GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER OF L. FRANK BAUM
GITA DOROTHY MORENA

Dr. Gita Dorothy Morena has dedicated her life to finding the pathway home. As an author, lecturer, and psychoanalyst, she shines as a beacon of light for all those traveling along the yellow brick road of life. 

Her great grandfather, L. Frank Baum, provides a rich tapestry of fairy tales which Dr. Morena draws upon in a variety of ways to exemplify her teachings. Her book, The Wisdom of Oz, stimulates readers to discover the brilliance of their own associations with the story, and find the wisdom, compassion and courage that lie within them. 

With the given name of Dorothy, Dr. Morena embodies the beloved heroine of her great grandfather. She encourages others to explore the mysterious realms of the inner world just as Dorothy traveled the magical territories of Oz.  

Matilda Gage, Baum’s mother in law and early suffragist, seems to whisper encouragement as Dr. Morena carries the fight for freedom into the inner realms of the psyche. You can find out more about her at www.gitamorena.com.

WORLD’S PREEMINENT OZ AND JUDY GARLAND HISTORIAN/AUTHOR
JOHN FRICKE

John Fricke is widely regarded as the world’s preeminent Oz and Judy Garland historian/author. He's a two-time Emmy Award winner as co-producer of Garland TV documentaries; a Grammy Award nominee for “best album notes”; and his latest book — with Gabriel Gale — is THE ART OF OZ, which was published in 2021. John has written three books about Judy Garland, two about the MGM WIZARD OF OZ film, and two about the entire Oz phenomenon. His next title, WHITE CHRISTMAS: A PICTORIAL HISTORY OF THE CLASSIC HOLIDAY FILM, is due for publication in 2024 in celebration of that movie's 70th anniversary. John has served as OZ-Stravaganza! emcee since 1990. He has lectured at Hollywood's Turner Classic Movies Film Festival and at Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences; at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art; at France’s Deauville Film Festival; and at London’s National Film Theatre. He delivers the commentary tracks on eight Garland movie DVDs (including THE WIZARD OF OZ), and he has often appeared on TCM, The TODAY Show, CNN, and NPR.

WRITER/DIRECTOR
HUGH GROSS

Hugh Gross is the writer and director of "After the Wizard," a feature length family film based on the iconic "Wonderful Wizard of Oz" characters created by L. Frank Baum.  "After the Wizard" had its World Premiere screening in Kingman, Kansas on July 2, 2011 and was released theatrically in August 2012. 

An accomplished novelist and playwright, Gross penned "Same Bed, Different Dreams," winner of the inaugural Mid-List Press First Series Award for the Novel and "16 Bananas," also published by Mid-List Press.  Hugh's play "Hilly Cohen and The Sounds of New York" was produced at the Los Angeles Theatre Center and published by International Readers' Theatre.  "Freedom Rider," a musical Hugh wrote with composer Marijane Zimmerli, was produced by Phillips Temple CME Church in Los Angeles.  "Stated Income," a comedy, was produced at the Pan Andreas Theatre.  Gross is a member of the Dramatists Guild, the Authors Guild, Pen West and the Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights.  Born and raised in Los Angeles, he graduated from Yale University with a degree in philosophy. 

The Movie will have a special 15th anniversary showing at the Manlius Cinema, in coordination with the All Things Oz Museum on June 4th as a part of the 49th annual Oz-Stravaganza festival.