PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wisc. (NBC, KYMA/KECY) – A packed audience of friends and family gathered at a watch party in Prairie du Sac’s Bonham Theatre this past weekend to celebrate a monumental achievement in the life of Wisconsin-born actress Marissa Bode, who has made history by becoming the first actress living with a disability to portray the character “Nessarose” in the musical adaptation of “Wicked.”
Marissa Bode, who at the tender age of 11 suffered a life-altering car crash that left her paralyzed from the waist down, has truly defied the odds by pursuing her passion for acting, and her loved ones couldn’t be prouder. On the eve of her historic debut on the big screen, emotions ran high as those closest to her reflected on her remarkable journey.
“I’m still pinching myself, it genuinely a dream, and it still feels like it’s not real, but I’m here, living proof that with perseverance and determination, anything is possible,” Bode expressed, her voice filled with emotion, as she recounts her surreal experience of watching herself on screen for the first time.
Aniella Haas, Marissa’s former music teacher, was visibly overwhelmed with emotions as she recounted her experience of watching her former student shine on screen, “I was holding back tears the entire time, but when she started singing, my emotions overflowed, and it was an emotional rollercoaster for the rest of the movie, witnessing how far she’s come has been breathtakingly beautiful.”
Bode, who is not only making her mark in the world of acting but also breaking down barriers for individuals with disabilities, is now traveling the world, meeting and inspiring countless “Wicked” fans, using her growing platform to advocate for accessibility and inclusivity, “Having the privilege of having a platform to raise awareness about creating spaces that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities, is an incredible opportunity, and I’m committed to using my voice to drive positive change.”
Meanwhile, back in Wisconsin, Bode’s family and friends, who have been her rock throughout her journey, continue to cheer her on, with her parents, Sean and Patricia, proudly hosting multiple screenings of the movie in their tight-knit community, “Saturday’s showing was just one of many, and it’s not just about supporting Marissa, but also about celebrating a truly remarkable film that has been years in the making,” Sean said.
Bode’s family and community have been rallying around her since her accident in 2011, and Sean acknowledges, “They’ve been with us every step of the way, supporting Marissa’s dreams, and now, to see her achieve this milestone is an incredible source of pride for our community.”
After a whirlwind year of filming and promoting the movie, which took her to locations such as London, Los Angeles, and Australia, Bode will take a well-deserved break before returning home for Christmas, a moment she is eagerly looking forward to, “Seeing my family and friends after this incredible journey will be the perfect way to recharge and refocus before my next project.”
As Marissa Bode continues to inspire audiences around the world with her remarkable story, her loved ones take pride in knowing that her success is not just about her own achievements, but also about paving the way for others who may have thought that their dreams were impossible, “Marissa’s determination has shown us that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible, and that’s a lesson we can all learn from,” Sean concluded.
