'Lollipop Kid' from 'Wizard of Oz' to perform in Fallbrook

The Fallbrook Players Junior Conservatory (FPJC) is proud to announce the guest appearance of Mr. Jerry Maren, who is set to perform in their production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Though Maren’s name may not be recognized, most know who he is. He was the Munchkin in “The Wizard of Oz” who handed the lollipop to Dorothy. He was one of the three tough-acting little people who sang “We Represent the Lollipop Guild.” Maren is set to reprise his role of the Lollipop Kid in the FPJC’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” October 27 through November 12, but he will appear only through that first weekend.

“All of the kids are thrilled to be performing with a famous actor,” said FPJC Publicity Director Jane Stimmel. “‘The Wizard of Oz’ is the most beloved movie of all time, and Mr. Maren was a very memorable character in the original. The whole town is excited and Fallbrook is rolling out the red carpet for ‘our’ Munchkin.”

Over his career, Maren has worked with many of the greats of Hollywood — the Marx Brothers, Lucille Ball, Andy Williams, Buddy Ebsen and many others. He recalls acting with the Marx Brothers in “At the Circus.” He played Professor Atom. “The Marx Brothers were a lovely group of guys,” he has said. “Working with them was a blast.”

Groucho even invited Maren to his house for dinner one evening. “He probably thought I was the typical starving vaudevillian who hadn’t had a decent meal. When he invited me to dinner, he said, in typical Groucho fashion, ‘Maybe you’ll grow.’”

Maren has acted in 39 movies over his career, many of them uncredited. Before his most famous scene with Dorothy when he was just 19, he was “discovered” while touring New England with a song and dance act, “Three Steps and One-Half.” After a show at the Bonn Hotel in Hartford, CT, a man came backstage and complimented Maren on his talent. He then told him about the upcoming “Wizard of Oz” movie to be shot in LA and offered him a part. The pay was $50 per week plus all expenses paid. Did he want the job? “Sure. I’d have gone for nothing,” he said. Maren spent six weeks on the set making movie history.

“I didn’t know anything about ‘The Wizard of Oz’ before we shot the movie,” he recalled. “I thought it was going to be a typical MGM musical, but when I got on the set, there were two camera crews, two audio crews, guys from the music department were there and everyone had an assistant. I could see they were spending a lot of money on this picture.”

Even though $50 a week was good money in the 1930s, there was no union at the time, so there were no residuals. There were also no commissions from the movie’s memorabilia. The regular actors did well, though.

The Munchkin actors were discouraged from socializing with Judy Garland because as soon as her scenes were done, she was whisked away to her dressing room to be tutored. The studio would not let her miss any schooling. “Judy Garland was a lovely gal, the typical American teenager,” Maren said. “She got a bigger kick in working with us than we did with her… I didn’t have any contact with her after the movie, but before we left, she gave all of us an autographed picture.”

Maren’s appearance in Fallbrook is being sponsored by Wee Little Sprouts and the Fallbrook Downtown Merchants Association. “FPJC is very grateful to Wee Little Sprouts and the merchants,” said Stimmel. “Without them, we could not have made this happen. In addition, Pala Mesa Resort has graciously donated lodging for Mr. Maren and his agent for the weekend. It is community support like this that makes Fallbrook a great place to live. These merchants are giving the cast members and the audience an opportunity that could be once in a life time.”

In addition to performing his role in the play, Maren will also be making public appearances in town. On Friday, October 27, Maren will meet fans from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Jackson Square, located just south of the Mission Theater on Main Avenue. He will sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans.

Saturday, October 28, Maren will judge the “Essence of Toto” contest. This fun event is a Toto look-alike contest, and entrants don’t have to be dogs! This event will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Village Square at the corner of Main and Alvarado. More information can be obtained by calling the Art & Cultural Center at (760) 728-1414.

Sunday, October 29, Maren will again be at Jackson Square to meet fans from noon until 1:30, and again right after the performance. Wee Little Sprouts is sponsoring this and Friday’s fan opportunities, and more information about all the activities they have planned can be obtained by calling (760) 728-9339.

“Many of the merchants are decorating their windows with a ‘Wizard of Oz’ theme; the Art Studios of Fallbrook is teaching a set-building workshop to build sets for the show; the VFW is providing poppies so the audience can be part of the scenery; the Fallbrook Library is holding a poster contest; we are honoring the military on November 10; and all of the kids ages 12 and under who come on Friday, November 3, dressed in a ‘Wizard of Oz’ costume get a special intermission surprise — it is just amazing!” exclaimed Stimmel.

Tickets can be purchased at the Mission Theater box office, across the street from the Mission Theater, or by calling (760) 731-2278. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. More information can be found at http://www.FallbrookTheater.com.