"If You Keep Working Hard Things Will Happen Eventually." - Chatting with Meredith Aleigha Wells!

Meredith Aleigha Wells.

It is my honor to introduce you to Meredith Aleigha Wells. Meredith is a touring actor, singer, dancer, and writer, best known for their performance as Punky Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical, marking the first performance by a wheelchair user in a Broadway National Tour.

This Alumni of the University of Massachusetts has also performed regionally in productions at Seattle Rep, Rec Room Arts, Music Theatre Works, Beck Center, Mercury Theatre Company, Blank Canvas Theatre, and Cleveland Public Theatre. They have also made appearances at New York Theatre Workshop, Dance St. Louis, OHIODance Festival, Boston Symphony Hall, Ailey Citigroup Theatre, CounterBalance, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Luminous Festival; China’s first-ever disability-led arts festival in Beijing.

Not only are they an inspiration to me, but Meredith also inspires many others that cross paths with them. I am so thankful to have the chance to feature Meredith in my series for OnStage Blog!

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?
I was 13. I played Annie in Annie and knew immediately this is what I wanted to do with my life.

Where did you study? Are there any mentors or people who helped make you the wonderful performer you are today?

I studied Music, Theatre, and Dance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. So many folks shaped me but in particular, Dr. Jamie-Rose Guarrine made me the singer I am today, Sheila Sirgusa had a big part in making me the actor I am today, and working as Judyie Albalali's research assistant made me an all-around more well-rounded, cultured, and multidisciplinary artist and activist. I also owe a lot to the dance artists who believed in me as I was relearning how to dance in a wheelchair; Paul Dennis, Debra Vega, and Catherine Meredith in particular.

Congratulations on the National Tour of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! It is truly a holiday show that I always thoroughly enjoy! How has your time been on the road?

My time on the road has been a dream come true. A true dream was realized. It's some of the hardest yet most rewarding work. There are many logistical challenges touring with a disability, but it is worth it to do what I love and hopefully pave the way for others to do the same.

Is there a show, performance, or moment that sticks out to you that will always be near and dear to your heart?

We recently met a young girl from Make-A-Wish. It was incredibly special.

You are a true inspiration to many including myself. What advice would you give any young performers like you and beyond wanting a career in the performing arts?

I would tell young performers to have an open mind and never give up. The industry is slowly changing and with that, old narrow views of who can play what is being thrown out in exchange for a wave of non-traditional casting. This business in many ways is also a matter of last man standing, if you keep working hard things will happen eventually. Keep showing up and being unapologetically you.

To learn more about the National Tour of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas the Musical, please visit -http://www.grinchmusical.com

And to learn more about Meredith's career and journey, make sure you visit her official website at -https://www.meredithaleighawells.com