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:

  • A UK touring production is scheduled to open September 12, 2013, in Manchester, with further dates and venues to be announced.
  • 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, and another tour of Australia. See http://www.wickedthemusical.com.au/ for more about the show and further announcements.

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Based on the Oz books The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Marvelous Land of Oz, Ozma of Oz, and The Emerald City of Oz and originally made in Japan, you can now watch selected episodes online, with a new episode being made available once a week.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

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.

Wardrobes and Rabbit Holes exhibit, Ithaca, New York

Now through March 22, 2013: Wardrobes and Rabbit Holes: A Dark History of Children's Literature exhibition, Hirshland Exhibition Gallery, Carl A. Kroch Library, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. We may think of children's literature as being bright and sunny, but this exhibit shows otherwise. One of the books on display is a first edition of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. For more information, or to view the exhibit online, see the website at http://rmc.library.cornell.edu/rabbithole/.

The Wizard of Oz play, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Now through June 2: 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 going across the road in Canada, and possibly the United States.

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

Tom and Jerry and the Wizard of Oz, national cablecast

February 17, 2013: Tom and Jerry and the Wizard of Oz national cablecast, Cartoon Network. The famous cat and mouse team hitch a ride on a Kansas twister, and end up following Dorothy on her adventures in Oz in this animated movie. Showtime on Cartoon Network is 3:30 p.m. (check local listings for exact time and station in your area).

Dororthy in Oz play, London, England, United Kingdom

February 26-March 17, 2013: Dorothy of Oz play, Waterloo East Theatre, London, England, United Kingdom. The UK premiere of a play first put on in Pittsburgh. Dottie is committed to a mental institution by her aunt and uncle. There, a new experimental drug called Cyclozil causes her to hallucinate about the staff and patients at the hospital. Needless to say, this one is not recommended for children! Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturday, and 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are £12, or £10 for students, seniors, Equity members, and the unemployed or handicapped. For more information, see the show's website at http://www.immersiontheatre.co.uk/Oz_2013.html.

March 2013

The Wizard of Oz ballet, Syracuse, New York

March 2, 2013: The Wizard of Oz ballet, Mulroy Civic Center Theaters, Syracuse, New York. Dance Center North presents this ballet interpretation of the famous story, for one performance only at 2:00 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, see the theaters' website.

Visions of Oz exhibit, Los Angeles, California

March 3-31, 2013: Visions of Oz — A Celebration of Art from Over the Rainbow exhibit, Heritage Square Museum, Los Angeles, California. Over one hundred artists from many fields have contributed pieces on their interpretations of The Wizard of Oz for this exhibit, which also includes Oz memorabilia and pieces from The Wizard of Oz (1939 movie), Return to Oz, and Oz the Great and Powerful. The exhibit is presented by Creature Features. The museum is open 11:#0 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for children six to twelve. (Those five and under, and museum members, are admitted free.) For more information, see the Creature Feature site, the museum's website, and the exhibit's press release.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Orlando, Florida

March 6-May 19, 2013: Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, Epcot Center, Orlando, Florida. To commemorate the release of the movie Oz: The Great and Powerful, this year's flower and garden festival at Epcot will have an Oz theme, as detailed in this blog entry. For more information, see the festival's website.

Wizard of Oz Weekend, Coronado, California

March 7-9, 2013: Wizard of Oz Weekend, Coronado, California. The city of Coronado celebrates its Oz heritage — Oz creator L. Frank Baum spent several winters in Coronado, and the only house Baum lived in that's still standing is only steps away from the Hotel del Coronado — with free screenings of Oz, the Great and Powerful on all three screens of the theater, readings and signings from author Roger S. Baum, Baum's great-grandson, and other events. For more information about the event, see this local newspaper article.

Oz: The Great and Powerful movie release

Starting March 7, 2013: Oz: The Great and Powerful movie premiere, worldwide release. The newest Oz movie is on its way to a theater near you. 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. It is scheduled to open in theaters all over the world, some in 3-D. Here's the known release schedule:

  • March 7: Argentina, Australia, Chile, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Ukraine
  • March 8: Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Estonia, Ireland, Japan, Lithuania, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States
  • March 13: Belgium, France
  • March 14: the Netherlands
  • March 15: Finland, Norway, Sweden
  • March 27: Spain

The official website is in operation at http://disney.go.com/thewizard/. If you're visiting Dinsey's California Adventure at Disneyland any time soon, there's even a 4-D preview at Muppet-Vision 3D.

Robert Sabuda talk, Dallas, Texas

March 15, 2013: Robert Sabuda Talk, Horchow Auditorium, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas, Texas. The Prince of Pop-Ups talks about making his legendary pop-up books, including his version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, as part of the museum's BooksmArt series. The talk begins at 8:30 p.m., but he will be signing his works outside the museum store from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Plan things right and you may also get to see another children's illustrator, Peter Reynolds, whose talk starts at 7:00 p.m.) Admission is free, but securing tickets ahead of time is recommended so as to be guaranteed a seat. For more information, see the museum's BooksmArt page at http://dallasmuseumofart.org/Family/BooksmArt/index.htm.

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 ozmarathon.com.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.


Retrieved from "http://thewizardofoz.info/w/index.php?title=OzWiki:Current_events&oldid=4632"