Singer and star of stage and screen Jennifer Hudson made a surprise appearance for the cast of the 100-year-old arts high school's production of The Wiz, which premieres in September.
Dean of Arts Conservatories Garry William helped organize Hudson's surprise visit for the kids along with Robyn Harris, DISD's executive director of news information.
"It was a total surprise to the students," Williams says.
Williams says Hudson walked into the Montgomery Arts Theater as students were performing the song
Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson received her own cast T-shirt from students at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.
Courtesy of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
"She actually came right in the middle of a performance of one of their big numbers so all hands were on deck," Williams says. "She stayed and watched the whole piece, and the kids went crazy afterwards."
Hudson stayed for another 45 minutes to talk about her work and career and about "being resilient and trusting in your abilities and gifts."
"It was an opportunity for her to sit down and discuss with the kids her career in the arts and her preparation process," Williams says. "They also talked about vocal care, her life goals and aspirations as a kid and how to be pushed and motivated by your peers."
The Oscar-winning star of Dreamgirls is in town to promote her upcoming daytime talk show. She told the students that it was her son David's 13th birthday. The cast sang "Happy Birthday" to David on Facetime.
"It was a very surreal moment for a lot of them," Williams says. "It was a great opportunity for our kids. It's something they are going to remember for a lifetime."
