Even 119 years since the publication of book, 116 years since the Broadway opening of the musical and 80 years since the release of the film, The Wizard of Oz is still an enchanting masterpiece with something to teach us all.
The Wizard of Oz has one of the first and most iconic female roles with Dorothy on a hero’s journey of self discovery - where she learns the value of empathy, integrity and gratitude. Along the way her three supportive friends, the Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion learn perseverance, teamwork, courage and love. This rare artistic phenomenon is one that grandparents can remember seeing as children and share its joy and lessons with another generation of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
But today, Oz is more. A culturally significant lesson, it is a parable and warning as we face challenges unknown 120 years ago; the industrial Tinman, who yearns for a heart and can only survive on oil; the agrarian Scarecrow who only through education can go on to understand and find truth; and the flesh and blood Lion, terrified by the darkening world around him, who like us, can only face and change his world through individual courage. Finally, the inhabitants of Oz who, whether poor, small and humble, like the Munchkins, or rich and prosperous living in an Emerald city, welcome the stranger on their boarder with open arms and are made infinitely better off by her coming.
It is the hope of our cast, crew and staff that we all can learn the lessons of truth, courage, love and welcome as well as our play’s heroes.
Mary Gorak
