FINDING OZ
by Bob Cooner
How did L. Frank Baum’s own life’s journey lead him to the creation of what is arguably the most beloved children’s novel of all time, The Wonderful Wizard of OZ? From his youth in 19th century upstate New York, to his travels on the road as an actor and playwright, to his stint as a newspaper publisher on the midwestern plains, to his time in turn-of-the- 20th century Chicago as a salesman and ultimately a published author, L. Frank Baum’s peripatetic biography is nothing less than remarkable. Characters from both his real life and his imagination come together to tell the story of Baum’s own wondrous odyssey.
- Cast Size: 3M 3W 3GN
- Running Time: 90+ minutes
- Royalty Rate: $75 per performance
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About the Playwright
Bob Cooner is a playwright, director, and actor in Sacramento, California. After growing up in Houston, Texas, and graduating from the University of Houston (B.A. in Drama) in 1979, Bob moved to New York City to pursue his dream of a life in the theatre. He worked as a professional actor and director in New York, regionally, and on tour. In 1989, Bob moved to Chicago where he continued to act and direct in local theatre. He earned his graduate degree (M.Ed.) from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1995 and began a second career as a high school teacher. Bob also met his husband, Matthew Abergel, in Chicago, and, in 1999, Bob and Matthew moved to California. In 2020, he retired from a long career as a teacher of English and theatre. Both Bob and Matthew are active in Sacramento-area theatre, most significantly at the historic Woodland Opera House. Bob’s plays have been produced in regional and educational theaters throughout the country. His plays Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus; Little Miss Murder; Agatha Christie’s Diamonds and Death; A Room with a View; Rabbit Hood; and Twelfth Grade are published by Next Stage Press. Check out Bob’s website: www.bobcooner.com.
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