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By Dee Dunheim
for the Wizard of Oz Festival
“Dorothy lived in the midst of the great Kansas prairies, with Uncle Henry,
who was a farmer, and Aunt Em, who was the farmer’s wife.” OK.
So it sounds as if it starts out a bit slow.
But, as soon as that cyclone hits, BAM!
The story of the Wizard of Oz blasts us off into the most phenomenal,
awesome and breathtaking, technicolor trip imaginable. A trip now being
experienced (via DVD) by the fourth generation of Wizard of Oz fans.
Even if you haven’t read Frank Baum’s book, first published in 1899, you’ve
certainly seen the 1939 MGM movie, which first aired on television in
November of 1956, and has aired annually ever since.
And right now, high-school students in Porter County are being recruited to
take part in creating the 24th Annual Wizard of Oz Festival in Chesterton,
which runs from September 16-18.
The oldest and largest Festival of its kind, it draws thousands of Oz
groupies from around the country to experience first-hand the joy and
exuberance that goes hand-in-hand and step-by-step down the Yellow Brick
Road.
Just as sound men, technicians, prop men, electricians, carpenters, makeup
artists, lighting experts, designers and actors, worked behind the scenes
prior to - and throughout - the filming of the movie, the same talent,
energy and know-how are necessary to prepare for the weekend-long Festival
that turns Chesterton into the magical land of Oz.
Volunteering offers a rainbow of opportunities. A gold mine of
possibilities. And, best of all, an excuse to be wacky. Here’s your chance
to perform on street corners. Young impersonators can take their show on the
road all weekend to mimic the antics of the Tin Man, The Cowardly Lion, The
Scarecrow, The Wicked Witch, or even a Flying Monkey. The musically inclined
are invited to play or perform songs from the movie. Future fashion
designers can help sew costumes for any number of Oz characters; Artists can
paint backdrops; Wood workers and crafters can build props. Oz roadies can
help build up scenery before the weekend, and break it down afterwards.
Before you do anything, do this: Log onto Google. Search for “The Wizard of
Oz.” You’ll find a gazillion references to the author, the movie, the
actors, the production, merchandise, history and trivia. That should get you
excited.
Then, log onto the new website created by Russ Harper at
www.wizardofozfestival.org. And don’t sign off without e-mailing it to
friends, family and newspaper editors. The site will help you decide what
role you’d like to play this Summer in helping make the 24th annual Wizard
of Oz Festival in Chesterton, the best and most exciting yet.
Brenda Maynard is president of Lakeshore Festival and Events, Inc. Dee
Spargur is its Vice President and Booth Chairperson. Laurie Franke-Polz is
Chairperson of the Junior Committee. So, leave a message with your ideas or
questions, along with your name and number. Brenda, Dee or Laurie will
return your call. Dial 983-1691.
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Posted 7/21/2005
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