Hey y’all!
This time of year can be busy with the holidays, finishing up midterms, and preparing for finals. During such a hectic moment, it’s always good to take a moment to relax and have some fun. This past Wednesday, I was doing some homework when I got a call from my friend Sofia. She had an extra ticket to a free, private, advanced screening of Wicked: For Good, set up by the area coordinators at Amherst. On a whim, I set aside my work to take a break and join her.
When we got to the theatre, we were greeted by the wonderful area coordinators, who distributed vouchers for free drinks and popcorn sprinkled with pink and green glitter. Familiar faces filled the theatre, which had been reserved for Amherst College students. It was a great opportunity to see friends and meet new people. The audience joined together to give our best shot at the iconic “Defying Gravity” riff before the film began.
I won’t give any spoilers, but everyone had a great time watching the film. It was a lively and interactive experience—students reacted audibly when the moment called for it, but also listened closely to one another. Laughter, gasps, and perfectly timed commentary echoed throughout the room. What elevated the experience most, though, was the sense of community that filled the theatre and stayed with us as we left.
On our way out, Sofia and I popped into a photo booth for a Wicked-themed keepsake to remember what a wonderful time we’d had. It wasn’t just a much-needed break from our work—it was a great opportunity to feel connected to the Amherst community.
Now, many students have headed home for break, but moments like these already have me missing campus. Tune in next week when I return!
Best wishes,
Ailís