Reflections from RAH Community Engagement’s ‘Cinema in the Park’ event 

Rachel Benton

Last week, I had the opportunity to interview Stephanie Cholmondeley of Rebecca and Alexander Howard (RAH) Community Engagement about their “Cinema in the Park” event.

Attending the event after our conversation made the occasion even more meaningful, allowing me to experience firsthand what we had discussed during our interview.  

A multigenerational audience came together to enjoy "The Wiz," with some audience members as young as 5 years old discovering this classic for the very first time. Every aspect of this event was very special.  

Come and “ease on down the road” with me as I guide you through what became one of my favorite nights of the summer.  

‘The Feeling That We Have’ 

“The Wiz” starts with the song “The Feeling That We Have,” and I could say that this event began the same way, with the sacredness and wonder of community connection and love being keenly felt.  

The part of my discussion with Cholmondeley that resonated with me was the way L. Frank Baum’s "The Wizard of Oz," along with its many film retellings, emphasizes the importance of having other people in our lives — those remarkable people who encourage us, walk alongside us, and walk with us down the yellow brick road.  

Just as Dorothy and the Scarecrow gave the Tin Man a little oil when he needed it, I decided to step into the opportunity before me. I helped with a few of the minor tasks involved in setting up the event and made popcorn for guests.  

The aroma of freshly made popcorn naturally drew people to my little corner, sparking plenty of fun conversations and jokes among new friends, who introduced me to their friends, allowing me to meet over half of the crowd before the night was over. That is the power of connection and popcorn!  

I think they gave the Tin Man popcorn oil, and I think that oil is what made the brick road yellow. It all makes sense now. 

Offering assistance was not on my bingo card for the evening, but it became one of the most meaningful parts of the night, giving me a wonderful sense of belonging.

The magic that happens in our souls when we step up and volunteer is something so innately human and beautiful. It's the kind of magic the wizard could never dream of conjuring up.

When I finished my tasks, multiple people came up to tell me I was one of them now. Never have I ever felt more honored, and that is because of the beauty and importance of the work that is being done to establish Rebecca Howard Park as a welcoming space for all.  

The work of RAH Community Engagement dances the perfect tango between tradition and innovation, bringing people together through experiences that feel both fresh and wonderfully nostalgic. “Cinema in the Park” was the ultimate embodiment of that. 

Revisiting 'The Wiz' 

The only other time I watched "The Wiz" was right as I was recovering from COVID-19. My attention to detail and appreciation for it was limited, as my literal senses were recovering from the virus. All I remembered was that “The Wiz” modernized the story and added layers of black historical and cultural context that enriched its potential. Oh, and as I would say to my sister, “The soundtrack slaps.”  

Watching “The Wiz” under the stars at Rebecca Howard Park made me feel like Judy Garland in the original film version when she steps out of her sepia-toned surroundings into a world of color — it was beautiful! “The Wiz” was so cleverly created, definitely earning its esteemed status in the Criterion Collection.  

Happy tears came to my eyes as this joyous gathering sang along to classics like “You Can’t Win” and “Ease on Down the Road.” There was even one little girl who didn’t know all the words, but still got her groove on — she has a bright future ahead of her. 

If you have chatted with me for even five minutes in person this summer, you have likely heard how much I love the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. 

As the King sang, “You Can’t Win,” the audience sang along. I began to hear people exclaim, “That’s the king right there!” When his number was finished, we all clapped and cheered for him together. I hope Michael heard our applause that night, as only the blanket of stars separated us from heaven.  

Moments like these are irreplaceable. Lucky for you, there are more opportunities to make more memories like this in the park. The next RAH Community Engagement event is “Black Arts in the Park.” Save the date for Sept. 12. I look forward to seeing you in the audience! 

Rachel is a writer, arts advocate, performing arts enthusiast, and passionate about our beloved Thurston County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and minor in Music. You can enjoy more of Rachel's writings by visiting her website. All inquiries for Rachel can be submitted here.