‘Wizard of Oz’ returns to silver screen at Uptown Theatre Sept. 20
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
MARBLE FALLS — While it remains one of the all-time favorite stories and movies, most people have never seen “The Wizard of Oz” on anything but the TV. The movie, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, was created for the big screen. So why not see it on one?
On Sept. 20, the Uptown Theatre on Main will allow people to do just that.
“When are you ever going to have the chance to see ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in a movie theater?” asked Stacey Zargallows of the Uptown Theatre. “Everybody loves ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ It’s a great movie that families have loved watching together. Now, parents and grandparents can bring their kids and grandchildren and watch it on the big screen.”
The show is free, but the theater is accepting donations at the door. Ten percent of the proceeds will benefit the Marble Falls High School theater department. The doors open at 6 p.m. with the movie starting at 7 p.m. The theater is located at 218 Main St. in Marble Falls.
“The Wizard of Oz” first enchanted audiences in 1939 as Dorothy, played by Judy Garland, found herself transported to the Land of Oz by a Kansas twister. She and her dog, Toto, begin a journey to the Emerald City, where they hope the “All Powerful Oz” can get them home. But along the way, they encounter the Wicked Witch of the West, who wants Dorothy’s ruby slippers.
Dorothy discovers some uncommon friends in the Scarecrow, the Lion and the Tinman.
While it’s a story of finding a way home, it’s more about learning how important home is and how sometimes what we need on the journey isn’t something somebody else can give us or do for us, but what we find inside ourselves.
“The story still means a lot today, and people still identify with it,” Zaragallows said.
Showing “The Wizard of Oz” not only provides families and others with a chance to see the movie on the big screen but also experience the Uptown Theatre. Zaragallows said that’s one of the reasons for hosting the event.
“I think people see this as a music venue, and it is. But it is so much more,” she said.
Along with live music, the Uptown Theatre provides a great atmosphere for films, speakers, meetings, wedding and other events. Zaragallows said she hopes when people attend “The Wizard of Oz,” they’ll not only be transported away by the classic story but by the theater itself.
Go to www.theuptownonmain.com or call (830) 693-2622 for more information and a list of upcoming events.
daniel@thepicayune.com