Inventing Oz

Libretto by Sam Norman, Score by Stacy Garrop

Where did Oz come from? What inspired America’s most famous fairytale?

Inventing Oz is a fantastical exploration of how L. Frank Baum’s imagination was ignited during his years in Chicago, leading to the creation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This opera throws back the curtain on the surprising influence of the 1893 World Exposition, Frank’s trailblazing Suffragist mother-in-law, his misadventures in South Dakota, and how he had to find his brains, heart and courage in order to create his home.

Inventing Oz has been commissioned by Chicago Opera Theater — the first project developed under its Chicago Sings banner. It is projected to premiere in 2029, with a public presentation of the work-in-progress in August 2027.

Stacy Garrop is Chicago Opera Theater’s first Vanguard Composer. COT’s General Director is Lawrence Edelson, and the opera’s dramaturg is Kate Pitt.