OzWiki:Current events

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Based on the Oz books The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Marvelous Land of Oz, Ozma of Oz, and The Emerald City of Oz and originally made in Japan, you can now watch selected episodes online, with a new episode being made available once a week.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

"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):

  • August 20, 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Showtime Beyond
  • August 21, 7:45 a.m., Flix
  • August 24, 8:00 a.m., Flix
  • August 26, 9:30 a.m., Showtime Beyond
  • August 28, 2:35 p.m., Showtime Beyond
  • August 30, 8:00 p.m., Showtime Beyond

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

The Origins of Oz documentary, national cablecast

Now playing: The Origins of Oz documentary, The Smithsonian Channel cablecast. A look at the historical roots of the Oz story and the life of author L. Frank Baum. The Smithsonian Channel has scheduled the following showtimes (all times listed are EDT):

  • August 20, 5:00 a.m.
  • August 22, 10:00 a.m.
  • August 31, 9:00 a.m.

For more details, see the show's website at http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/site/sn/show.do?show=137669. You can also download the program for free at http://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/the-origins-of-oz/id537689894.

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 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

Oz in London.jpg

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/.

Ozvitational art show, Spokane, Washington

Now through September 15, 2012: Ozvitational art show, Tinman Gallery, Spokane, Washington. The Spokane art gallery hosts an exhibit of Oz-themed art, based on both the book and The Movie. For more information, call the gallery at 509-325-1500.

August 2012

(No events currently listed.)

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/.

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/.

Over the Rainbow, Canadian national broadcast, CBC

Premiering September 16, 2012: Over the Rainbow television series, Canadian national broadcast, CBC. It worked in Britain, it can work in Canada. 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/.

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.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz museum exhibit, Chicago, Illinois

September 24, 2012-January 2, 2013: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Museum Exhibit, Kohl Children's Museum, Chicago, Illinois. The exhibit based on the original novel comes back to the town where the book was written. For more information, see the website at http://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/exhibits/temporary/wonderful-wizard-of-oz.

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.

December 2012

The Wizard of Oz play, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Opening December 2012: 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 will be the winner of the CBC talent contest Over the Rainbow. For more information, see http://mirvish.com/shows/thewizardofoz.

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. The official website, including the first trailer, is now up and available to look at.

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/.

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.

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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