The Wizard of Oz Play

by Aisha Gilani

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Baum's 1902 stage production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz began as a collaboration with composer Paul Tietjens. Baum and Tietjens turned to comic opera (made popular in the nineteenth century by such artists as Gilbert & Sullivan) as the style on which to base their musical version of the story. As the work neared its Chicago premiere, director Julian Mitchell became involved, along with a number of librettists and lyricists. The musical opened at Chicago's Grand Opera House in June, 1902. It's title was shortened to The Wizard of Oz and the finished product was only peripherally related to Baum's 1900 fairytale and somewhat removed from the musical version that he and Tietjens had intended.

The production was a huge success and played for more than one hundred performances, achieving enormous popularity with children and families and was noted for its "opulence and visual splendour." The cast was huge.

A tour of the production through the American midwest and parts of Canada began that September, ending with a two week return engagement in Chicago. The play opened in New York in January 1903, where it played until October, becoming the longest running musical of the season. A cross country tour would begin after the New York run, with a second company added. This musical version had undergone notable changes from Baum's original to suit the demands of the stage and to appeal to audiences of the period. Nevertheless, it was a sound work.

 

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