Performers bring pre-prom message to Wheaton North students
The Wheaton Sun
(Wheaton, Illinois)
May 5, 2006
By Ron Pazola Special to The Sun
Playing it safe
The message to their teen audience was clear: Get high on life, not drugs.
And they communicated their message through real-life drama, music, song and dance.
They call themselves Messages Which Are Hopeful, better known as MWAH!, a 12-member performing arts group made up mostly of young people ages 10 to 23. The troupe is affiliated with the Chicago Area Project, a grassroots service and advocacy agency based in Chicago and part of a statewide community services network targeting at-risk youths and their families.
Members travel to schools throughout the country using artistic expression to impress on young people the importance of finding healthy alternatives to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
The troupe was at Wheaton North High School on April 28 performing in front of juniors and seniors as part of a 45-minute "Be Careful, Be Safe" pre-prom program. In June, the troupe will perform for a week in Odessa, Texas. In August, they will perform in Washington, D.C.
"A focal point for MWAH! is the importance of choices," executive producer Ray Moffitt said. "We want to inspire young people to face life's challenges and opportunities with knowledge, confidence and a positive self-image."
Part of the program gave tribute to the U.S. military serving in Iraq.
Two Marines carrying a U.S. flag appeared onstage as patriotic songs were sung by MWAH! members.
Illinois state Rep. Linda Chapa-LaVia, D-Aurora, an Army veteran, joined in the tribute. "The reason you have what you have is because someone died for it," she told the audience. "Call your politicians to make them aware of veterans' issues."
Another part of the program focused on Ryan Murdock, who died in May 2005 at age 19 in an alcohol-related crash during a visit home from his freshman classes at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He had just left a late-night keg party at a friend's house.
The most emotional part of the program occurred when Joanne Murdock, Brian's mother, shared her feelings about the loss of her son.
"We were awakened by a call that turned out to be our worst nightmare," she said, breaking into tears. "We learned that Brian had died.
"I often ask what I could have done to prevent Brian's death. It's not that parents don't want their children to make decisions, but parents want their children to make the right decisions.
"If today's show can save one child's life, then it will be worth it."
Moments later, a MWAH! member appeared onstage and gave an introduction to what immediately followed. "I know you're looking forward to your prom, but I don't want you to get drunk or high," he said. "We in MWAH! get high on dance."
There was a frenetic burst of motion, and MWAH! members performed a hip-hop dance to the shouts and applause of the audience.
After the show, senior Gabi Bruno gave her opinion of the performance. "I was moved by the mother's words," she said. "It makes you think twice about drinking and driving."
Junior Lauren Verstat has been with MWAH! for eight months. "I hope we were able to connect with the audience," said Verstat, who has a brother serving in Iraq as a Marine. "Our message was if we can be drug-free, so can you."
Barbara Verstat, Lauren's mother, praised the group. "We think MWAH! put on a great show," she said. "These kids live what they preach."
