Finding Dorothy: A Novel

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Maud had long since noted that there were two kinds of people in the world: fans of Oz—those who remembered their childhoods—and those who pretended that they had never even heard of Oz, who believed that adults should put away childish things. From the look on her face, Mrs. Koverman fell into the latter category. At last it was Maud’s turn. As the guard scribbled her a pass, her stomach fluttered. Inside her purse, she had the small cutout torn from Variety. She didn’t need to look at it; she had long since memorized its few words:“oz” sold to louis b. mayer at m-­g-­m. As the last living link to the inspiration behind the story, she was determined to offer her services as a consultant. But getting access to the studio had not been easy. For months, they had rebuffed her calls, only reluctantly setting up a meeting with the studio head, Louis B. Mayer, because the receptionist was no doubt fed up with answering her daily queries. Today she would make her case. Historical fiction fans will rejoice. With meticulous research and vivid detail, Elizabeth Letts explores both Maud’s life story leading up to the writing of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and her determination to see that the film remained true to her husband’s vision as it was made in 1930’s Hollywood. Letts takes readers on an unflinching journey between hardship and hope, with a catch-your-breath ending.” —Pam Jenoff, author of The Orphan’s Tale Before Maud had a chance to finish, the elevator doors slid open again and a brown-­haired man seemed to blow out as if pushed by a strong wind.

Not to worry,” Maud said soothingly. “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published in 1900. The turn of the century.” You’ll have to speak to Mrs. Koverman...” She dropped her voice. “Mount Ida. No one gets to Mr. Mayer without going through her first.” The final vote was then announced and it was revealed that the winner was Danielle with Lloyd Webber saying, "Well I'm really pleased with the result; the nation's never got it wrong yet. You're a most fantastically talented kid with a huge future ahead and now the hard work starts, but my goodness me, you can act from the soul and that's something that's very, very special." Danielle then collected her ruby slippers from Lloyd Webber and concluded the series with a performance of "Over the Rainbow". This richly imagined novel tells the story behind The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the book that inspired the iconic film, through the eyes of author L. Frank Baum's intrepid wife, Maud. decision? Do you think Maud did the right thing? Were you ever in a position where you had to choose between love and education orIt was a city within a city, a textile mill to weave the gossamer of fantasy on looping looms of celluloid. From the flashing needles of the tailors in the costume shop to the zoo where the animals were trained, from the matzo ball soup in the commissary to the blinding-­white offices in the brand-­new Thalberg executive building, an army of people—composers and musicians, technicians and tinsmiths, directors and actors—spun thread into gold. Once upon a time, dreams were made by hand, but now they were mass-­produced. These forty-­four acres were their assembly line. always believed in a better future; Maud was pragmatic and sensible, a master at keeping the family

Following a public telephone vote, 18-year-old Danielle Hope was crowned the winner of the series and was chosen to play Dorothy. Miniature Schnauzer Dangerous Dave was chosen to play Toto. Charlotte Church and the eight contestants: " No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" ( Donna Summer& Barbra Streisand) Group mash-up: " Losing My Mind / Crazy in Love / Crazy" ( Follies / Beyoncé Knowles / Gnarls Barkley)

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The third week of competition was dance week and the live show on Saturday 17 April 2010 saw the remaining nine finalists perform to stay in the competition. The contestants worked with John Partridge during the week, learning how to walk and perform in heels before performing with him in front of Lloyd Webber and choreographer Arlene Phillips. The search continued for a dog to play Toto narrowing it down to the Top 10.