Aly Michaud ’13 is taking Wittenberg’s commitment to creativity to the big stage. Just three years after earning a degree in business while starring in numerous campus theatre productions at Wittenberg, Michaud has co-created, directed and produced Clara, a critically acclaimed show inspired by the life of her 94-year-old grandmother.
Clara uses dance, theatre and aerial silks to tell the remarkable true story of one woman’s lifelong journey through adversity. The production, which debuted with five performances between June 1 and June 10 at the 2016 Cincinnati Fringe Festival, takes the audience back in time – from the Great Depression to World War II to the 21st century in order to present Clara at three critical ages: as a child, as a young adult and as a mature older woman.
Michaud, a native of Cleveland, raised money and hired a cast of 10 people and a design team of five people through her new company, Physical Productions. Her team included former Wittenberg classmates Sarah Fickling ’13, who designed costumes, and Anna Kirkland ’13, who designed lights, as well as Mary Jo McClain '93, who took promotional photos for the production. Michaud hopes to produce Clara again before the end of the year, if possible.
The Cincinnati Fringe Festival is an annual two-week theatre and arts event that features performances throughout downtown Cincinnati and the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood – the same neighborhood recent Forbes 30 Under 30 selections Derrick Braziel ’09 and William Thomas ’07 are helping to transition into one of the most promising neighborhoods in America through their company MORTAR.
Since the show’s debut, rave reviews have poured in, including one published by the Cincinnati Enquirer calling Clara "An affecting and extraordinarily touching piece of theater." A 2016 Cincinnati CityBeat Critic’s Pick, reviewer Mckenzie Graham claims, "I wish I could put into words the magic Clara makes without them."
When she isn’t creating and directing her own productions, Michaud works at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park as the communications associate. She has remained in close contact with many faculty and staff members at Wittenberg, including Associate Professor of Business Wendy Gradwohl, who attended one of the performances of Clara.
“I’m so glad I had the chance to experience it,” Gradwohl said. “The storytelling through dance, music, and poignant interview vignettes from Clara herself, coupled with aerial silks, created a synergy for the senses.
“Aly should feel very good about what she created (Clara) and what she is doing through Physical Productions. I can’t wait to see what she does next.”
