On May 17, the classic book The Wizard of Oz, written by L. Frank Baum, turned 125. Originally published in the United States (USA), the work was an immediate success: in less than two weeks, the book was already sold out. Today, more than a century later, the story continues to impact millions of people.

Published in 1900, The Wizard of Oz is one of the best-known children’s books in world literature. Written by Baum and illustrated by W. W. Denslow, the book follows the journey of Dorothy, a girl from Kansas (USA) who is taken by a cyclone to a magical land called Oz. Alongside her companions — the Scarecrow, who wants to have a brain; the Tin Man, who is looking for a heart; and the Cowardly Lion, who wants to be brave — she follows a long, difficult road to the Emerald City, where she hopes the Wizard of Oz will help her return home.

The book sold over 3 million copies in the first decades after its release — it is estimated that more than 100 million have been sold worldwide until now. In 1956, it entered the public domain, which means that anyone can use, copy or modify it. The Oz universe has generated a series of 14 books written by Baum, as well as sequels and literary versions, in film, theater and TV.

The many versions of a classic

In Film

The Wizard of Oz – In 1939, the adaptation of the book became a reference in cinema, with actress Judy Garland in the lead role (Dorothy) and the iconic song “Over the Rainbow”.

Wicked – The story that precedes the events of The Wizard of Oz was turned into a film musical in 2024 and was a success in movie theaters. The blockbuster won the Oscar for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design.

In the Theater

Wicked – A Broadway hit released in 2003 and based on the 1995 book by Gregory Maguire. It retells the story from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West. It is considered one of the greatest musicals in the history of theater. The show has already had two versions performed in Brazil, with Brazilian actors and production.

On TV

Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz – aimed at children, the animated series on the Boomerang channel aired from 2017 to 2020.

What I think about

Wicked

Helena P., 9 years old

The musical film Wicked has already been in movie theaters and is now on streaming platforms. But the original is a book, and there is also a Broadway musical. It tells the story of the witches Elphaba and Glinda, before the events of the famous story of The Wizard of Oz. They have been friends since college and arrive in the Emerald City together. They discover that the great wizard of Oz is not quite what they think. This discovery changes their lives forever. The film is exciting, the story captivates you from the first minute and the songs are incredible!

Glossary

Public domain: this means that an artistic, literary or scientific work is no longer protected by copyright, that is, anyone can use it, copy it, modify it and distribute it without needing permission or paying royalties to the author.

Sources: Galileu, Veja, Superinteressante and Propmark.

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