WANTED: TEEN GROUPIES & ROADIES
WITH COURAGE, WISDOM & HEART
by Dee (DEEDUN) Dunheim
'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, Indiana 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 Witchd, 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 Russ Harper's brand new site 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, Indiana 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 219-983-1691 and let's get started.
