Renowned musical teacher Jacqueline Hughes has taken to Twitter asking actors and directors to send positivity to her young student, Charlie, after he was beaten up by six boys for his love of musical theatre. The musical theatre side of Twitter did not disappoint as an out-pour of love and support was heaped onto the young boy from the cast of numerous musicals.
Charlie suffered many days of being called names such as “fat”, “gay”, and “stupid”. Jacqueline hoped musical theatre actors and directors sharing a positive message or their own experiences would cheer him up. It seems to have done the trick as Charlie is back smiling and singing with joy.
UK Twitter was a buzz yesterday with #CheerUpCharlie. Cast members of musicals such as Hamilton, Wicked, Mama Mia, Book of Mormon, Kinky Boots, and many more got involved in sending loving video messages to Charlie.
Hi Charlie!
Glinda and Elphaba just wanted to let you know that you’re absolutely WONDERFUL and we all love you! Stay strong and keep defying gravity! 💚✨ pic.twitter.com/Xk7ClC9ULr— Wicked UK (@WickedUK) July 17, 2019
Tim Howar, the actor playing the Phantom of the Opera, sent the following beautiful video message, “I know you had a tough time in school. But, listen, musical theatre will never let you down”. It clearly won’t as the entire musical theatre community rallies behind Charlie.
Hey Charlie ! This is for you buddy … never give up on your dreams and know we’re sending you lots of love X O Tim @_jacquelinehugh @PhantomOpera #CheerUpCharlie #dreams pic.twitter.com/vzIo3k8Pvl
— Timothy Howar / Hawryluk (@timhowar) July 18, 2019
Legendary actress Harriet Thorpe, starring in Absolutely Fabulous, Cabaret, Mamma Mia!, offered the amazing advice, “Often people who do things differently get a tough time but don’t you ever stop being you. You are fantastic”.
— Harriet Thorpe (@harriet_thorpe) July 17, 2019
Jacqueline was overwhelmed with the amazing feedback, saying in a Tweet: “The positivity, generosity, kind words will mean more to Charlie than anything in the world”.
In response to the positive feedback, Charlie and his teacher sent out a lovely thank you video with a special performance of “I’m still standing” by Elton John. It shows the amazing power of acceptance and positivity.
So Charlie has just left crying “happy tears” he is so overwhelmed, seeing his little face light up with each and every message! Needless to say we didn’t get much singing done today! So here’s a thank you from Charlie, doing what he loves xxx #CheerUpCharlie pic.twitter.com/223dw70lq7
— Jacqueline Hughes (@_jacquelinehugh) July 17, 2019
These incredible videos will have anyone reaching for the tissues.
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