Bishop Noll Institute senior Maisie Wragg, a standout both in the classroom and on stage, is set to bring the beloved character of Jo March to life in the school's upcoming production of “Little Women.”
“The thing I find most compelling about Jo is her willingness to be unapologetically herself,” said Wragg, of Lansing. “She is expressive and dramatic, and she doesn’t worry if others will judge her for that. Storytelling brings her joy, and she embraces it freely.”
Embodying such a dynamic character, different than the meek, shy girls she has played in the past, presented its challenges.
“The most challenging aspect of portraying Jo for me personally has been being able to convey that dramaticness confidently and comfortably,” she said. "(Playing Jo) has taught me how to be comfortable showing that expressive side of myself.”
Wragg’s favorite number is “The Weekly Volcano Press.”
“I find it so fun to perform! It is the song with the most cast members all together, and there’s something special about the feeling you get when you end a grand song in unison with so many people, with so many friends.”
Reflecting on her time in Bishop Noll's theater program, Wragg expressed her gratitude. "I can confidently say that without theater, I would not be the person I am today. The bonds that you form through this intimate collaboration is truly unique in my experience."
Balancing senior year responsibilities with rehearsals has been demanding, but Wragg studied hard and was named one of Noll’s Graduates with Distinction, those with a GPA of 4.0 or above.
“It can be difficult, but rehearsals are my favorite part of the day, so a lot of the time they feel like a break. The main thing that makes balancing everything doable is using every possible moment during the school day to do homework, so after a packed school day, it's nice to be able to do something I enjoy for a few hours.”
Her hope for the audience is to appreciate the time spent with loved ones.
“I hope that after 'Little Women,' people will appreciate the time they spend with their loved ones more. I think that many people often take it for granted, and they could regret it one day. Another thing, although it can be so difficult, is to celebrate someone’s life and memory rather than be stuck in it.”
Wragg is also looking forward to her next chapter, planning to attend the University of Notre Dame and major in Chinese language.
“I didn’t believe it at first,” she said of reading her acceptance to Notre Dame. “I wasn’t expecting to get in …. It took a good 10 seconds before it hit me.”
"I have had an interest in learning languages for as long as I can remember, and ever since taking Chinese 1 my freshman year at Bishop Noll, I have always enjoyed Chinese. Through that, I also found a desire to learn Korean. Musical Theater is something that brings me a lot of joy, and I don’t want it to stop after high school."
Julie Niu, Wragg’s Mandarin Chinese teacher at Bishop Noll, described her as honest, diligent and hardworking.
“She is brave in challenging herself. In the future, she will surely be an academically excellent woman who dares to climb the peaks of life.”
“Little Women” is based on the original book by Louisa May Alcott. Bishop Noll will stage the musical April 10-13. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10. They can be purchased at the door or in advance online via bishopnoll.org (or https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/bishop-noll-institute/6744c823dfbd2930b1794296?fbclid=IwY2xjawIpo0pleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHaSp5S2OoVxcm5qKcSLOnBezrRz7iP8f9fGyJFaudIAMl2NZoVixXhsE4g_aem_DmBTyExrA13ptlRvaQPgHg).