Oz CharactersMore than 20 special guests to appear

(Chittenango, NY – May 2013) The 35th annual Oz-Stravaganza! to be held May 31  to June 2 in downtown Chittenango – themed Patchwork of Oz – will be hosted by Oz author and historian John Fricke.

Fricke’s latest book, “The Wonderful World of Oz: An Illustrated History of the American Classic” will be published in October; it’s his seventh title extolling the magic of Frank Baum’s creations, the 1939 MGM Oz film, or its legendary star Judy Garland.

Fricke has been a mainstay of the Chittenango Oz celebration since 1990 and was instrumental in helping expand the event from one morning and one afternoon to an entire weekend. He will be seen in the new “making of” documentary in the 3D 75th anniversary Oz DVD set (also for release in October) and in a number of media appearances as company spokesman for that Warner Home Entertainment release.

Fricke can also be heard on the DVD commentary tracks of seven of Judy’s films, including The Wizard of Oz.  He is twice-recipient of television’s Emmy Award as producer and writer of PBS and A&E Garland documentaries; a Grammy Award nominee for his journalism; past-president of The International Wizard of Oz Club and past-editor-in-chief of their magazine, or as one critic summarized it, “Fricke is to Garland and Oz what Baskin is to Robbins.”

A total of 21 special guests will make appearances throughout Oz weekend including cast members from the film “After the Wizard,” Jordan VanVranken, Jermel Nakia and Orien Richman. Also appearing will be Hugh Gross, writer and director of the film.

Judy Garland’s movie stand-in, Caren Marsh-Doll, Munchkin by marriage Myrna Swensen, L. Frank Baum’s great grandson Bob Baum and his wife Clare, as well as Oz illustrator Gwen Tennille will all be returning guests.

A stunning collection of Judy Garland dresses will be exhibited by owner Jonathan Shirshekan. Another of L. Frank Baum’s great grandsons, Roger Baum, and his wife, Charlene, will return to Chittenango for the first time in a few years to speak about the new Oz animated movie to be released next year based on Roger’s book Dorothy of Oz.

New guests to Oz-Stravaganza! are movie critic Ryan Jay and  the expert on the 1903 Wizard of Oz musical David Maxine.

From the recently released Disney movie Oz the Great and Powerful Quadling child Ann Marie Arcuri and Wizard stand-in Al Jakel will be an exciting addition to the festival. The committee is pleased that Oz illustrator and author Dennis Anfuso will return after being unavailable last year.

Christianna Rickard the niece of  Scarecrow Ray Bolger will make her first appearance at Oz-Stravaganza! with her book, “My Journey with the Scarecrow.”

For comic book enthusiasts, Oz graphic novelists Eric Shanower, Tom Hutchison and Bill Bryan will be present in Author’s Alley. Completing the guest list is Oz fan Kenneth Doane who was former WWE wrestler Kenny Dykstra. Doane will sell and autograph his new anti-bullying book, “Billy’s Bully.”

The grand Oz parade kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday June 1 in downtown Chittenango. The Oz festival offers three full days of family friendly fun including amusement rides, crafters, vendors, food, silent auctions, fireworks, hot air balloon launches, free Oz programs, live entertainment and more.

For details, visit www.oz-stravaganza.com.

 

 

By martha

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