Hooked on theWizard of Oz
Register to reserve your spot
There is no cost and no ticket β but you do need to register so we can verify you at the door. On August 16th at 2:00 PM EDT, use the Zoom link we'll email you, wait briefly in the waiting room while our staff checks your registration, and then you'll be admitted into the live Zoom meeting.
Register free to attend.ics = iCalendar file β download it and open with Apple Calendar, Outlook, or Google Calendar to save the event.
Follow the yellow brick road to launch day. The event is free, but registration is required to attend β add your name below and we'll send you the Zoom details, launch-day reminders, early access, reader-only extras, and the first word when the book goes live on Audible for a cinematic experience as each actor has recorded their own lines and John Monforto has recorded the narratorβs lines.
- Live Zoom launch party with the cast
- Q&A with author Shannon Elizabeth Johnson
- Audible cinematic first-listen preview
- Behind-the-scenes stories from the set
- Reader-only bonuses & launch-day extras
- Free to attend β registration required
Hop on the live Zoom party and meet the special guests behind the magic β from the Emerald City to Oklahoma. A modern retelling of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, reimagined by Shannon Elizabeth Johnson.
- John Assaraf β from The Secret
- Ana-Maria MΔrgean β Romaniaβs Got Talent winner (2021) and finalist at AGT All Stars (2023)
- Teddy Pendergrass, III β the Scarecrow
- John Monforto β Uncle John, the Impersonating Tin Man, and narrator
- Michelle Parto β Auntie M and Glinda
- Anthony Wood β Sound engineer as well as Cowardly Lion
- Johnny Petillo β from the Tony Orlando show
- Holly Faris β tribute of Joan Rivers, Tina Turner, Cher, Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton and Jennifer Coolidge
- John Di Domenico β Emmy nominated celebrity impersonator, Donald J. Trump
- Rainere Martin β celebrity tribute artist of Donna Summer, judge in the Oz Has Gifted talent show
- Billy Carlucci β as himself from Billy and the Essentials
- Patti Lattanzi β from the Patti Lattanzi, Billy Carlucci and the Gang show
Register for the live launch
Registration is required to attend the live launch on August 16th, 2:00 β 4:00 PM EDT β it's free, and we'll email you the Zoom access details right away plus a reminder before we go live. On launch day you'll use the link from your email, briefly wait in the waiting room while our staff verifies your registration, and then be admitted into the live Zoom meeting. Phone number is optional β only shared if you check the SMS box.
Shannon Elizabeth Johnson
Shannon Elizabeth Johnson is the author and creator of the Hooked On Series β a growing collection of books exploring courage, creativity, networking, reinvention, and real-life resilience. Hooked on the Wizard of Oz is a modern, arts-driven reimagining written to inspire courage, confidence, creativity, and self-expression in young people.
Her work extends beyond books through CourageOUS β Optimizing Unique Strengths, an evergreen program that blends storytelling, SEL, arts integration, and growth-minded learning for students and educators.
βIf you want to change tomorrow, have the courage to educate differently today.ββ Shannon Elizabeth Johnson
Do I have to register to attend?+
Yes. The launch party is completely free, but registration is required so we can verify you in the Zoom waiting room and admit you to the live meeting. Just add your name and email above.
Do I need to buy the book to attend?+
No. The launch party is open to everyone. Of course, we'd love for you to grab a copy β but it isn't required.
How do I get into the Zoom meeting?+
Register above and we'll email you the Zoom link right away. On August 16th at 2:00 PM EDT, open that link, wait briefly in the Zoom waiting room while our staff confirms your registration, then you'll be admitted into the live meeting.
Will it be recorded?+
The live experience β including cast interaction and Q&A β is designed to be attended live. Registered guests will be notified about any replay availability.
Do I have to give my phone number?+
No. Phone is optional. It's only used to send you a text reminder if you check the SMS consent box.
Is this the Wizard of Oz film?+
No β this is Shannon Elizabeth Johnson's original book Hooked on the Wizard of Oz, a modern retelling presented as parody, satire, and comedy.
Parody, satire & comedy. Hooked on the Wizard of Oz is a modern retelling of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz reimagined by Shannon Elizabeth Johnson. It is intended as parody, satire, and comedy β not as political commentary or political rhetoric.
Any celebrity appearances, impersonations, or tributes are presented in a celebratory and comedic spirit. The views expressed by performers or guests during the launch do not necessarily reflect the views of the author, publisher, or production team.
Event times and guest lineup are subject to change. The live launch party is open for free to attend on August 16th, 2:00 β 4:00 PM EDT, but registration is required β the Zoom access details are sent to registrants by email.