May 14-16, 2010:
Oz - The Books! Members of the International Wizard of Oz Club gather in Fresno, Calif., this year with co-host The Arne Nixon Center for the Study of Children’s Literature. Join us as we follow IWOC president and convention chairman Angelica Carpenter down the Yellow Brick Road to Fresno. Ten nationally known presenters including Gregory Maguire, Graham Rawle, Michael Patrick Hearn and John Fricke, are scheduled along with full-stage production based on Ozma of Oz. (http://www.arnenixoncenter.org/events/oz_conference.shtml)
June 4-6, 2010:
Oz-stravaganza The annual celebration of Oz in L. Frank Baum’s birthplace, Chittenango, New York, traditionally features a parade with MGM Munchkins, Baum descendents and more. This year's theme celebrates The Emerald City of Oz. John Fricke serves as emcee. (http://oz-stravaganza.com/)
June 10 -12, 2010:
The 35th Annual Judy Garland Festival will be held in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul. For reservations at the Marquette by Hilton headquarters hotel click here. See the Judy Garland Museum website for updated information. www.judygarlandmuseum.com
July 9 - 10, 2010:
July 9-10, 2010: The original Broadway musical, The Wizard of Oz, comes to life again at the Canton, Ohio, Palace Theater. For one night, the Canton Comic Opera Company will present this historic theatrical show with a full cast and live orchestra. The musical has not been seen in the Midwest since the first touring companies staged it shortly after the turn of the century -- a rare opportunity for Oz fans. $20/adults, $10/students. The program will be preceded July 9 with a free concert and lecture, "Uncharted Oz: Music from The Wizard of Oz 1902-1909." www.cantoncomicoperacom.com
July 15 - 17, 2010:
The 16th annual Chautauqua Festival in Bonne Terre, Mo, will feature David Skipper's presentation, L. Frank Baum: The Royal Historian of Oz, Saturday evening, July 17th. David appears in character as Baum. Joining him will be George Frein as Ted Giesel (Dr. Suess) and Helene Lang performing as Beatrix Potter.