WE INDIANS an appreciative audience at The Wiz

An excited group of young readers and their teachers attended the preview performance of THE WIZ this month at the First Stage Children's Theater.  The students are participants in the WE INDIANS after school program for readers called Reading Circle Book Club.  In preparation for the trip, students read the play, "The Wiz."

Many of these children had never before attended live theater and they perched on the edge of their seats through the entire first act.  When the lights dimmed for intermission, there were audible cries of dismay as the students thought the performance was over.  After a break for cookies and juice, the production resumed and everyone enjoyed the spectacle of witchs being "liquidated" and wishes being granted.

WE INDIANS, which stands for Wisconsin Education for Indians, New Day in Awareness of Native Studies, is an organization that seeks to serve American Indian students in the Milwaukee Public School system. 

First Stage provided tickets for the students to attend, Southeastern Oneida Tribal Services and HoChunk Nation Youth Center provided transportation, and Rocky Rococo's provided dinner.  The children provided the smiles. 

Photo of WE INDIANS at the Todd Wehr Theater by Richanda E. Kaquatosh