Oh, hellooooo! It’s so good to be catching up with you again. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting more excited by the day for our summer season. Every day brings a new piece of news about what’s in store and while I wish I could spill all of it, some things still have to stay under wraps. Just know it’s going to be a summer worth the wait. 🤭 And speaking of summer, not to get too excited, but very, very soon, our four summer Conservatory workshops will be open for registration on our website, including our high school musical theatre workshop. If you’ll recall, last summer, our students performed The Addams Family on the Sister Act set. I’m excited to share with you that this year’s title has officially been selected… You know the drill: stay engaged on social media, check your email, all that good stuff. Oh…and did I mention that yours truly is directing our other three workshops? That’s right, I’m back to my Wagon Wheel roots. It’s a Pen Pal Newsletter exclusive announcement! Now, let’s dive into what’s coming up. Here’s everything you need to know: |
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🎪 Coming Up at the Wheel…
🎞️ Music for Movies 🎬 I don’t know about you, but I love going to the movies. There was even a time in my life when I was going at least once a week. What I love most is the world-building, the way a story completely pulls you in. And it’s no surprise that the musical score plays a huge role in that. So where am I going with this? On Saturday, April 25 at 7:00 PM, Symphony of the Lakes presents Music for Movies: Classics Featured in Our Favorite Films. You’ll hear some of the most influential, powerful scores in cinematic history performed live. And really, what’s more cinematic than a night at the theater with the symphony? Click HERE to get your tickets. |
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| Donating to Wagon Wheel just got a whole lot easier! 💌 If you’ve ever made a donation online before, you might remember it wasn’t always the easiest to direct your gift to a specific program. Whether your heart is with Wagon Wheel Community Theatre, Wagon Wheel Junior, or another spoke, we know how important it is to give with intention. Each spoke now has its own dedicated giving page, making it easier than ever to support the programs that matter most to you! Your gift helps sustain Wagon Wheel’s overall mission while championing the areas of our work you’re most passionate about or that resonate most with you. And if you love all of our spokes equally, you can still make a general donation that supports everything we do. We’ve completely refreshed our donate page to make it simpler, more intuitive, and easier than ever to give. We’ve put a lot of thought into this, all with you in mind. If you’d like to make a donation right now, click your favorite spoke below and give where it matters most! 🎪 Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts (general donations) 🎪 🎪 Wagon Wheel Professional Theatre 🎪 |
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| I’m taking you into the orchestra pit with me! 🎹 Oh, this alumni spotlight is especially exciting. Why? Because I’m not shining a spotlight on one of our actors. Nope, not this time. I’m shining a spotlight on one of the most important magic-makers at Wagon Wheel! You may not have seen her face, but if you were with us during the summers of 2015, 2017, and 2018, you absolutely heard her and felt her impact. It’s the one and only Alyssa Kay Thompson, who worked with our orchestra as a Music Director during her time here! There’s something so important about recognizing just how many incredible artists pass through our doors each season. The magic you experience doesn’t just come from the people on stage. It comes from the artists behind the scenes who bring everything to life. And truly, some of the most essential magic-makers at Wagon Wheel are the musicians in the orchestra pit. They are the pulse of every performance. They set the tone, shape the emotion, and carry the energy of a show from the very first note to the final note. Without them, the storytelling simply wouldn’t land the same way. It’s a constant, living collaboration happening just out of sight, but never out of impact. And Alyssa was right there at the center of it, helping create the sound that I personally know I will never ever forget from my seat in the audience. (Can you tell I’m really passionate about giving the orchestra the love they never get enough of?) Alyssa has had quite the Wagon Wheel journey, and who better to share that story than Alyssa herself? That’s right, she sent along a very special video just for YOU. (And no spoilers, but you might want to watch all the way to the end…let’s just say there’s a pretty sweet love story in there, with a ‘Happily Ever After’ to match.) |
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| Since her time at Wagon Wheel, Alyssa has been booked and busy! She served as the Associate Music Director for the Broadway revival and tour of 1776, was the conductor of SUFFS, and played keys for the Tony Award-winning musical Kimberly Akimbo. She also stepped into the role of Music Director for one of my all-time favorite musicals, Waitress. (Oh, you’re unfamiliar? Look it up, I’m begging you!) And did you know? Alyssa made history as the first female graduate of Baldwin Wallace Conservatory’s Music Direction program. Come ON, now! I love to see it. 💪 I hope you realize that when you make a donation to our mission, it’s so much bigger than anything our little theater could ever contain. You’re not just helping a few dreams take flight. You’re impacting more lives than any of us could ever truly count–from the stage, to the orchestra pit, and beyond. Thank you. Truly and deeply, thank you. ❤️ |
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| Well, that’s all from me for now! Thanks for hanging out with me. As always, stay safe, stay kind, and I’ll see you next time.
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