By: Shelby Alloway

Lydia Rush, a senior, has landed the role of her dreams. Lydia is going to be the star of the show by portraying Dorothy for the upcoming Hardin Northern production of the musical “The Wizard of Oz.”

“I did prepare a lot more this year than I did in years past,” Rush said. “I read and read the script over and over. I sang ‘Over the Rainbow’ probably five hundred times until I felt I was ready. This year was very scary because we had to have callbacks for Dorothy, so I actually had to audition twice, but once they told me I had it I have never been so excited! I laughed and I cried and I just plain celebrated my accomplishment,” Rush added.

Rush has been preparing for this moment for a long time. “I worked very hard to get Dorothy, but really I have worked the last seven years. Every role I have ever had has prepared me for this role. It’s crazy to me that I went from being in the chorus when I was younger to being the female lead last year, and then to being the main lead this year,” Rush said.

“I just love musicals! I mean, I was involved in them the last eight years. I love portraying different characters and by the end I am no longer being that character, I am being myself. The stage is my home. It’s a place where I can be myself or who ever I want to be. I pour my heart out on that stage every year hoping that I can at least be moving to one person in that audience,” Rush said.

Rush has definitely made an impact in the musical productions here at Hardin Northern and we couldn’t be more proud!