Wicked A Huge Success to Young Man with Cerebral Palsy

David Hester of Mt. Vernon Township High School was born with cerebral palsy. He also happens to be a huge "Wicked" fan. The popular musical, for those of you who don't know, is about the events that lead up to the character Dorothy's arrival.

Doug Hester, David's father, says that his son first heard about the play after his mother and aunt went to see it in Chicago a few years ago.

"When she came back she had a soundtrack of the music and was playing it in her car. He started insisting that he wanted to go once he heard the music."

Several months later, Hester said that David went to see the musical with his mother and aunt on New Years Day. David has since seen "Wicked" in St. Louis and Chicago, as well as Louisville.

During his last experience, David said that he was excited to have met Donna Vivino, who starred as his favorite character in the play. Before the musical, Vivino gave him a tour of the backstage and props areas.

Doug Hester claims that Wicked is much more than just a musical to his son and that it has brought family members and friends together to share in the experience.

"The greatest thing about this was the experience I had with him," Hester said. "To see him so excited about it--this boy that most people don't understand--he has culture. He would rather go to the theater now."

We have heard many stories about music and plays having special meaning to children with cerebral palsy. Despite traditional communication difficulties, children like David find new ways to convey meaning through their experiences like "Wicked".