Orange library hosts backstage look into world of Oz

Written by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
Wednesday, 04 November 2009 13:31

Authors and singers will reveal “Secrets of Oz” at the Case Memorial Library in Orange at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12.

Connecticut authors Evan Schwartz and Carol de Giere present “Secrets of Oz: From Baum’s Oz Classics to Wicked — stories from Behind the Curtain.”

They will share their research about the inventive geniuses who brought the land of Oz to life in novels, stage and screen. This free event will also features multimedia presentations and a “Musical OZ Review.”

Schwartz will discuss his book “Finding OZ: How L. Frank Baum Discovered the Great American Story” and show slides of photos from Baum’s life. Carol de Giere, author of “Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, From Godspell to Wicked,” will explore the making of the hit musical “Wicked” a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” from the days before Dorothy dropped in. She will play video clips for a behind-the-scenes look at the Broadway production.

The program concludes with a “Musical Oz Revue” featuring selections from “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Wiz” and “Wicked.” Vocalists Carole Demas who was the original “Sandy” in “Grease” on Broadway and co-star of TV’s “The Magic Garden,” and Lara Janine who starred as Elphaba in “Wicked” at Universal Studios in Japan, will perform.

Both authors will be signing their books at the event following the musical presentation. The Oz-themed program is sponsored by the Shirley Martin Prown Fund and is free. Reservations are recommended but not required. For more information call the library at 891-2170.