The Paper
January 3, 2007
Performing Arts Troupe Returns to Galesburg
By MICHELLE M. SMITH for The Paper
Messages of hope are the foundation of MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe of Chicago. MWAH! is the acronym for Messages Which Are Hopeful! a group that strives to convey a message to a generation of youth experiencing negative situations and problems.
They will be visiting Churchill Junior High School on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 1:30 p.m. to present a 90-minute interactive performance inspiring their audience to face life's struggles with determination and hope.
According to executive producer Ray Moffitt, the program will combine real life drama with both original and cover songs. "The nine-member ensemble of youths, ages 10 -17, will focus on finding what is hopeful and good in true-life negative situations," Moffitt said.
The troupe is affiliated with the Chicago Area Project, a grass-roots service and advocacy agency based in downtown Chicago and part of a statewide community services network targeting at-risk youth and their families. Part of the network includes the Knox County Area Project, which is based in Galesburg.
"We are advocates for kids," Knox County Area Project director Rhonda Brady said. "We are very happy that MWAH! is coming to Galesburg. Their message, which is presented in song, poetry and verse, offers hope to youth." Brady explains that as a sister organization of the Chicago Area Project, the two organizations work together to encourage kids to become involved in constructive activities resulting in positive development.
The program will include Joshua Welton, a 17-year-old singer who is completing his first inspirational-pop solo album with Sony and Michael Todd Emery, a 16-year-old performing his original country ballad which addresses the importance of not rushing into relationships. Both young men were recruited by Moffitt to be a part of MWAH!.
Joshua believes that being a part of MWAH! helps him make a positive impact on others and to helps change lives. He has been singing since he was nine years old and prior to joining MWAH! was a member of the group "Fatty Koo," which toured around the country for two years. Joshua and the group have appeared on numerous television shows and produced one album.
He attributes his musical talent to his father and two other well-known family members, Count Bassie and Dinah Washington.
"God has truly imparted some special gifts to me," Welton said. "I have some very talented relatives and have been blessed with their musical talents."
Welton has a strong faith in God and believes that it is his faith that gives him the motivation and drive to have a positive impact on the world.
Michael Todd Emery is a sophomore in high school and loves singing country western music. "I like being able to use my talent to offer hope in an oftentimes hopeless world," Emery said. "Through MWAH! I am able to spread good morals in a negative world. We are able to use the arts to overcome negative social issues that are in our world."
Emery has produced a single of his own original song "Wait Awhile" and is also in the process of producing a demo compact disc.
The program is known for bringing messages, which are hopeful, healthy and hard to forget. According to Moffitt, the artist's goal is to stimulate others to think and to react in ways that are positive by using the performing arts - dance, theatre, song and mime - as well as through discussion and by example. The performers hope to inspire young people to face life's challenges and opportunities with knowledge, confidence, and a positive self-image.
MWAH!'s repertoire reflects the changing times in which we all live. Among the issues covered during the program are finding healthy alternatives to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; resolving abusive relationship problems associated with bullying, jealousies, and control; eliminating discrimination stemming from differences among people; and developing coping skills when confronted with negative peer influences and low self-esteem.
This is MWAH!'s second visit to Galesburg. They appeared at Galesburg High School in 2004 and at Abingdon High School this past fall. According to Rhonda Brady they are also scheduled to appear at Knoxville High School in February.
Photo Joshua Welton, 17, is completing his first inspirational pop solo album through Sony records and will be
performing with the MWAH! Performing Arts Troupe of Chicago at Churchill Junior High on Thursday (submitted photo).
