That’s where you’d have found us on a recent midsummer’s Sunday.
Although, since the pre-requisite tornado was off wreaking havoc somewhere else in the world, my sister, niece, a friend and I had to find another magical form of transportation to take us there. Fortunately, ‘the Bean’ was just sitting in the driveway twiddling its tires so we jumped in and hit the street – following the black asphalt road up, over, and back down Divisidero like a scene from “Bullitt” until we arrived at the place we’d heard of once in a tourist’s brochure – a true pot of gold – the Castro Theater.
Indeed, there’s no place like the home of San Francisco’s iconic Castro to experience an event of such epic awesomeness.
Built in 1922, the outdoor ticket booth, interior ceiling, and side murals evoke the mood of a bygone era which is fittingly complemented by live organ music.
With more than enough time to spare, we ooo’ed and ahhh’ed at the adorable other attendees anxiously waiting for admittance. Since it was a matinée, Munchkins, Lolly-pop Guilders, Glinda-the-Good-Witches, and Dorothys were of a younger assortment. To our great relief, Toto too was not lacking in representation.
It was comforting and surprising to see that Glinda and a once loathe flying monkey had put their differences aside and banded together in the interest of fun and entertainment by handing out goody bags filled with movie props…
Once everyone was seated, the pair instructed us to bark with Toto and hiss whenever Elvira Gulch and the wicked witch, or parts thereof, appeared on-screen.
They coached us on when to blow bubbles, brandish our glow sticks, and wave our magic wands until finally, with shining crowns atop our heads, golden badges of courage around our necks, sparkling red hearts fixed upon our chests, and diplomas in hand
The Mighty Wurlitzer, under the nimble hands of David Hegarty, fired away –
lending an air of iconic perfection to an iconic movie sing-a-long :
Now, we can hardly wait for “The Sound Of Music” and “Grease” to play at the Castro,
but only once we’ve experienced The-Wizard-of-Oz-Sing-A-Long on a Saturday night.
(c) Chronicle, Liz Mangelsdorf
I’ll keep you posted so that you may join us.
Oh, and P.S. – the Castro’s organ is privately owned and is moving away with its owner. There is a movement to replace it. For more info and/or your support, press HERE.
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner 
Such fun! I’d like to go to the Sound of Music sing-a-long. What a great idea! But no recording of your voice, Donna???
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It was great fun Susanne. I was thinking of recording during the movie, but then I thought I might disturb someone. Aw heck…next time I will. Maybe even at the Sound of Music one.
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What a fantastic night out! I just finished reading, Finding Oz by Evan Schwartz and have thinking a lot about L. Frank Baum’s creation lately. Good timing!
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Oh, it was Red. I’ve been wanting to read up on it too. Now you’ve inspired me.
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I WANT IN! I went once to sing-a-long Mama Mia and it was such fun…..
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Man was it ever…I’ll keep you posted so you can arrange your travels around it.
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I should come and bring Lydia. Will Peter ever pack for America? Hmm, doubtful I think. L would like to come on the other hand.
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You definitely should! I’ve been tryin’ for a while with no success.
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Oh that sounds like so much fun! My best friend and her daughter went to a Sound of Music singalong and had a blast. She said she never saw so many nuns in one place at one time lol.
A Mama Mia singalong sounds like heaps of fun too 😀
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Oh, it was Lyn. If you ever have the chance you’ve got to go. It was a blast!
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How much fun was this???? A “Wicked” one would have been a blast as well! Have you seen that, Donna?? I am a musical theater nut!!! Envious!!
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It was grrrreat fun Stephanie. A ‘Wicked’ one will be next year’s on a Saturday night. I’ll give a heads up. Hey – aren’t you in SoCal? Sound of Music is coming in February – look http://www.mccallumtheatre.com/show_details.php?id=638
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Sounds like so-o-o-o much fun! I would have loved to see a closer shot of you guys!
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It was ginormous fun…I know…too bad about the shot.
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Hi Donna 😀 Thank you so much for your visit. I have an “uh oh” moment as I am in the middle of drafting a WoO post, but completely different to this one thank heavens. I am so pleased that you had a great sing-a-long 😀
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Well then Ralph, I’m looking forward to your WoO post too. Thanks for stopping by again!
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You’re welcome Donna ! I’d better click my heels and get on with the post then. Have a lovely day tomorrow 😀
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