Lorna Luft and Ashanti
Photo By Dave Alocca/Starpix
EMERALD CITY: There was no place like Tavern on the Green in New York to commemorate the 70th anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz” on Thursday night. The venue happens to be owned by Jennifer Oz LeRoy, granddaughter of the film’s producer, Mervyn LeRoy. Judy Garland’s daughter, Lorna Luft, also paid tribute to her family legacy on the red carpet-turned-yellow brick road, along with “The Wizard of Oz” national tour cast and five of the film’s original Munchkins. The event also marked the Blu-ray and DVD release of the movie’s 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s edition from Warner Home Video. The Emerald Gala benefited the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation via an online auction through Wednesday of the Ruby Slippers Collection, designer interpretations of Dorothy’s iconic talismans. “What is it about ruby slippers?” mused Jamie Luner of “All My Children” on her own vertiginous footwear. “It’s not only that they’re sparkly. All little girls, and some little boys, like sparkly things, but it’s more the fantasy. They can take you where you want to be.” Ashanti took a stroll down the yellow brick carpet in Marchesa and performed her new single, her own version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” “I didn’t want to stray too far from the original. I just added my own little spice to it,” she said.
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