The Wizard of Oz

The 1903 Musical Comedy

Book and Lyrics by L. Frank Baum

The 1903 musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, with book and lyrics by the novel's author, L. Frank Baum. This adaptation diverged significantly from Baum’s original 1900 novel, aiming to appeal to contemporary theatergoers with a mix of fantasy, comedy, and musical innovation. This version featured music by Paul Tietjens and A. Baldwin Sloane, among others, and introduced audiences to what would become iconic characters that continued to shape The Wizard of Oz as a cultural phenomenon.

The 1903 production of The Wizard of Oz reimagined the story in a way that aligned with the vaudeville and musical comedy trends of the early 20th century. In contrast to the novel’s darker and more adventurous tone, the musical embraced a lighter, more comedic approach, filling the stage with slapstick humor, whimsical characters, and timely pop-culture references. Baum’s original characters, such as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man, remained at the story's heart, but the musical added new roles, like the comedic Wizard character and Imogene, a cow, who replaced Toto. 

Baum’s involvement as a librettist allowed him to retain the essence of his story while reshaping it to fit the tastes of live theater. This adaptation also helped cement The Wizard of Oz in American popular culture, influencing later adaptations, including the famous 1939 MGM film. The show ran for over 200 performances on Broadway, a testament to its popularity, and went on tour, reaching audiences nationwide

The 1903 Wizard of Oz musical is now a fascinating piece of theater history, illustrating how Baum’s story evolved in response to the demands and opportunities of the stage. It transformed The Wizard of Oz from a children’s story into a cultural landmark, laying the groundwork for future adaptations and proving the timeless appeal of Dorothy’s journey to the Emerald City.

ISBN   ‎978-1523932689 

$12.95

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