The Woggle Bug Performance Script

Step into the whimsical world of The Woggle-Bug, a 1905 stage musical based on The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum, the legendary creator of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. With book and lyrics by Baum himself and music by Frederic Chapin, this extravagant production sought to bring the magic of Oz to the stage in a whole new way. Premiering on June 18, 1905, at Chicago’s Garrick Theater, the show was ambitious in its vision, featuring elaborate costumes and a playful, satirical tone. However, audiences and critics were less than enchanted, and the production closed within a month, making it one of Baum’s rare theatrical misfires. For over a century, The Woggle-Bug remained an elusive piece of Oz history, with its script largely forgotten. But now, readers and theater enthusiasts can experience Baum’s lost musical for the first time in generations. With this newly available script, modern productions can bring The Woggle-Bug back to the stage, offering a fresh opportunity to rediscover this rare and quirky piece of Oz lore.