Movie Monday: Before there was Wicked, there was The Wizard in Wisconsin


November 25, 2024 12:11 PM CDT
By: Laura McKenna
Supported by
Wicked blasted into theaters over the weekend and brought in $114 million (domestically) and another global haul of $164.2 million.
However, long before Wicked, there was The Wizard of Oz. Chronologically, by release date, I mean. Since Wicked – technically – is the prequel to The Wizard of Oz (if we’re speaking purely on plot). Then take into account this new Wicked movie is actually Part 1 with another Wicked movie to be released later to finish the second half of the stage version of which the movie is based. But that’s a lot of time-movie-math and it’s a holiday week so let’s not think that hard!
What is pretty cool is that wayyyyyy back in 1939, Wisconsin got the first look at the technicolor spectacle that was: The Wizard of Oz.
Dorothy, Toto, The Wicked Witch, and the rest of the characters made their world debut right here in Wisconsin. Although there is a bit of debate as to the exact day and the exact location.
The Strand Theatre in Oconomowoc claims the first showing as August 12, 1939. The city has a downtown plaza to pay tribute called Oz Plaza, even equipment with its own version of the yellow brick road. Many of the main characters have statues there in their honor, too.
Yet some claim that the world premiere was actually the day prior and that Oconomowoc was indeed NOT the first location The Wizard of Oz was shown. In Kenosha and Appleton (both also in Wisconsin), many claim the film was shown on August 11, 1939.
Want to contact Laura McKenna about a good movie you’ve seen or anything else that’s on your mind? Email anytime, she’d love to hear from you: [email protected]
And tune in weekdays starting at 10am to St. Croix Country & WCFW!
More Articles By Laura McKenna

10.23.25
In The Kitchen with Laura McKenna: Use This To Keep Your Jack-O’-Lantern Fresh
Keep your Jack-O’-Lantern from getting too gummy too soon with lemon juice! It also works to keep the bugs from feasting on your artwork. Use a generous amount of lemon juice and brush it inside the carved pumpkin. The lemon juice slows the oxidation process (which causes the pumpkin to rot and get nasty). Bugs […]
Read More >

10.20.25
Movie Monday Review: Heretic
I now love sinister Hugh Grant more than I love the “Aww, Shucks Rom-Com” Hugh Grant (although he’s believable in those roles, too- Love, Actually (2003), Notting Hill (1999), etc.) Without giving anything anyway, let me say this: If you love scary/thriller/cat & mouse style movies, watch Heretic (2024). I loved it. That’s all I’m […]
Read More >

10.14.25
Recall Alert: Frozen Spinach
The only person who loves spinach more than I do is probably Popeye. But check your freezer because I think we’re all in agreement that NO ONE wants spinach with listeria lurking inside. Sno Pac Foods has recalled its Del Mar 35-pound Bulk Organic Frozen Spinach (that’s a pretty big package for the average consumer) […]
Read More >

10.13.25
Movie Monday: Behind the scenes of GOOD BOY with the dog himself
Have you seen the new horror movie told from the dog’s point of view? Good Boy (2025) tells the scary story of a dog and his owner that move to a rural family home to discover supernatural forces lurking there. But behind the scenes with this adorable good boy is anything but spooky. It’s adorable! […]
Read More >




