Inmate Sues Taco Bell, Says Idea For Doritos Locos Tacos Was His
Jackpot Soars Again
But Ali Stroker's casting is having an effect on people she's never met.
The 23-year-old actress has been cast in a production of the hit musical "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," which opened Wednesday at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Milburn, N.J., and it is both a career milestone for her and the entire disabled community.
Theo and Juliet Photography
Ali Stroker is believed to be the first disabled actress to be cast in a leading role in a musical. She is playing Olive Ostrovsky in a production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" in Milburn, N.J.
Stroker is playing the role of Olive Ostrovsky, whose parents are away a lot.
"In the second act, she has this intense song where she imagines her family is loving and supportive," Stroker told AOL News.
As might be expected, both Stroker and her supportive and loving real-life family are very excited, but what makes it even sweeter is that the role is not written as a disabled person, which means she was cast for her ability, not her appearance.
Still, she admits that being in a wheelchair, although it's never mentioned, will add something extra to the role not in the original script.
"It does add another element to the character, even though I don't talk about the chair," she said.
It also required a little bit of stage work.
"The choreographer and I collaborated on my movements during the musical numbers," she said.
Stroker became paralyzed from the chest down after suffering an accident when she was 2. Despite that, she has been performing since the age of 6 and singing nearly as long.
A lot of singing technique involves using the stomach muscles and diaphragm, and finding proper voice placement offer requires a newbie to be taught while standing.
None of this was possible for Stroker, a mezzo-soprano, but she has managed to rise to the occasion.
"I couldn't engage the diaphragm or use the stomach or the core, but I did find a way to translate it into my own language," Stroker said. "I hope some of the things I've figured out can be passed along to others. It's important to share it with the world."
Having the lead in a musical is a big deal, but it did come with a price. Before being officially cast, Stroker had received a callback for the upcoming "Glee" reality show, where real-life actors and actresses compete for a possible role on the series.
"I had to bow out because of this role," she said. "On the other hand, I couldn't turn down this opportunity."
Stroker is hoping that having a lead role on her resume will help her get cast on "Glee" and the other musical shows that are sure to follow.
In addition, she is hoping that she can use the higher profile to help other disabled performers.
"I am happy that I was cast in a part that isn't specifically a disabled person, but I also hope producers realize that it is important to at least audition people that are disabled for roles when the characters are disabled," she said.
Put more Good in your life! Follow AOL's Good News on Twitter and Facebook.
Treasury Officials Told Of IRS Probe In June 2012
Reid Goes 'Nuclear'
These American Companies Refused To Sign The Bangladesh Safety Accord
Teen Who Died During Her First Solo Drive May Have Been Texting
Major Commuter Train Crash
Bangladeshi Bloggers Face Constant Death Threats Since Arrest
Would Jesus Cut Food Stamps?
Alabama Immigration Law To Doctors: Papers, Please
Reince Priebus Issues Warning On Calls For Impeachment
Jack Lew Tells Congress Of Steps To Avoid Debt Default
Judge Deals Blow To Harsh Abortion Law
Two Days, Three Counties, Still Burning
Tragedy: Woman Dies In Gun Accident
Jay Carney: 'It Has Been A Good Week'
Ruby Testifies About Naughty Nun At Berlusconi Party
Driverless Cars Could Be Hacked By '14-Year-Old From Indonesia,' Senator Warns
Boston Fund Director Worries Donations Won't Be Enough
Aimee Copeland's New Hands
Shooting Scare Rocks Cannes Film Festival
3 Problems With IRS Claim It Didn't Discriminate Against Tea Party
Progressive Women's Group Spotlights Military Sexual Assault
Arizona Rep Expands DC Anti-Abortion Bill To Apply Nationwide
Thousands Estimated To Be Held In Secret By Assad
Former Supreme Court Justice Questions Bush v. Gore Decision
OFA Talking Points Caution Members On Keystone
Obama Student Loan Policy Under Scrutiny As Congress Tackles Student Borrowing Costs
Surprising Number Of LGBT Couples Afraid To Hold Hands In Europe
Report: Republicans Altered Benghazi Emails
Bob Woodward: Benghazi Is Like Watergate
'Planned Bullyhood' Author Shakes Up GOP Primary
Yahoo's Kid Problem: Why Yahoo May Buy Tumblr
