Community is at the heart of Augusta University’s upcoming production of “Wishtree.”
“It’s not just the script that is teaching me about community, it’s also interacting with my classmates that’s teaching me about community,” said Antonio Fernandez, a sophomore who is one of five actors playing the role of the narrator – a 200-year-old tree named Red.
Being in a play brings together a group of people who often don’t know each other and forces them to work together for a common goal. They have to work through their differences to make the stage magic happen.
And that is something Fernandez sees at each rehearsal.
Based on Katherine Applegate’s novel, “Wishtree” is about a girl who moves into a new town. Some of its residents reject her; with one even carving the word “leave” into Red’s trunk. But the community rallies around her and embraces her.
“Wishtree” will be performed at 7 p.m. March 13-15 and at 3 p.m. March 16 at AU’s Maxwell Theatre.
“It’s a sweet story about community,” said Melanie O’Meara, the Augusta University professor who adapted the novel into the play. “It’s about accepting people who are different from we are and not trying to change people but embracing their differences.”
While the book and play are aimed at children, O’Meara and her cast believe that the story can appeal to audience members of any age.
Amber Pucci, who plays one of Red’s roots, said the production has a valuable lesson for adults.
“This message is definitely something that needs to be heard by adults. In grade school, you’re exposed to a lot of different things. But when you’re out, people tend to find their own cliques and separate,” she said.
Pucci graduated from Augusta University in May 2024 and said she’s grateful to return and be part of “Wishtree.”
“I’ve missed that community,” she said.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s a Georgia Press Association award winner.Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
