When Frank Baum convinced Hill Company to publish his children's novel in 1900, he probably never thought it would make a good stage musical or film. But it did, and Baum new it.
The Wizard of Oz was first turned into a musical extravaganza by 
Baum himself. It was a loose adaptation of his 1900 novel (there is no Wicked Witch or Toto, and there are some new characters), it first played in Chicago in 1902 and was a success on Broadway the following year. It then toured for seven years. The 1939 film adaptation was a much closer resemblance to the narrative of Baum's original novel than most previous versions. It was a strong success, won the Academy Awards for best song and best score and as we all know became a frequent annual broadcast on television.
The Society of Performing Arts, this weekend brings us the national Broadway tour of THE WIZARD OF OZ with its spectacular celebration of that classic 1939 MGM film. It is a new, refreshed and lavish rendition of the beloved classic. 
Audiences young and old, seeing it for the first time or the fifth, will be dazzled by the brightly colored sets, charmed by its timeless score and enthralled with its breathtaking special effects. And whether it creates new memories or conjures them up from the past, everyone deserves to experience or relive the wonderful, whimsical and enduring story, THE WIZARD OF OZ.
Saturday SPA will have face painting, balloons, and costumes. It's their inaugural Family Day, taking place from 1:30pm-3:00pm before the Saturday matinee show (2/23). There will also be a photo booth, fun activities and decorations for patrons young and old. Costumes are encouraged!
John Oates is one half of the best-selling duo of all time, Hall & Oates, as well as an accomplished solo artist. Singing from the time he could talk and playing the guitar since the age of five, John Oates was destined to be a musician. Born in New York City, his family moved to a small town outside of Philadelphia, PA in the early 1950s, a move that would change the course of his life.
Soaking up the sounds of the 60s, John was influenced by the nascent folk scene, bluegrass, delta blues, and ragtime guitar styles, while also immersing himself in R&B legends such as Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, The Temptations, Curtis Mayfield, and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. One of his biggest mentors was his guitar teacher Jerry Ricks, who had spent time on the road with Mississippi John Hurt and Son House, and introduced John to the music of Doc Watson and Reverend Gary Davis, passing down their signature finger and flatpicking styles.
John Oates met Daryl Hall while attending Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. The two began collaborating and playing music together, marking the beginning of their historic partnership. Since their formation in the early 70s, Daryl Hall & John Oates have gone on to record 21 albums, which have sold over 80 million units, making them the most successful duo in rock history. They have scored 10 number one records, over 20 Top 40 hits, and have toured t
he world for decades. Their involvement in the original "Live Aid" concert and the groundbreaking "We Are The World" charity recording have further established them as legendary artists, who have personally and through their music, stood the test of time.
In addition to their numerous American Music, MTV awards, and multiple Grammy nominations, in 2005 they were inducted into the American Songwriters Hall of Fame and in May of 2008 were presented the prestigious BMI Icon Award for their outstanding career achievement in songwriting. In April 2014, Hall & Oates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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p-Hop.com reported last week, "Meek Mill kicked off the NBA All-Star game with a high-energy performance. The rapper, who was draped up in a massive yellow jacket while surrounded by several back-up dancers, delivered a medley of some of his hottest tracks. The rapper started off with the Championships "Intro" before jumping into his top 10 single featuring Drake, "Going Bad," which he recently released visuals for. Afterward, the rapper jumped into "Uptown Vibes."
It's time to get squeeze into those flared jumpsuits, because Mamma Mia is hitting Houston. One of the most successful jukebox musicals of all time, Mamma Mia is a sunny romantic 
comedy set on an idyllic Mediterranean island, and packed to the brim with the pop group's' best known numbers, including 'Dancing Queen', Super Trouper', 'Knowing Me, Knowing You', 'Waterloo', and of course the amazing title track.
Created in collaboration with ABBA's Benny and Bjorn, Mamma Mia first opened on Broadway in 2001, and has since become a worldwide phenomenon.
. . . more Mamma Mia @Hobby Center click here