The enduring appeal of The Wizard of Oz lies in its ability to reinvent itself while keeping core truths intact. Even after 125 years, the tale continues to resurface in fresh formats, from stage productions to upcoming film sequels.
A musical adaptation recently premiered at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Minneapolis, with The Wiz lighting up the stage all week. Meanwhile, audiences remain drawn to the Wicked franchise in theaters, proving the story’s versatility across mediums.
In Uptown Minneapolis, Lagoon Theatre is buzzing as fans anticipate viewing Wicked. One longtime admirer, Jessica Christenson, explains why the tale resonates: it offers an escape from daily life and provides a welcome break from the usual routine.
Experts also weigh in. Jack Zipes, a retired University of Minnesota professor and longtime commentator on Baum, contributed introductions to newer Oz editions. He praises Baum’s imagination and utopian impulses, noting a deep compassion for humanity.
What is it about Oz that keeps hooking us again and again? Zipes suggests the story highlights a missing ingredient in many societies: a culture of sharing over competition. He also praises the nuanced portrayal of good and evil, where characters are fallible yet kind, collaborative, and nonviolent. The Wicked witches, for instance, confront their end through self-destruction rather than external violence, signaling that evil can unravel on its own.
Oz also functions as a tale of self-discovery. Dorothy’s companions confront their own weaknesses, then reveal their strengths through mutual support. Baum’s overarching message, according to Zipes, centers on living compassionately with others, offering a hopeful counterpoint to harsher realities.
Zipes, a scholar of children’s literature, continues to draw connections between Oz and broader literary themes. His recent work, Never-ending Tales: Stories from the Golden Age of Jewish Literature, reflects his ongoing engagement with storytelling that transcends generations.
For more on Oz and its recent adaptations, explore CBS Minnesota’s coverage on The Wizard of Oz and Wicked.
