Interpreters capture magic of 'Wicked' for deaf students

The actors weren't the only ones in the spotlight during Thursday's matinee performance of Broadway smash "Wicked."

To the audience's right of the stage, Karen Kanter and Tina Riner translated the musical's dialogue and lyrics for a group of students from the Blossom Montessori School for the Deaf.

The interpreters are part of the Open Doors program, which makes performances at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts more accessible to people with disabilities.

Last month, the center (formerly the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center) received a $10,000 award from The Association of Arts Presenters and MetLife in recognition of Open Doors.

"We try to stay ahead of the curve on ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) issues," says Donna McBride, the center's director of foundation grants. The money will not only help pay for these services, but also to spread the word about them to the communities which need them, McBride says.

The Open Doors program also provides audio descriptions of performances to the visually impaired.

"I think it's great that the center is providing this opportunity for our children to enjoy the show," says Richard S. Engwall, Blossom's president, who accompanied the students to Thursday's performance.

Engwall says "more and more opportunities are being presented" for the deaf, but also says that they "tend to be invisible."

"There's no white cane or wheelchair," he says.

It was more than just an opportunity for the students. It was a thrill.

The school staged "The Wizard of Oz" last year, the story for which "Wicked" serves as a sort-of prequel. Erika Cook, 14, and Dionna Young, 11, were part o that production (Erika played Dorothy) and both were Thursday's audience for "Wicked."

Asked how they enjoyed the show, and their excitement was obvious, even without the interpretation of Blossom teacher Diane Dunphy.

"Cool show!"