​  A “Wicked” Good Performance

Alliance High School music students had the unique opportunity to hear the star of Broadway's "Wicked," Donna Vivino, perform live at AHS on May 14. 

Vivino not only starred as Elphaba on the first national tour of "Wicked," but has been on the stage for many other musicals as well. She was the original Young Cosette in "Les Miserables" on Broadway and on the cast recording, and has also been involved with "Hairspray," "Saturday Night Fever" and "Fame Becomes Me."

Vivino sung a few hits from "Wicked" to the crowd of AHS music students, including “The Wizard and I” and “Defying Gravity." She also answered questions from the audience about her experience as Elphaba and how to make it to Broadway.

“Ms. Vivino gave sound advice and inspiration to our students, and her performance was stellar. We are lucky and grateful to have been able to offer this opportunity to our students,” said band director Shaun Fontaine.

But perhaps the happiest person there was Rachel Wagner, a senior member of Jetsetters and lead of this year’s musical. Wagner was selected to sing the duet “For Good” with Vivino, and she was thrilled to be able to perform as Glinda with an actress from one of her favorite musicals.

“I am so grateful for this amazing experience. She gave a lot of great advice for not only me but for all the music department students. I will never forget this incredible opportunity,” said Wagner.

“It was really exciting to have Donna Vivino visit the Alliance music students. To have a performer of that calibre on our stage was a real treat,” said Crystal Sabik, orchestra director. “Even for music students who are more interested in playing instruments than in singing, she offered some valuable advice about performing and about life.”