Celebrating the 75th Anniversay of the Wizard of Oz
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In 1939, a legend was made. Not a person, not an object, but a film, a film that has changed American culture and brought magic into the lives of viewers. The Wizard of Oz is like no other movie ever created. It is perfect for families, people young and old, and anyone in need of heartwarming moments and a good laugh. This year, the film that has achieved so much since its birth is having a major milestone. The movie that has been a huge part of generations is celebrating its 75th birthday. All over the country, people are honoring this age-old phenomenon with countless trinkets and collectibles. McDonald’s produced a collection of toys in the Happy Meals that posed as the characters that starred in the film. Children must have been just as delighted by the charming plastic Dorothys and her companions as they were by their chicken McNuggets and milk. Collector’s items have been sold in stores like Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Target. From dolls to board games to t-shirts, manufacturers have produced it all for this special occasion.
Although countless keepsakes have been made for this occasion, one of the most memorable tributes to The Wizard of Oz was at the Academy Awards in March. This film was nominated for six Oscars in 1939, and once again the Academy Awards recognized its excellence all of these years later. This surprise had magazines and websites buzzing for months in anticipation. When P!nk stepped onto the stage mirroring a ruby slipper in a glittering red dress, over 225 countries stared at their television screens in awe. She sang the timeless song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” in a way that tied together different generations in a new way. Afterward, Ellen DeGeneres closed the tribute while wearing a poofy candy-colored gown that was exceptionally Glinda-like, especially with her wand and towering tiara. The best part of the whole act was that Judy Garland’s three children were there to see the song and show that paid homage to their mother’s brilliant performance as Dorothy and to the entire fabulous film and its many achievements.
In the same month as the Oscars, our own school honored The Wizard of Oz with our spring musical. With its breathtaking fantasyland, impressive choreography, songs that have amazed people over the years, and, of course, its special anniversary, The Wizard of Oz was an obvious choice. In December, students in seventh and eighth grade auditioned to take part in the play, and later that month, the cast list was posted. Rehearsals began soon after that in order to memorize lines and practice repeatedly. On Thursday and Friday the week of March 17, the show was performed for the fourth graders in the district and for VFMS’s fifth and sixth graders. The children adored the show and how it magically transported the audience with Dorothy to Oz. Opening night was March 28, and the last performance was the next afternoon. Throughout the show the audience experienced almost every emotion there is. Adults and kids alike were charmed by the Munchkins, frightened by the flying monkeys, and enchanted by Glinda. When the whole experience was finished, the entire cast and audience was disappointed that the magnificent ride had to end, and everyone had a greater appreciation for the movie that was filmed 75 years ago and has left its mark on society since then.
-Helen C.