by Michael Roche
Exclusive To the Yellow Brick Road Gift Shop
New Limited Edition Oz Figurine
The First Trumpeter as performed by actor Karl Slover in MGM's classic "The Wizard of Oz." Created by nationally renowned sculpture artist Michael Roche
Commissioned by
The Yellow Brick Road
for release in November 2008 to celebrate the
70th Anniversary of the release of the MGM classic film
“The Wizard of Oz” in 2009
As Dorothy (Judy Garland), makes her triumphant entry into the Munchkin City, among those providing the pomp and circumstance are three trumpet players. The first to be seen on the screen is actor Karl Slover who marches out in his adorable Munchkinland Trumpeter Uniform and raises his trumpet to herald the arrival of this special guest! Before and after “The Wizard of Oz,” Karl appeared in scores of movies including the smash hit “Jumbo” and many with Laurel & Hardy and with the Marx Brothers.
This exciting piece is being created by artist Michael Roche and has been commissioned by The Yellow Brick Road Gift Shop & Oz Fantasy Museum. It will be available exclusively at the Yellow Brick Road. A special Christmas Open House to release the figurine was held at the store November 14 & 15, 2008 in celebration of the upcoming 70th anniversary of the premiere of MGM’s classic film. Both Michael Roche and Karl Slover was in attendance ‘live and in person!’
Mr. Slover has traveled to Chesterton many, many times to participate in both Munchkinland Market Days and the Indiana Wizard of Oz Festival. The Yellow Brick Road commissioned the piece to not only celebrate the 70th anniversary of one of the best family movies ever made, but to also honor the work of Karl Slover and the decades of joy and mirth he has brought to adults and children alike.
Michael Roche is a critically acclaimed and award winning sculptor. He creates pieces for The Baseball Hall of Fame, The Golfers Hall of Fame and the Firefighters Hall of Fame. He received worldwide attention for his creation of a series of Oz figurines for the Grossman Company to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz” in 1989.
As you can see from these photos, The First Trumpeter is beautifully colored and the trumpet will be brass-plated. A special banner hangs from the trumpet marking the 1939 release of the film. Only 300 pieces have been commissioned, so this is a limited edition in the strictest sense of the word ‘limited.’ Each figurine is hand signed, numbered and come with a certificate of authenticity.
We expect a sell-out of this unique piece so order yours early.
