PHOTO FLASH: Andre De Shields, Gregory Maguire at OZ-Stravaganza
(© Merle Frimark)
Two-time Tony Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Andre De Shields was a Special Guest of Honor at the 34th annual OZ-Stravaganza, held June 1-3 in Chittenango, New York. Wicked author Gregory Maguire served as Grand Marshal.
The OZ-Stravaganza is held in Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum’s hometown and is designed to educate Oz fans in the writings of Baum and other Oz authors; promote research about authors, illustrators, other works related to Oz; encourage original writing and other forms of expression about Oz; and honor L. Frank Baum as Chittenango’s hometown treasure.
De Shields, who created the title role in the hit Broadway musical The Wiz, appeared in the original costume he wore in the 1975 Broadway production (body-hugging white jumpsuit; aviator cap and glasses, 5″ high white platform boots), and also donated some of his Wizmemorabilia to the towns All Things Oz Museum. It was also revealed that the actor has begun to assemble materials for a book relating to The Wiz.
