THE WIZ AT Aurora Theatre : (2 points) Madison Norwood (Class of 2029)

 I had an amazing time seeing “The Wiz” at the Aurora Theatre. One of my favorite actresses, Mona Swain, starred as Dorothy and my cousin was a lead dancer/ensemble member allowing me to be able to study an amazing actress while supporting my family. ‘The Wiz’ is one of my favorite musicals especially because there is so much representation in the show as it is one of the first musicals with a mainly black cast and ensemble. Watching the movie - musical at a young age inspired me to immerse myself in the theatre and showed me that I was capable of being a leading woman in theatre. I saw this production three months after I finished my high school production leading as Mary Poppins in “Mary Poppins” and right before I performed in Spelman Theatre’s production “Blues For An Alabama Sky” by Spelman Alumnae Pearl Cleage. I was hesitant to audition for a Spelman production so soon into my first semester, but after seeing the representation on stage of The Wiz, I was reminded why engaging in the theatre is important and that I had a purpose and dream to do such. I also truly enjoy supporting local theatres as I have performed in local theatres and recognize that many stories and artists begin in local theatre. Local theatre does not get the respect or attention that it deserves even though it builds so many amazing performers and artists, and so supporting local theatre and its artist is very personal to me. I left this production so filled and am eager to continue supporting local theatre.

Madison Norwood