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Miller Auditorium continues its commitment of bringing high-caliber cultural experiences to West Michigan while deepening educational partnerships, as students from Western Michigan University perform alongside seasoned Broadway vocalists and musicians in GOOD WITCH BAD WITCH on Friday, Feb. 27.

This unique collaboration places students in a professional performance environment, offering hands-on experience that bridges classroom learning with the professional expectations of the entertainment industry

“Collaborating with seasoned professionals gives our students an essential bridge between the classroom and the professional music world,” says Keith Hall, professor in WMU’s Jazz Studies program. “Through these experiences, students sharpen their artistry, build industry connections and gain the confidence and insight needed to launch sustainable careers in music.”

For bass student Donovan Meeusen, the opportunity came through mentorship within WMU’s jazz program. “I was recommended for the show by two of my mentors, Keith Hall and Carlo De Rosa, and was quick to accept,” Meeusen says. “The chance to perform alongside musicians deeply rooted in the New York theater scene is something I don’t take lightly.”

Hall emphasized that these opportunities are carefully matched to students’ readiness and skillsets. “Selection is guided by who is best suited for each musical context,” he says. “We consider preparedness, collaborative skills, adaptability and professionalism — qualities we actively cultivate as part of our teaching philosophy.”

Though Meeusen has prior experience as a pit musician, he notes that performing in a professional production introduces a new level of rigor. “Academic settings build many of the skills necessary to succeed professionally, but they don’t always match the level of polish and direction found in a Broadway production,” he says. “Playing for GOOD WITCH BAD WITCH gives me the opportunity to gain experience working in that environment while building meaningful professional connections.”

Drums student Kaden Anderson says the experience offers an important perspective on potential career paths. “Seeing how a professional production is run and working with musicians who do this kind of work regularly will create plenty of opportunities to learn what this side of a music career could entail,” Anderson says.

Performing alongside seasoned professionals also brings a heightened sense of accountability. “In an academic setting, there’s always a sense of a safety net because it’s a learning environment,” Anderson notes. “Being on a gig with professional musicians where executing at a high level is a necessity brings added pressure, but I’m looking forward to the heightened expectations.”

Meeusen sees the collaboration as valuable preparation for future performance opportunities. “Even though my primary focus is jazz performance, this experience helps prepare me for future pit work and opens doors to an industry I have a great deal of respect for,” he says.

Both students emphasized the value of professional collaboration as a learning tool. “Opportunities for students to interact with working professionals are one of the most important parts of music education,” Anderson says. “There is no better way to learn than working alongside people who have more experience in the field.”

ABOUT GOOD WITCH BAD WITCH:

The magic of Oz returns to Miller Auditorium on Friday, Feb. 27 with a spectacular new twist! GOOD WITCH BAD WITCH brings together Wicked alum Alyssa Fox and Alli Mauzey to revisit their Broadway roles in an unforgettable concert experience. Audiences will experience the show-stopping vocals that have continued to make Wicked a global sensation, including breathtaking renditions of "Defying Gravity" and "Popular," along with fresh musical arrangements created exclusively for this concert. Between songs, the performers share intimate behind-the-scenes stories from their time in the Broadway phenomenon, blending playful witchy banter with genuine theatrical insight.

 

 

PRE-SHOW ADD-ON—THE EMERALD HOUR

 

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Patrons can enhance their evening by attending the Emerald Hour, an exclusive pre-show add-on experience held prior to GOOD WITCH BAD WITCH on Feb. 27 in the swankified PNC Lounge at Miller Auditorium. Inspired by the world of Oz, this themed pre-show party includes festive refreshments, with one drink ticket included with the purchase of an Emerald Hour ticket. Availability is limited, and this optional pre-show experience is exclusively offered as an add-on for GOOD WITCH BAD WITCH ticket holders.