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 and Osaka, the Japanese company of Wicked is now playing in Fukuoka. See http://wicked.jp/index.html for details.
  • Wicked has wrapped up its tour of Australia, but the company is heading abroad to tour Asia. The show opens at the Grand Theater, Marina Bay Sands, in Singapore in December. See http://wickedthemusical.com.sg/ for more information and to book tickets. Further stops are in the works for Seoul, Taipei, and New Zealand. See http://www.wickedthemusical.com.au/ for more about the show and further announcements.
  • After years of rumors, Wicked is finally opening in Scheveningen, the Netherlands, with previews starting October 26 and the official opening November 6. For details and tickets, see http://www.musicals.nl/wicked/.

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 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). Here are the current announced dates:

  • November 22-23, 2011: San Bernardino, California
  • November 26, 2011: Avon, Colorado
  • November 27, 2011: Fort Collins, Colorado
  • November 29, 2011: Wenatchee, Washington
  • December 1, 2011: Medford, Oregon
  • December 3, 2011: Everett, Washington
  • December 6-7, 2011: Mesa, Arizona
  • December 8-11, 2011: Phoenix, Arizona
  • December 27-28, 2011: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • December 29, 2011-January 1, 2012: New Haven, Connecticut
  • January 10, 2012: Daytona Beach, Florida
  • January 13, 2012: Toledo, Ohio
  • January 14, 2012: Flint, Michigan

Consult your local press for locations, times, and ticket information. For more information about the show, including possible additional performances, see the website at http://wizardofozontour.com/.

The Way movie, in limited release

Now playing in limited release: The Way, throughout the United States. In this new movie, Martin Sheen plays Tom, an American doctor who comes to France to collect the remains of his adult son (played by Emilio Estevez), killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking the Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James. Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage to honor his son's desire to finish the journey. Inexperienced as a trekker, Tom soon discovers that he will not be alone on this journey. Tom meets other pilgrims from around the world, each with their own issues and looking for greater meaning in their lives. Believe it or not, this movie was inspired by The Wizard of Oz, and makes allusions to the story. For more information, see the movie's website at http://theway-themovie.com/. You can also read reviews and purchase tickets at fandango.com.

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.

"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.

The Talk Halloween Wizard of Oz episode, on the Internet

Now playing: The Talk Halloween Wizard of Oz episode, cbs.com. The gang at The Talk celebrated Halloween with a special Wizard of Oz-themed episode, in costume, featuring Cloris Leachman as the Wicked Witch of the West and a special surprise guest as the Wizard. And you can still view the episode online for a little while right here.

Hollywood Treasure, Syfy nationwide cablecast and on the Internet

Now airing: Hollywood Treasure, Syfy, nationwide cablecast and on the Internet. Joe Maddalena of Profiles in History and his team track down, appraise and help auction off valuable film, television and pop culture memorabilia. Joe is a big an of The Wizard of Oz, so several episodes feature Oz items and guests, including:

  • "I'll Get You My Pretty" (with the Wicked Witch's hat)
  • "Joe Gets Animated" (Joe searches for the Yellow Brick Road; guest appearance by Jerry Maren)
  • "Joe's Golden Opportunity" (with the Lion's "Courage" badge)
  • "Justice for Dorothy" (Joe visits the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota, hoping to unearth clues about a pair of Ruby Slippers stolen from there in 2005)
  • "Packrats, Robots and Oz" (with a copy of the book signed by the entire cast)
  • "Demons and Spacesuits and Slippers, Oh My" (Joe helps Debbie Reynolds organize her movie memorabilia collection, including a test pair of Ruby Slippers not actually used in The Movie)

The show is currently off the air, but Syfy has complete episodes available to view on the show's website, at http://www.syfy.com/rewind/hollywoodtreasure/.

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):

  • November 21, 1:00 p.m., Flix
  • November 25, 9:05 a.m., Flix
  • November 30, 10:30 a.m., Flix
  • December 2, 2:30 p.m., Showtime Beyond
  • December 5, 9:30 a.m., Showtime Family Zone
  • December 6, 10:00 a.m. and 4:5 p.m., Showtime Beyond
  • December 9, 6:00 a.m., Showtime Family Zone
  • December 10, 3:00 p.m., Showtime Beyond
  • December 15, 3:00 p.m., Showtime Beyond

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

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

Oz in London.jpg

Now playing: 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 (and the runner-up, Sophie Evans, is her understudy), and now you can see her in the part in Andrew Lloyd Webber's version of the show. Michael Crawford is playing the Wizard, with Hannah Waddingham as the Wicked Witch of the West. 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/. Webber has also talked about the possibility of bringing the show to Broadway!

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.

150 Things I Love About Kansas museum exhibit, Topeka, Kansas

Now through December 31, 2011: 150 Things I Love About Kansas exhibit, Kansas Museum of History, Topeka, Kansas. To celebrate the state's sesquicentennial (it was admitted to the Union on January 29, 1861), the Kansas Museum of History is presenting an exhibit of 150 Things I Love About Kansas. One area is devoted to The Wizard of Oz and its place in depicting Kansas. For details, see the museum's website at http://www.kshs.org/p/150-things-i-love-about-kansas/15782.

Celebrating 100 Years, New York City, New York

Now through December 31, 2011: "Celebrating 100 Years" exhibit, Gottesman Exhibition Hall, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library, New York City, New York. The famous Beaux-Arts main branch of the New York Public Library, at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in Manhattan, opened in 1911, and so it's celebrating its centennial this year. Of special interest to Oz fans (besides the library's use as the Cowardly Lion's home in the film version of The Wiz) is that some of the library's collection of W. W. Denslow's original art for the novel of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz will be on display. The exhibit is free, and docent-led tours meet outside the entrance to Gottesman Exhibition Hall on the Library's first floor. For more information, see the exhibit's website at http://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/celebrating-100-years.

"Out of This World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television" exhibit, Tampa, Florida

Now through January 7, 2012: "Out of This World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television" exhibit, Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa, Florida. This exhibit of pop culture costume items from movies and television includes Darth Vader's costume from the Star Wars movies, Captain Picard's uniform from Star Trek: The Next Generation, and costumes from Blade Runner, Battlestar Galactica, The Terminator, and Batman—oh, adn the Wicked Witch's hat from The Wizard of Oz. For more information about the exhibit, see the event's website at http://www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/temporary.html.

The Wizard of Oz Children's Educational Exhibition, Dearborn, Michigan

Now through January 9, 2012: The Wizard of Oz Children's Educational Exhibition, The Henry Ford Museum, Dearbor, Michigan. The children's educational exhibition makes its way to Michigan. Based on the famous film version, visitors can create a mini-tornado, meet Dorothy's friends on the yellow brick road, create a Horse of a Different Color, and other activities. Saturdays in October, visitors can come dressed as their favorite Oz characters and take part in special events. Saturdays in November feature a Munchkin Luncheon, with crafts and photo opportunities. For more information, see the exhibit's website at http://www.thehenryford.org/events/wizardOfOzExhibit.aspx.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz comics exhibit, San Francisco, California

Now through April 15, 2012: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz comics exhibit, Cartoon Art Museum, San Francisco, California. Over a century of Oz and Oz-related comic art will be on display in this exhibit. Items on display will include installments of Queer Visitors from the Marvelous Land of Oz, drawn by Walt MacDougall, Billy Bounce by W. W. Denslow, The Little Journeys of Nip and Tuck by John R. Neill, Eric Shanower's Oz graphic novels, Skottie Young's work for Marvel's adaptations, and works by Anna-Maria Cool and Ramona Fradon, among others. For details, see http://cartoonart.org/2011/10/the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz/.

November 2011

Book Tour, Out of Oz

Throughout November: Book Tour, Out of Oz. Gregory Maguire wraps up his series about an adult, looking-glass version of Oz with the fourth volume, Out of Oz. And as any good author does, he's going on tour to publicize the book. The following stops have been announced so far:

For more information about the tour, see http://harpercollins.com/Author/Tour.aspx?authorID=6173.

The Wizard of Oz play, Xiamen, China

November 24, 2011: The Wizard of Oz play, Xiamen Lotus Theatre, Xiamen, China. For one performance only, the Beijing Ugly Duckling Cartoon Art Troupe will present a stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. A number of different ticket packages are available. For more information, see the article about the play at http://www.whatsonxiamen.com/event2386.html.

Santa Claus: The Musical play, Fort Worth, Texas

November 26-December 23, 2011: Santa Claus: The Musical play, Casa Mañana Theatre, Fort Worth, Texas. This holiday season, the theatre is putting on a new musical about the life and adventures of Santa Claus, based on the book The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum. Tickets are $20 and $25. For more information or to purchase tickets, see the show's website at http://www.casamanana.org/playhouse/santa-claus.html.

December, 2011

The Wizard of Oz, TBS and/or TNT cablecasts

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

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

December, 2011: 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. Keep an eye on the TV listings as the time gets closer (December 17 and 24 look the most promising, as the schedule lists "All Day Long - Holiday Classics Marathon").

The Wizard of Oz play, Poulsbo, Washington

December 2-11, 2011: The Wizard of Oz play, North Kitsap Auditorium, Poulsbo, Washington. Kitsap Children's Musical Theatre is presenting the show for the holiday season. For more information or to purchase tickets, see the show's website at http://www.kcmt.org/shows/the-wizard-of-oz/.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus play, Stow, Ohio

December 9-17, 2011: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus play, The Heritage Barn, Stow, Ohio. The life story of Santa, as originally envisioned by L. Frank Baum in his 1902 novel, is now a comedy play, presented by the Stow Players. For more information, see the company's website at http://www.stowplayers.net/season.html.

The Marvelous Land of Oz play, Bainbridge Island, Washington

December 10, 2011: The Marvelous Land of Oz, Bainbrige Island Museum of Art Auditorium, Bainbridge Island, Washington. This is a musical retelling of the story of the second Oz book, for one performance only. The show starts at 11:30 a.m., and tickets are free, although a $5 donation is encouraged. For more information, see http://www.kidimu.org/2011/10/27/show-the-marvelous-land-of-oz/.

Wizard of Oz memorabilia auctions, Hollywood, California

December 15-17, 2011: Wizard of Oz memorabilia auctions, Profiles in History, Hollywood, California. We're still trying to track down details, but word on the yellow brick road has it that three major items from the famous film version of The Wizard of Oz will be going under the gavel at Profiles in History this month:

  • The Wicked Witch of the West's crystal ball
  • A test dress, not actually used in the film, worn by Judy Garland as Dorothy
  • A pair of Ruby Slippers

In case that last one wasn't clear: A PAIR OF RUBY SLIPPERS. (Trust me, this one will be all over the news!) Already a price of $2,000,000 is being talked about.

For more information, and to possibly get in on the bidding, go to http://www.profilesinhistory.com/.

January 2012

End of the Rainbow play, Minneapolis, Minnesota

January 28-March 11, 2012: End of the Rainbow play, Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, Minnesota. After its run in London's West End, this play about the final days of Judy Garland's life makes its American premiere in Minneapolis, not far from Judy's birthplace in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, before heading to New York for a Broadway run. Features Olivier Award-winner Tracie Bennett as Judy, reprising her performance in London, and many of the songs Judy made famous, including "Over the Rainbow". For more information or to purchase tickets, see the theater's website at http://www.guthrietheater.org/whats_happening/shows/2011/end_rainbow.

February 2012

Run for Oz benefit road race, New Orleans, Louisiana

February, 2012: Run for Oz 5K Benefit Road Race, New Orleans, Louisiana. Get a head start on Mardi Gras, dress as your favorite Oz character, and help out the Ozanam Inn Weekend Clinic at Tulane University. For more details, see http://raceforoz.eventbrite.com/.

The Wizard of Oz play, Sunnyside, Washington

February 24-March 3, 2012: The Wizard of Oz play, Sunnyside High School, Sunnyside, Washington. The stage adaptation, from the Royal Shakespeare Company, of the famous movie version of the first Oz book comes to the Lower Yakima Valley. Details will be available as showtime comes closer.

April 2012

Oz Marathon Road Race, Olathe, Kansas

April 21, 2012: Oz Marathon Road Race, 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 2012

Wizard of Oz Month Celebration, the Internet

May, 2012: 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, 2012: 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 2012

Oz-Stravaganza, Chittenango, New York

June, 2012: 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, 2012: 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.

July 2012

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz stage musical, Seattle, Washington

July 25-September 9, 2012: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz stage musical, Moore Theater, Seattle, Washington. Stage2Page Entertainment brings their new musical version of L. Frank Baum's story to the Emerald City for a preview before its New York run. Based on the original novel and incorporating music from the 1902 stage adaptation, this new show isn't like any Oz you've seen before. For more information, see the website at http://wwozanewmusical.webs.com/apps/calendar/showEvent?calID=5083025&eventID=142072300.

The Winkie Convention, Pacific Grove, California

July 27-29, 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 Sky Island. Details will be coming soon! And keep an eye on the Winkie Convention Facebook page.

August 2012

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

Opening August 3, 2012: 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, Martn 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 International Wizard of Oz Club's National Convention, Macatawa, Michigan

August 17-19, 2012: The International Wizard of Oz Club's National Convention, Holland, Michigan. L. Frank Baum's old summer home, The Sign of the Goose, was in the resort town of Macatawa, on the shore of Lake Michigan. Baum even poked fun at his neighbors in his pseudonymous book, Tamawaca Folks. And the old Ozmopolitan Convention was held for many years at nearby Castle Park. So the Oz Club returns to the area to celebrate islands and castles and homes ("Oh, my!"). The main convention venue will be the Doubletree Inn in Holland. Already lined up for the weekend is a dramatization of Tamawaca Folks. Keep an eye here for updates and further information.

September 2012

Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival, Chesterton, Indiana

September, 2012: Chesterton Wizard of Oz Festival, Chesterton, Indiana. One of the earliest Wizard of Oz festivals, this year Chesterton celebrates its thirtieth edition. For more information, see the event's website at http://www.ozfestivalchesterton.com/.

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.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz stage musical, New York City, New York.

Opens October 18, 2012: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz stage musical, American Theater of Actors, New York City, New York. Stage2Page Entertainment brings their new musical version of L. Frank Baum's story to the Big Apple for an Off-Off-Broadway run. Based on the original novel and incorporating music from the 1902 stage adaptation, this new show isn't like any Oz you've seen before. For more information, see the article right here, and tickets can be ordered at Brown Paper Tickets.

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.

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. More details will be given here when there are some.

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