Wizard of Oz Screening to Benefit Fort Discovery In Augusta Georgia
Augusta Amusements Presents A Classic Movie Night
The Wizard of Oz
At Fort Discovery’s Paul Simon Theater
Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 7:00 P. M.
Special Matinee Performance to benefit Fort Discovery Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 2:00 PM
Augusta Amusements presents a rare opportunity to experience The Wizard of Oz, an Academy Award-winning 1939 classic musical directed by Victor Fleming, in a theatrical screening that enables viewers to experience the full impact of its early Technicolor special effects. In addition to this rare screening of the classic film, movie-goers will meet Karl Slover, the last surviving inhabitant of Munchkinland. Based on the 1900 children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, the movie is memorably populated by Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr and Frank Morgan, with indelible performances also contributed by Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton, Charles Grapewin, Clara Blandick and the Singer Midgets as the Munchkins. Noted for its sophisticated special effects, Technicolor (then in its infancy), fantasy storytelling and unusual characters, The Wizard of Oz has become, over the years, one of the best known of all films. Though popular on its original release, its impact has been magnified by its regular airing on television for more than fifty years.
Dorothy Gale, a Kansas farm girl played by Judy Garland, longs for a place “over the rainbow ,“ rather than the mundane life she leads on her aunt and uncle’s farm. After being knocked unconscious during a tornado, she begins to dream that she, her beloved dog Toto, and the family farmhouse are transported to the magical Land of Oz. She longs to return home, and the Good Witch of the North, Glinda, advises Dorothy to follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City of Oz where the great Wizard of Oz can help her return to home and hearth. During her journey to Oz, she meets a Scarecrow, a Tin Man and a Cowardly Lion, who join her, each hoping to receive what they long for themselves—a brain, a heart and courage. Their journey is undertaken at some peril, as they are being pursued by the Wicked Witch of the West who seeks to secure her sister’s magical ruby shoes, given to Dorothy by the good witch, Glinda. In the end, they all achieve their hopes, and Dorothy is returned home to the arms of her family.
In a year filled with films that have since become classics, The Wizard of Oz was embraced by a large public and received favorable critical response. “Over the Rainbow” earned the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the film itself was nominated in several other categories, including Best Picture. Although modestly profitable, its producer, MGM, thought The Wizard of Oz relatively unsuccessful, relative to its enormous budget, which was inflated by its elaborate special effects. Television broadcasts of the film, which began in 1956, became an annual tradition and because of them the film found an even larger audience. Re-introduced to the public, The Wizard of Oz became one of the most famous films ever made. The Library of Congress named it as the “most-watched film in history.” Often ranked among the best films of all time, it has created many indelible moments in the American cultural consciousness.
Tickets for this special screening are $10.00. Reserved Seats can be purchased on the Internet at www.augustaamusements.tix.com.
Fort Discovery is located at 1 Seventh Street, in downtown Augusta. The doors open at 6:00 p. m. and the movie begins at 7:00 p. m. Complimentary parking in the Fort Discovery Parking Deck located on Seventh Street is available for ticket holders.
There will be a matinee screening at 2 p. m. on Saturday, July 17, 2010. Tickets for the matinee are $5 children (15 years and younger) and $10 Adults. Half of all proceeds from this performance will benefit Fort Discovery. The matinee will be alcohol-free. Purchase tickets to the Matinee at www.augustaamusements.tix.com.
Moviegoers are encouraged to dress in their favorite “Wizard of Oz” attire and walk the red carpet at the entrance to Ft. Discovery’s Paul Simon Theater.
For more information on Augusta Amusements visit www.augustaamusements.com.
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