Oz in the news 5.5.24

5 Big Takeaways from the New Broadway Revival of ‘The Wiz’

If You Only Know the Movie Version, This Is the Original Story – Just don’t expect to see Toto or Munchkins on stage. Or those creepy subway puppets from the movie.

One of the Movie Songs Is Now in the Musical -The original first song for the Scarecrow, “I Was Born on the Day Before Yesterday,” was replaced in the movie by “You Can’t Win,” performed by Michael Jackson. This new staging, which began with last year’s tour, includes the latter song performed buoyantly by Avery Wilson.

Some of the Musical Elements Have Been Modernized -Notably in the first act, the Tin Man’s number “Slide Some Oil to Me” has a more hip-hop flavor, while another scene features a New Orleans dance line. The opening medley at the top of the second act, “Meet the Wizard,” includes a trap-dance sequence after the Wiz insists on seeing his citizens do something new.

The Show Has a Lot of Razzle-Dazzle to It – Some media have criticized the new production for going full-on with very colorful visuals and a big sound. But the audience that American Songwriter watched it with appreciated the spectacle, which included some impressive video environments from Daniel Brodie, dynamic choreography courtesy of JaQuel Knight, and striking set pieces from Hannah Beachler.

One Can Never Tire of “Ease on Down the Road” – The peppy signature song of The Wiz is fun to see performed onstage. Even though it emerges three times in Act I and at least one more time in Act II, it always clicks. In the first act there is a New Orleans version of “Ease on Down,” and the second act features a slower variant. It’s funny how a song about easing along is so insistently danceable.

Oz in the News 5.1.24

Reversed Audio on Kendrick Lamar’s “Euphoria” Drake Diss Features Richard Pryor’s ‘I’m a Phony’ Line From ‘The Wiz’

Kendrick Lamar’s 6-minute diss track, “Euphoria” aimed at Drake had the internet in shambles on Tuesday. Not long after the song arrived, fans uncovered what K.Dot says at the very beginning, which sounds like a bunch of jumbled words. X user @DonaldDarko13 reversed the first few seconds of the record to reveal that Lamar says, “Everything they say about me’s true.” Another X user, @AndreasHale shared that the reversed audio is what Richard Pryor says in 1978’s The Wiz—a remake of 1939’s The Wizard of Oz—when he “gets exposed as a fraud.” The full line from The Wiz is longer: “Everything they say about me is true. I’m a phony.”

The intro is clearly a dig at Drizzy. Genius points out that the reverse audio is particularly interesting because Michael Jackson plays the scarecrow in The Wiz—and that could be another connection to “Like That.” On the song, Kendrick compares himself to Prince and Drake to Michael Jackson

Fourth Annual Oz Land Festival in Peekskill, New York

The Oz Land Festival is going into its fourth annual year! The festival will take place from 1-7pm on Saturday, August 17^th, 2024, on South Street in downtown Peekskill, NY. The festival itself honors diversity, community, and finding your true “home” as a place within yourself where you can make all your dreams come true. Artisan vendors and food will be a part of the festival of course, but the Oz Land Festival is much more than that. There will be interactive dancing on the street. Eventgoers are encouraged to attend the festival dressed in costume as their favorite “Oz” character and feel a spirit of camaraderie with one another. There will be a costume contest as well as a full day of live entertainment, curated by Antonia, including a DJ, a storyteller, dance routines and theatrical acts, including vignettes from “The Wizard of Oz.”

Oz in the News 3.23.24

Michael Feinstein In To Star In RAINBOW: THE NEW JUDY GARLAND MUSICAL  at the Mark Taper Forum

In his third appearance at the Mark Taper Forum under the banner Feinstein’s at the Taper, the series continues with Michael Feinstein in RAINBOW: The New Judy Garland Musical on Saturday, April 13 at 8PM.

The show is executive produced by Michael Feinstein and Liza Minnelli. Tickets are now on sale at . Feinstein’s at the Taper is part of Center Theatre Group’s 2024 CTG:FWD programming. 

RAINBOW: The New Judy Garland Musical is the breathtaking culmination of over three decades of research, performance, and a lifetime love for one of the world’s most iconic performers, Judy Garland. Making its West Coast premiere, the show, which was originally performed at Feinstein’s club in New York during the Garland Centennial in December 2021, stars Feinstein as he travels through the life and songs of Judy Garland.

This multimedia live show features big screen film clips, rarely heard and seen audio recordings and photos, good humor, and great music. Executive produced by Ms. Garland’s daughter, Liza Minnelli, and her closest friend and collaborator, multi-platinum-selling, two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award nominee, Michael Feinstein, this event at the Mark Taper Forum is different. It is an unabashed musical biography that celebrates Judy, sharing insights from the music we all adore and the life known only by the endless, shining, forever love shared with her children, Liza, Lorna and Joey Luft. 

“My friendship with Liza, the archives of Judy and Vincente Minnelli, and the never-before-seen imagery and never-before-heard sounds bring forth the most beloved voice and quite possibly the artist of the 20th century. RAINBOW captures the genius, humor, poignancy, and god-given talent that is rare beyond belief. The title is not only an homage to “Over the Rainbow”; it is also a celebration of Judy Garland‘s ability to rise over clouds and crises, to create beauty,” said Tony Award honoree Mr. Feinstein. 

Oz in the News 1.19.24

The Gore London Launches Judy Garland-Inspired Fragrance

The Gore London – Starhotels Collezione transcends the conventional definition of a hotel, establishing itself as a historical landmark deeply entwined with Judy Garland’s legacy. During the 1960s, this esteemed hotel became a home away from home for Garland, who brought over her cherished furniture from California.

This heartfelt gesture was more than a mere relocation of items; it symbolized her deep connection to the place, infusing her personal touch and presence into the space. The suite, adorned with her original furnishings, offers a tangible link to her past, allowing guests to experience a slice of Garland’s life.

Nestled within the heart of London, The Gore London has meticulously preserved the Judy Garland Junior Suite as a shrine to her memory. Retaining her original bed frame, the suite stands as a living museum, a tribute to the star’s enduring influence.

Each item in the room tells a story, weaving a tapestry of her life and times. Visitors to this suite are not just staying in a room; they are living amidst history, enveloped in the aura of one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures.

TurnKey Beauty Inc.’s role in this collaboration adds a sensory dimension to the Judy Garland legacy. Guests of The Gore London who indulge in a stay at the Judy Garland Junior Suite for at least two nights are rewarded with a sensory memento – a bottle of ‘JUDY’.

This fragrance, masterfully crafted by Vincenzo Spinnato, transcends the ordinary, offering an olfactory journey that captures the essence of Garland’s spirit. Spinnato’s creation is more than a fragrance; it’s a homage to Garland, designed to mark her centennial celebration in a manner as unique and captivating as the star herself.

This olfactory masterpiece, ‘JUDY’, is a blend of carefully selected scents that evoke memories and emotions tied to Garland’s persona. Each note in the fragrance is thoughtfully chosen to reflect aspects of her life and character.

The result is an exquisite scent that not only pays tribute to Garland’s legacy but also allows fans and admirers to carry a part of her essence with them. TurnKey Beauty’s contribution thus serves as a bridge connecting Garland’s fans to her enduring charm and elegance.

Oz in the News 12.9.23

One-on-One with Renowned Judy Garland Impressionist Debbie Wileman Debbie Wileman, the singing sensation who captured world-wide attention during the global pandemic with her uncanny recreation of Judy Garland‘s legendary voice, will make her return to Carnegie Hall on Sunday, December 10 with a special one-night-only holiday performance, “Judy Garland” We Need a Little Christmas.

Accompanied by a live orchestra that will be conducted by award-winning musical director and arranger Steve Orich, and joined by special guests including actor Barry Bostwick, Wileman will bring the holiday spirit and perform Garland’s signature Christmas songs, as well as newly arranged holiday hits that Garland may have performed if she were still with us today. 

Instinct had the opportunity to sit down with Wileman and talk more about her upcoming Carnegie Hall holiday performance, as well as how she discovered her knack for impersonating Garland, embracing fame, and what we can expect from her next.