Jennifer Hudson Celebrates Wizard Of Oz

By Leora Kanner, Broadway Magazine

This year marked the 70th anniversary of the popular movie, The Wizard of Oz, and to celebrate Netflix sponsored a free, live concert and movie screening outdoors in the Ramsey Playfield in New York City's historic Central Park. In this exclusive video, Broadway.tv and Broadway Magazine speak to two of the stars who performed at this wonderful event: American Idol Jennifer Hudson and Julianne Hough.

Jennifer Hudson, the enormously talented Grammy and Academy Award Winner, is perhaps best known for her starring role as Effie White in the musical-film Dreamgirls. For the special event, Hudson sang the quintessential 'Wizard of Oz' song: "somewhere over the rainbow." Hudson describes how "anything with music...takes me in." She was so excited to play a part in this event because "One of my favorite things about Wizard of Oz is the music."

Julianne Hough, another young and talented music star, is both a popular country singer and a winner of "Dancing with the Stars." Hough expressed avid excitement at the opportunity to sing at the Netflix concert: its "amazing to be a part of it," she said, and described the movie as "such an amazing film...so iconic."

She hints at why the film may hold such an important place in the hearts of generations of Americans: its "fantasy is magical." Julianne even compares her experience to that of Dorothy, saying "she had her dream, the rainbow, and this is mine."

With each succeeding generation, The Wizard Of Oz remains a classic. As the special celebration reminds Broadway and musical movie fans everywhere, it is safe to say that this film is 70 years young...and that it's legacy is only beginning.

Watch the entire video coverage of the Netflix special Wizard Of Oz celebration in Central Park, and hear Jennifer Hudson sing right here on Broadway.tv.