Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Little Red Riding Hood all in one!

 

I have such special memories of watching our Alumni of the Month perform on the Wagon Wheel stage back in 2016, especially because she was in my favorite Wagon Wheel show I’ve ever seen. And I have even more, full-circle memories now, because I got to see her perform on a National Tour back in 2023!

That’s right, it’s 2016 alumna, the one and only Erica Durham! You’ll remember her from her unforgettable performances as Sarah in Ragtime and Rosemary in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Even back in 2016, I knew from my seat in the audience (specifically from section 3) that Erica was something special. And she’s been making us so proud ever since.

 

 

After her time at Wagon Wheel, Erica went on to join the national tours of The Color Purple and Into the Woods! And if, for whatever reason, you’re not familiar with The Color Purple, please do yourself a favor and look it up. It’s an incredibly powerful story.

You’re hopefully familiar with Into the Woods, but what if I told you Erica served as an understudy for…get ready…Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, and both of the evil stepsisters?

How is that even possible? Well, it must be that signature Wagon Wheel training at work. 😉

And what’s this?! Erica sent YOU a very special video?! I’m flabbergasted! I can’t believe it!

There’s something truly indescribable about watching a young, up-and-coming actor on the Wagon Wheel stage, and then seeing them years later on Broadway or on a national tour. It’s that moment where you can’t help but feel overwhelmed with pride, knowing their journey included a stop right here in Warsaw, Indiana.

People like Erica remind me of that. What a privilege it is to have seen her perform on the Wagon Wheel stage, and to watch her continue to shine far beyond 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. Thank you. Truly and deeply, thank you.

🎪There’s no place like Wagon Wheel,

Sam Engle, Communications & Donor Relations Coordinator