OzWiki:Current events

From OzWiki
Jump to navigationJump to search

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. Further stops are in the works for Taipei and New Zealand. See http://www.wickedthemusical.com.au/ for more about the show and further announcements.

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Based on the Oz books The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Marvelous Land of Oz, Ozma of Oz, and The Emerald City of Oz and originally made in Japan, you can now watch selected episodes online, with a new episode being made available once a week.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

Over the Rainbow, Canadian national broadcast, CBC

Now showing: 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. Here's the currently announced schedule (all times are EDT, check local listings for exact time in your area):

  • October 14:
    • Performance #4 Rerun, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
    • Results #4 Rerun, 4:30-5:00 p.m.
    • Performance #5, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
  • October 15: Results #5, 8:00-8:30 p.m.
  • October 21:
    • Performance #5 Rerun, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
    • Results #5 Rerun, 1:30-2:00 p.m.
    • Performance #6, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
  • October 22: Results #6, 8:00-8:30 p.m.

Also, keep your eye on the show's website at http://www.cbc.ca/overtherainbow/.

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.

The Wizard of Oz 4-D Experience, Detroit, Michigan

Now through October 28, 2012: The Wizard of Oz 4-D Experience, Detroit Zoo, Detroit, Michigan. As part of its annual Zoo Boo Halloween celebration, the Detroit Zoo is presenting the abbreviated 4-D version of the famous film version of The Wizard of Oz. The fifteen-minute adaptation is presented in 3-D, with interactive elements added to add the fourth dimension, in the 3-D/4-D theater. Shows are presented every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and are $5 with zoo admission (or $7 as part of the Beastly Bundle). For more information, see the zoo's website at http://www.detroitzoo.org/attractions/3d-4d-theater-ford-education-center.

The Wizard of Oz play, Makati City, The Philippines

Now through December 17, 2012: The Wizard of Oz play, 2/F Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City, The Philippines. Repertory Philippines, the largest English-language children's theater in the country, is putting on an original musical version of The Wizard of Oz well into the holiday season. For show days, venue information, and to order tickets, see the company's website at http://www.repertory.ph/.

Out of This World museum exhibit, Naples, Florida

Now through 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

Now through January 6, 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.

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). If it will tour during the 2012-13 season, they should announce it soon. For more information about the show, see the website at http://wizardofozontour.com/.

October 2012

Classic Movie Costumes exhibit, London, England, Great Britain

October 20, 2012-January 27, 2013: Classic Movie Costumes exhibit, The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England, Great Britain. Sometime later this year, the V&A will host an exhibit of classic movie costumes, including Vivien Leigh's green velvet "curtain dress" from Gone With the Wind, outfits from Breakfast at Tiffany's, Superman, and Pirates of the Caribbean. For Oz fans, the big draw will be a pair of Ruby Slippers (on loan from the Smithsonian Institution) and a dress worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz. Keep an eye on http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/exhibitions/exhibition-hollywood-costume/ for updates and further information.

November 2012

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.

Oogaboo Rendezvous, Vashon Island, Washington

November 10, 2012: Oogaboo Rendezvous, Vashon Island, Washington. The every-once-in-a-while gathering of Oz fans in the Pacific Northwest meets at the home of Robin and Arlene Hess. Dinner, conversation, and sharing, along with Eric Gjovaag's quiz on The Little Wizard Stories of Oz. For more information, contact the hosts at host@oogaboo.org.

Wizard of Oz Festival and movie showing, Naperville and Woodridge, Illinois

November 10-11, 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 Munchkins and events. For details, see the show's website.

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/.

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 20, 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

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/.

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/.

October 2013

Oztoberfest, Wamego, Kansas

October 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/.

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.

Retrieved from "http://thewizardofoz.info/w/index.php?title=OzWiki:Current_events&oldid=4190"