of Oz museum exhibit, Memphis, Tennessee

January 15-June 12, 2011: The Wizard of Oz interactive museum exhibit, Children's Museum of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. Based on the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, this exhibit presents interactive displays of Dorothy and her friends. For more information, see the museum's website at http://www.cmom.com/.

The Whiz: Over the Rainbow, on tour

The Whiz: Over the Rainbow show, presented by Nicholas Leichter Dance, on tour. This dance extravaganza reimagines and reinterprets The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz for the Obama generation. Currently scheduled performances:

  • January 7-11, 2011: APAP Elsie Showcases, New York City, New York
  • January 14-16, 2011: World Music/CRASHarts, Boston, Massachusetts
  • January 28 and 29, 2011: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
  • March 15-21, 2011: ACDFA @ University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
  • March 26 and 27, 2011: Dance Place, Washington, DC
  • March 30, 2011: Reston Center Stage, Reston, Virginia
  • May 2-8, 2011: Intermedia Arts, Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • May 21, 2011: Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, Tacoma, Washington
  • June 4, 2011: Tony Bennett Concert Hall, Astoria, New York

For more information, see the company's website at http://www.nldnyc.org/calendar.html.

IceFest, Hamilton, Ohio

January 21-22, 2010: IceFest, Hamilton, Ohio. It's the middle of winter, so of course this Ohio town celebrates with IceFest. This year's theme is "Great Books in Ice", so there will be ice sculptures celebrating Gone with the Wind, Fahrenheit 451, Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, and, of course, The Wizard of Oz. Events begin at 5:00 Friday evening, and run all day Saturday, including professional and speed carving events, a dogsled race, a book fest, and an arts and crafts show. For more information, call 888-462-2282 or 513-844-8080 or 513-895-3934.

The Wizard of Oz musical, Netcong, New Jersey

January 21-February 27, 2011: The Wizard of Oz, The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, Netcong, New Jersey. A staging of the Royal Shakespeare Company's version of the story, adapted from the famous movie version. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, and 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For details and to purchase ticket's see the show's website at http://growingstage.goes.com/?page_id=187#Oz.

February 2011

The Wizard of Oz, national cablecast, TCM

February 12, 2011: The Wizard of Oz national cablecast, TCM. As part of its annual Oscars salute, TCM is devoting February 12 to the Best Picture nominees of 1939. That means classic movies as Dark Victory, Wuthering Heights, Of Mice and Men, Ninotchka, Stagecoach, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Goodbye Mr. Chips, Love Affair, and the winner, Gone with the Wind will all be on that day, alongside the famous film version of The Wizard of Oz, which starts at 8:00 p.m. EST. Check your local listings for channel and exact times in your area.

The Wizard of Oz fundraising play, London, England, United Kingdom

February 15, 2011: The Wizard of Oz gala fundraiser, Palladium Theatre, London, England, United Kingdom. To raise funds for the Great Ormond Street Hospital and Prostate UK, we're getting an early look at Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber's new stage version of The Wizard of Oz. Starring Over the Rainbow winner Danielle Hope as Dorothy and Michael Crawford as the Wizard. For more details, see the Great Ormond Street Hospital's website. You can also book tickets here.

Bravo Broadway: Wicked Divas concert, Ogden, Utah

February 17, 2011: Bravo Broadway: Wicked Divas concert, Val A. Browning Center, Ogden, Utah. The Ogden Symphony Ballet Association celebrates Wicked with a concert featuring two of the former stars of the show from Broadway (exactly which ones yet to be announced). For show details and ticket information, see the event's website at www.symphonyballet.org/concerts/pops-series/item/25-bravo-broadway-wicked-divas.html.

March 2011

Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Wizard of Oz play, London, England

Oz in London.jpg

Opening March 29, 2011: The Wizard of Oz, The West End, London, England, United Kingdom. Now that Danielle Hope has won the role of Dorothy through the television show Over the Rainbow (and the runner-up, Sophie Evans, will be her understudy), Andrew Lloyd Webber has to put on his show. It will debut in the West End on March 29, and Michael Crawfod has been cast as the Wizard. News and information is available on Webber's website, at andrewlloydwebber.com/shows/the-wizard-of-oz, and the show's website is now open at http://www.wizardofozthemusical.com/.

April 2011

The Wizard of Oz, Costa Mesa, California

April 7-9, 2011: The Wizard of Oz, Orange County Performing Arts Center, Cost Mesa, California. This is a brand new listing with few details, so I'm not sure what this is. The Pacific Symphony is listed, however, so perhaps this is a showing of the movie with a symphony performing the music. For details, keep an eye on www.ocpac.org.

May 2011

Wizard of Oz Month Celebration, the Internet

May, 2011: Wizard of Oz Programming, Seasons & Celebrations, Live365.com Internet Radio. In honor of L. Frank Baum's birthday on May 15, this online radio station, with different topical programming each month, plays music about Oz, including songs from Oz movies and plays. Also in the mix is Judy Garland reprising her role as Dorothy in the 1950 Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. To listen, go to live365.com/stations/tc_arts_ent.

Yellow Brick Road Festival, Sedan, Kansas

May, 2011: Yellow Brick Road Festival, Sedan, Kansas. Another town in Kansas celebrates The Wizard of Oz. 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 2011

Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York

June 3-5, 2011: Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York. L. Frank Baum's home town honors their favorite son with this annual festival (formerly known as Oz Fest). For more information, see the festival's website at oz-stravaganza.com, or the town's website at www.chittenango.org.

Judy Garland Festival, Grand Rapids, Minnesota

June 16-18, 2011: Judy Garland Festival, Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Judy's home town throws its annual party in her honor. For more information, check out the website at judygarlandmuseum.com.

July 2011

The Wizard of Oz broadcast, TCM

July, 2011: The Wizard of Oz, national cablecast, Turner Classic Movies. They always seem to show it around Independence Day. The movie has its own dedicated page at www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?stid=852&category=overview, so keep an eye on it for updates.

The Winkie Convention, Pacific Grove, California

July 8-10, 2011: The Winkie Convention, Asilomar Conference Center, Pacific Grove, California. Highlights include the auction and sales tables, the costume contest, and the annual Winkie Award. Special presentations will highlight the centennial of The Sea Fairies. Special guests will be Tommy Kovacs, writer of the comic book The Royal Historian of Oz, and Kirk Kushin, writer of the Ozopolis comic book. For more information, see http://hungrytigerpress.blogspot.com/p/winkie-convention.html, and keep an eye on the event's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135243296512937&ref=ts.

August 2011

The International Wizard of Oz Club's National Convention, Banner Elk, North Carolina

August 5-7, 2011: The International Wizard of Oz Club's National Oz Convention, Banner Elk, North Carolina. The Oz Club brings its annual convention to the site of the Wizard of Oz theme park of the 1970s, where many of the attractions still stand. Alongside its usual activities, former park employees are expected to talk about their time there. Details coming when they're available. But you can take a look at the flyer right here.

September 2011

Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival, Chesterton, Indiana

September 16-18, 2011: Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival, Chesterton, Indiana. One of the earliest Wizard of Oz festivals, this year Chesterton celebrates its twenty-ninth edition. For more information, see the event's website at www.ozfestivalchesterton.com.

October 2011

Autumn at Oz Party, Banner Elk, North Carolina

October, 2011: Autumn at Oz Party, Beech Mountain, Banner Elk, North Carolina. The Wizard of Oz Park on the mountain may no longer be in regular operation, but it's still there, and Oz and park fans get together once a year for a party. Special guests will be announced soon. For more information, check out emeraldmtn.com/LandofOz/autumn.htm.

Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas

October, 2011: Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas. The town not only has an Oz museum, they're putting on an Oz festival. Munchkins, authors, and other special guests will attend, and there's also admission to the museum. For more details, call the Oz museum at 1-866-458-TOTO, or see the event's website at oztoberfest.com.

Downtown in Oz Festival, Poplar Bluff, Missouri

October, 2011: Downtown in Oz Festival, Black River Coliseum, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. A free celebration of Oz. For details, see the website at http://www.downtowninoz.com/.

November 2011

Wizard of Oz Festival and movie showing, Woodridge, Illinois

November, 2011: Wizard of Oz Festival, Hollywood Boulevard Cinema, Woodridge, Illinois. The cinema's annual showing of The Wizard of Oz, which is usually a big event with special Munchkin guests. For more details, see www.atriptothemovies.com.

The Wizard of Oz, TBS and/or TNT cablecasts

November, 2011: The Wizard of Oz, TBS and TNT cablecasts. The stations' annual Thanksgiving-season showing of the famous film version. For details, see the dedicated pages for the movie on TBS's and TNT's websites.

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