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    Tuesday, January 20, 2009
    Return to "Return to Oz"

    Pink Floyd fans claim that if you synchronize the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz” with the band’s 1973 album “Dark Side of the Moon,” there is an eerie similarity between the two, leading some to believe the British band wrote the album to correspond with the film. Pink Floyd, though, has always said that idea is preposterous.

    But Wednesday, Salt Lake City’s Eliza Wren (above) is doing that on purpose, in the independent spirit of the Sundance Film Festival. She will perform 110 minutes of original music that correspond to every scene in the 1985 film “Return to Oz,” a dark sequel to “The Wizard of Oz.” The film, with the volume turned all the way down, and Wren will appear at the O.C. Tanner jewelry store at 416 Main St. in Park City.

    Before you call Wren preposterous, consider this: Fairuza Balk, who portrayed Dorothy in the 1985 film and who has subsequently become an established actress in films such as “Almost Famous,” “American History X” and “The Waterboy,” will be on hand to introduce the screening and watch Wren’s interpretation.

    “I’m surprised how much a cult film it has become,” Balk said in an interview with The Salt Lake Tribune. “It was a very special part of my life, and it means a lot to a lot of people. Because of the movie, that’s why I have a career.”

    Wren said she always loved “Return Oz” in an interview with The Salt Lake Tribune. Most of the time, she said, she only can tolerate watching a movie once. But she has seen “Return to Oz” more than 1,000 times.

    “I liked it as a kid,” Wren said. “It was a horror film for kids.”

    But why compose 110 minutes of music to a 24-year-old film?

    “I guess it’s kind of the same reason a mom goes through the trouble to give birth to a child,” Wren said. “It was something I created and believed in and I wouldn’t feel right not going through with it like I am. I feel it deserves the blood, sweat and tears I’ve put into it. And as far as the film’s date, I feel this is a pretty timeless film — [it] doesn’t seem to be dated — and better than many current fantasy films.”

    After spending three years, off and on, writing the alternate score, Wren contacted Balk’s agent. Surprisingly, Balk didn’t find Wren preposterous, and Balk has agreed to come to Park City Wednesday for the sole purpose of watching Wren’s music performed with the screening of the film.

    “I’m a big supporter of musicians and up-and-comers,” Balk said. “She seems like an interesting gal.”

    Interesting, yes. Preposterous ... maybe. Be the judge Wednesday.

    E-mail mhost@superlativeliving.com for free tickets; space is limited. Showtime is 8 p.m.

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