Schele Williams starred as Dorothy in Muse Machine’s 1989 production of The Wiz, which changed the trajectory of her life. “I was fully prepared to go to college on a music scholarship as a drummer – and then I did The Wiz and I knew I wanted to be on stage. Muse Machine opened so many doors.”

Guidance from Muse founder Suzy Bassani led Schele to her training and higher education in NYC. An array of related experiences led her around the world and back again, as a Broadway performer and, eventually, a director. Recently, Schele directed the Broadway and touring adaptations of The Notebook as well as, remarkably, The Wiz.

As if that wasn’t already enough of a magical, full-circle experience, this week brings the touring production of The Wiz to Dayton. While in town, Schele visited the Muse cast of Frozen in rehearsal for an in-depth chat about her experiences, theatre and storytelling with the kids.

In addition to the opportunity for the cast, hundreds of Muse Machine student members from across the greater Dayton area are seeing The Wiz this week via discounted tickets. It’s a spectacular homecoming on every level!

Information and tickets for The Wiz may be found at dayonlive.org.

See Muse Machine’s Frozen at the Victoria Theatre January 15-18, 2026 – tickets on sale beginning November 25. More info here.