
Reach for this book when your child expresses a deep fascination with how their favorite movies or plays were first created. This historical exploration takes families back to 1902, long before the famous 1939 film, to discover the original musical extravaganza of The Wizard of Oz. It highlights the collaborative spirit of the theater, showing how a beloved story evolved through the contributions of ghostwriters, composers, and comedic actors like Fred Stone and David C. Montgomery. Parents will appreciate how the book introduces themes of artistic evolution and the ephemeral nature of performance. It is a wonderful choice for children aged 7 to 12 who enjoy learning about the 'behind the scenes' history of popular culture. By focusing on the stage production rather than just the plot of the novel, it encourages kids to see how creativity involves constant adaptation and teamwork.
The book is entirely secular and historical. It briefly touches on the loss of some original musical scores, which is handled as a matter of historical fact rather than a tragedy. There are no heavy or sensitive interpersonal topics.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA 10-year-old theater buff or a history enthusiast who loves 'Who Was' style biographies and wants to know the secret origins of their favorite stories. It is perfect for a child who enjoys trivia and the performing arts.
This can be read cold. Parents might want to have a recording of 'Over the Rainbow' or images of the 1939 film ready to show the contrast between the stage show and the movie. A parent might choose this after their child performs in a school play or expresses confusion about why a book is different from its movie or play version.
Younger children (7-8) will be fascinated by the costumes and the idea of a 'musical extravaganza.' Older children (10-12) will better grasp the concepts of ghostwriting and the evolution of intellectual property.
Unlike most Oz books that focus on Baum's writing or the MGM film, this focuses specifically on the 1902 stage production, filling a unique niche in theatrical history for children.
The book provides a historical account of the 1902 stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It details the involvement of ghostwriter Glen MacDonough, the musical contributions of Paul Tietjens, and the massive popularity of the lead comedic actors who defined the roles of the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman for a generation.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.