By Joyce Kryszak
Lancaster, NY – For most people the "Wizard of Oz" is a favorite movie, a special childhood memory, or perhaps, even a bit of an obsession. But for those who actually participated in making the legendary film, "Oz" is a way of life. Three of the original cast members are taking another walk down the "Yellow Brick Road," in the Lancaster Opera House's stage production of the "Wizard of Oz."
Generations of Americans have grown up listening to these familiar little voices. In fact, the Munchkins have been bringing smiles to young and old alike for more than 60 years. Margaret Pelligrini, Clarence Swenson and Donna Stewart were among those cast as Munchkins in the classic film. Margaret says she's proud to be part of the Oz legacy.
"I have to pinch myself at times to make sure I'm real," said Pelligrini. "Because everybody comes up to me and they say, 'oh I've never met a star before, 'oh, you're a legend.' But I tell them I'm no different from anyone else, but they say, 'oh, yes you are, you have a big part in the Wizard of Oz.'"
Margaret had a visible part in the movie, front row and center, as one of the flower pot gals in Munchkinland. That was a pretty big deal to a girl who was barely 15 when the film was made in 1938. And though you'd never guess from her voice, Margaret just turned 79.
But Margaret's not the oldest Munchkin reprising her role at the Lancaster Opera House.
Clarence Swenson will soon be 85 years young. But he remembers well those days long ago on the Munchkinland set. And his experiences beyond the Yellow Brick Road."
"Gone With the Wind was being filmed at the same time. One Sunday when I come out of restaurant downtown, I was walking back to the hotel, and there stood Clark Gable, leaning up against a light pole," said Swenson. "I recognized him, walked up and introduced myself, and we stood there and talked for thirty or forty minutes about everything under the sun."
Clarence says that was typical of the respect the little people received from everyone on the set as well. He was 21 when he was asked to be in the Wizard of Oz. So, being treated like an adult, instead of just a little person, is one of his best memories. Margaret agreed, and says that's why she had a special affection for the then 16-year-old Judy Garland.
"She was just as sweet as she could be," said Pellegrini. "And she used to sit on the 'Yellow Brick Road' with us when we'd get like a rest period. And she'd come over and sit down with us and talk, and she was so excited to be talking to all different ones of us. We'd just chit chat and have a great time."
Those are fond memories shared by the other surviving cast members. In all, there are nine still living. All of them Munchkins. Although not all little people like Margaret and Clarence.
Donna Stewart Hardway says they had wanted more than 300 little people. But when enough couldn't be found, MGM had to improvise with child "fill-ins" like six-year-old Donna. She says it was a magical yet scary experience.
"It was very noisy. The colored lights were extremely bright because of the color," said Stewart-Hardway. "And looking at these guys, from a child's point of view, didn't quite compute."
In fact, Donna says she didn't understand the magnitude of it all until much later.
"Because I was a child, and MGM tried to hide us pretty much, we weren't invited to the premier," said Stewart-Hardway. "So, I didn't see it until my own children saw it on TV."
Clarence wasn't invited to a premier either. Margaret attended in San Francisco. But she says there are other dark shadows from the making of the movie.
"You know what we got a little upset about, later on we found out we made $50 a week with our room and board, but Toto made more than we did," said Pellegrini. "He made a $125 a week. So, he had a better agent than we did."]
There was no special treatment for the Munchkins, nor any residuals either. But that hasn't marred the experience for these three lifelong Munchkins. For the last ten years or so, they have enjoyed a post Oz career, making appearances at festivals, parades and stage productions like this one in Lancaster. They all say they're proud to be known as Munchkins.
"The reason is because it has such a meaning to it, it's like a fairy tale," said Pellegrini.
"That's right, said Swenson. "Because it's now known all over the world. And it's something that will live with all of us forever."
The Munchkins will be available to meet their fans and sign autographs before and after performances at the Lancaster Opera House tonight, and on Saturday and Sunday. There is, however, only limited seating still available for the shows.