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/.
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:
- 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 June 2, 2013: Mahalia Jackson Theater, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Now through 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
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.
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!
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 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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
The Marvelous Land of Oz play, Chicago, Illinois
Now through June 2, 2013: The Marvelous Land of Oz play, Den Theatre, Chicago, Illinois. L. Frank Baum's second Oz book gets a new musical stage adaptation, presented by the New American Folk Theatre. For more information, see the production's web page or the company's Facebook page. To purchase tickets, go to Brown Paper Tickets. And here's a review!
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 hitting the road in Canada and the United States.
May 2013
The Wizard of Oz radio show live, Nanaime, British Columbia, Canada
May 20 and 21, 2013: The Wizard of Oz radio show live, Gabriola Golf Club, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. The Radio After Dark company presents its adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, based on the 1950 Lux Radio Theater version of the famous movie version. Some events that were cut from the movie have been added back in to this production. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and shows start at 7:30. Tickets are $15, and can be acquired by calling 250-714-0050, Fascinating Rhythm, Artworks, and the Gabriola Golf Club.
Lost Girl play, Palmerston North, New Zealand
May 21-25, 2013: Lost Girl play, Black Sheep Theatre, Wool Building, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. As part of its fiftieth anniversary, the Massey University Drama Society presents Lost Girl, a look at a grown-up Dorothy looking back on her experiences in Oz. Dorothy Gale is a lonely 30-something who receives a mysterious parcel containing a familiar blue dress and ruby slippers. She is given directions to follow through the city, and on the way reunites with friends she hasn’t seen since childhood. Shows start at 8:00 p.m., and tickets are $10 unwaged/$15 waged. For more information, see this article on the university's website.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/.
August 2013
Without This Home There'd Be No Oz fundraiser, Syracuse, New York
August 8-11, 2013: Without This Home There'd Be No Oz fundraiser, Landmark Theater, Syracuse, New York. The Lyman Frank Baum Foundation is trying to purchase and preserve the Neal House, in Chittenango, New York, where Baum met (and later married) Maud Gage. To that end, they are throwing a fundraising party/convention in the nearby big city of Syracuse with special Oz and Baum family guests from all over the place. For more information, see the event's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/562323450466655/.
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/.
Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas
September 27-29 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/.
October 2013
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.
The Wonderful World of Oz exhibition, Rockland, Maine
Opens October 12, 2013: The Wonderful World of Oz exhibition, Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland, Maine. To commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the famous MGM film version of The Wizard of Oz, the Farnsworth Museum will host an exhibit of Oz items from the extensive collection of Willard Carroll. Included will be many examples of L. Frank Baum's books, including first editions, the Witch's hourglass, the green Lollipop Guild member's costume, one of Judy Garland's Dorothy dresses, posters, and many other items. For more details, see the exhibit's press release, or keep an eye on the museum's website.
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.
Wicked Cruise, New York City, Florida, and the Bahamas
November 3-10, 2013: Wicked Cruise, New York City, Florida, and the Bahamas. To celebrate a decade of Wicked on Broadway, fans can celebrate with a cruise on the boat Norwegian Breakaway. The cruise leaves New York City on November 3, with ports of call in Port Canaveral, Great Stirrup Cay, and Nassau. Along the way, there will be special guests and Wicked events. Prices start at $1,067 per person. For more information, see http://thewickedcruise.com/.
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.
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.
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/.
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.
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.
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.
