Remastered "Wizard of Oz" Will Be Shown in Central Park; Hudson to Perform

By Adam Hetrick
September 10, 2009

Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson will perform songs from "The Wizard of Oz" as part of a free screening of the beloved 1939 film in Central Park on Sept. 29.

Presented in Rumsey Playfield, the 7:30 PM concert will feature Hudson ("Dreamgirls," "The Secret Life of Bees") as well as country singer Julianne Hough and Grammy-winning drummer Ahmir ?uestlove Thompson. Each of the performers will offer selections from the "Wizard of Oz" score, penned by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg.

Following the concert, the remastered, high definition 70th anniversary edition of "The Wizard of Oz" will be presented on a giant inflatable screen. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Netflix and Warner Brothers Home Entertainment present the screening.

The new, remastered edition will also be streamed for free for 24 hours beginning at 9 AM on Oct. 3 at Netflix.com/WizardofOz.

To attend the free Central Park screening, enter the park at 69th Street and 5th Avenue on the East Side or at 72nd Street and Central Park West on the West Side.