I remember watching Ali Stroker on that historic night pictured here on the CBS broadcast of the Tony's. I haven't watched an awards' show through to the end for so many years, but I decided to watch the Tony's when Ali won. I'm SO glad I did! I couldn't stop crying!! Yes, I know, you're probably thinking,"There's no sobbing in theater!" My answer is,"I beg to differ!" Ali Stroker winning an Oscar completely changed the face of Broadway!! She showed that when accomplishing a goal, especially one that is deeply rooted in your veins...NOTHING can stand in your way!!! Sometimes well meaning people can share their opinions or unwittingly put a roadblock in your path. When others do that, it can knock you off course or it can do the opposite! It can motivate you to let no stereo-type, label or obstacle take away your potential to make your dreams a reality! When you are a person who dreams big, like Ali, it's a lot of risk! Broadway is no small feat! She put her blood, sweat and tears into auditions, going from the bottom to reaching the top. She, no doubt, had to adjust her sails to keep going in the face of every set back and occasional failure. But, when any of us go through these ups and downs, we can show ourselves and onlookers that no matter what life throws at us, we can throw back harder! In Ali Stroker's case it's not "Broadway or Bust"... It's, Ali broke the doors off Broadway and is taking the Broadway stage by storm and ROCKIN' it with flying colors!!!!!!!!!
Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the interview with Ali didn't get to happen, but hopefully in the near future I can interview her, hug her and most importantly, thank her for blazing the trail for all of us who have dreams and aspirations and want to make an impact and difference in the world!! Ali Stroker has done it....so that means we can too! No apologies ever needed!
Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana
For more information on Ali Stroker visit:
alistroker.com/about
