It’s been a surprisingly
tough winter for many. Here in Grand
Rapids, Minnesota, with temperatures often below zero, we are dreaming of
spring and summer. So it’s time to get some
news out about the 2015 Wizard of
Oz Festival.
Although the Board of
Directors has voted to keep the name of our annual festival “The Wizard of Oz
Festival,” we want all the fans out there to know the event will continue to
celebrate Judy Garland’s life and legacy. For 2015 we are planning some great
Garland programs and we hope you will be pleased.
Please note, this schedule is not fully set yet, but here are a few special events planned for the June 11th – 13th Festival.
Please note, this schedule is not fully set yet, but here are a few special events planned for the June 11th – 13th Festival.
JUDY AND CHUCK WALTERS!
We are very excited to
announce that Brent Phillips, author of the newly released book, CHARLES
WALTERS: THE DIRECTOR WHO MADE HOLLYWOOD DANCE (University Press of Kentucky)
will be present to speak about his new book.
Brent Phillips is a NYU
film archivist/preservationist. Recently, he appeared on Turner Classic
Movies for a weekly series on the films of Charles Walters. Phillips’ new book and the first-ever
biography of Walters, celebrates Walters' dance numbers with Judy in
PRESENTING LILY MARS and GIRL CRAZY; his musical staging for her in MEET ME IN
ST. LOUIS and ZIEGFELD FOLLIES, and his guidance of EASTER PARADE and
SUMMER STOCK.
This program will
include a gloriously entertaining and in-depth review of Judy Garland's
film, theater, and concert work with the Academy Award-nominated director and
choreographer Charles "Chuck" Walters. In addition to film clips,
Phillips' presentation will be highlighted by private and newsreel silent
footage of two of the stage acts he directed for Judy in 1951 and 1958. The
program will be moderated by John Fricke. This will be a truly special program.
JUDY -- IN CONCERT!
John Fricke shares rare,
silent home movies and previously unheard audio of Judy's concert years -- from
1951 to 1969. Much of the silent film that exists of Judy during her stage appearances only has been seen in brief excerpts in
documentaries. Here is an unprecedented chance to see unedited footage
from Judy's shows at The Palace (1951 and 1967); on her Carnegie Hall tour
(1961); during her 1967 engagements; in Las Vegas, Chicago, Melbourne, and
elsewhere. During the same presentation, you'll also hear
private concert, TV, and radio recordings, never before publicly
shared. It's an unparalleled opportunity for fans of "Miss Show Business"
to see her in splendid action -- and for those who only know
"Dorothy" of THE WIZARD OF OZ to see and hear how she grew up to
be "the world's greatest entertainer."
FUN FACTS ABOUT OZ by John Fricke
A short 45 minute talk
that persons of all ages will enjoy. This event will take place just before the
opening of the OZ Fair at the museum and will take place in the Art Room. We
believe film clips will be shown with this presentation as well.
A SPECIAL "OZZY"
DUO PRESENTATION!
Act One: THE OZ
THAT ALMOST "WOZ"!
Oz historian and author
John Fricke presents a fascinating look at the actors and actresses who ALMOST
made it "over the rainbow" back in 1938. See vintage film
footage of the performers whose work led them to be among the first to be considered
for the roles of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion,
the Wizard, Glinda, and the Wicked Witch of the West in MGM's THE WIZARD OF OZ!
It's an outstanding combination of entertainment and entertainment
history ...and the opportunity to imagine how OZ might have fared in other
hands (and faces and voices).
Act Two: AWAY
FROM THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD!
Fricke continues the
legendary back-story of THE WIZARD OF OZ with film clips of the stars of
MGM's motion picture in some of their other, classic movie
appearances. It's all about song, dance, and comedy -- with Garland, Bolger,
Haley, Lahr, Morgan, Burke, and Hamilton in different roles, guises, and
costumes...but with the same God-given talents and Ozzy magic!
John Fricke presents -
REMEMBERING JUDY
Hear heartfelt
recollections of Judy Garland from those who knew and loved her, ranging from
the Gumm Family au pair in Grand Rapids in the mid-1920s,
through those who appeared with her at MGM, and including her musical
compatriots and coworkers during her concert and television careers. These rare video interview excerpts
were a highlight of the Grand Rapids festival more than a decade ago, and they
haven't been shared or presented since then! Enjoy June Allyson, Ann
Miller, Alan King, Eddie Bracken, Robert Stack, Margaret Whiting, Hugh Martin,
Mort Lindsey, Norman Jewison and many others
There are several other
potential surprises on the horizon, so please stay tuned!
Other Wizard
of Oz Festival Events will include:
- * Judy Jeopardy
- * Wizard of Oz Jeopardy
- * Indoor
and Outdoor OZ FAIR with Games, Glitter Tattoos, Cake Walk and the Gale Family
Petting Zoo - all on FRIDAY
- * Gift
Shop Appearance/book signing by Amanda Michelle Moon, author of the fictional work: “Stealing the
Ruby Slippers”
- * A
Wizard of OZ Character Costume Contest with on camera Interviews shown
on big screen
- * Friday
Evening Themed BBQ Picnic
- * OZ
Dance Party and Karaoke on Evergreen Terrace Lawn
- * Friday
Evening outdoor screening of The Wizard of Oz on a Jumbo screen
- * Saturday
Red Shoe Walk led by Scarecrow at Old Central School House
- * Old
Central School House – Emerald City Fest – Horse & Carriage Rides, Face
Painting, Hair braiding, Glinda’s Bubbles, Games etc. - all on SATURDAY
Please Note: This April, the Reif Center will be closing
down for a year of renovations. Because of this, it has been decided to skip
the talent show this year.'
NEW JUDY GARLAND Book in Gift Shop
Always
for Judy by Joan Beck Coulson
This year a lovely new
book was published about Judy Garland, “Always for Judy” by Joan Beck Coulson.
There have been many books about Judy, her talent and her life, but this one is
special on a few accounts. For one, Joan not only saw Judy perform onstage
several times, she met her as well.
In addition, Joan Beck Coulson
has taken a new approach to viewing Garland’s life. Under the premise used in documentary
film maker, Michael Apted’s documentary film series, Seven Up, Joan follows the theory used - the Jesuit saying: “Give me the
child until he is seven, and I will show you the man.” Joan examines the
events of Garland’s early years as Frances Gumm, up to the age of seven, and then
traces how these first seven years affected her entire life. The result is
quite revealing!
Most books about Judy
Garland’s personal life lead us into the personal details and rumors as curious
strangers. However, using her experience as a social scientist in
anthropology and even more so as a woman and mother of two performing children, Joan takes
us into the heart of Judy. Through her book we view the feelings of this
remarkable woman and learn some great things about her. "Always for Judy" is a book
worth reading. Autographed copies are now available in the museum gift shop.
Easter at the Children’s Discovery Museum
On Saturday, March 28th
from 9:00 – 11:00 am there will be an Easter Party at the Children’s Discovery
Museum. This party is for Members only. The party will include crafts, as well
as an Easter Egg Hunt for younger children and another hunt for older children.
More information, please call the Museum:
(218) 326-1900.
New Museum Rates
This year, in keeping
with costs, the museum has raised its rates. Please note the following:
General Admission: $9.00
General Admission with
AAA: $8.00
Youth Membership: $28.00
– 2 Years: $50.00
Adult Membership: $38.00
- 2 Years: $70.00
Family Membership:
$48.00 – 2 Years: $ 90.00
Grandparent Membership:
$58.00 - 2 Years: $110.00
Membership includes free
admission to the museum, Birthday Party discounts, and 10% discount on all Gift
Shop purchases.
So long until March when
we will release more information
about the June Festival!
Visit us on Facebook
and our website: http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com
