Teen raises money to produce musical

Zachenzie Milhouse was 13 years old when set out to write a musical.  

Zachenzie was inspired to create the musical a year ago when she felt like not enough was being done to tell the African American story. The school’s annual institute was taking place. It was Black History Month. She was in eighth grade.  

Folks said they would pitch in to help get the show off the ground, but it didn’t happen. Then more promises, but nothing ever came of it.  

The last “no” she received came when she almost had a full cast ready to help roll out the show. She is now a ninth grader at Selma High School and determined that 2025 will be her year. 

“I just kept getting turned down or made promises that didn't happen,” Zachenzie said. “I wasn’treally mad about it. All hope was not lost. We just had to keep planning and do some things differently.” 

Zachenzie became determined to get the show done with a crew of teenagers and adult advisors. 

With a new team and some adults on their side, Zachenzie and the committee have a game plan that includes raising money to take care of all expenses. And while her parents offered to pay, the young people declined the offer and chose a different route--a lineup of fundraisers that would cover the cost of a building, props, supplies and materials. 

The first fundraiser was a car wash held on Nov. 23 right before the holiday.  

“I think we did pretty well,” she said. “We raised over $1,200, so we are excited about our next fundraiser.”   

Then they held a Jingle Bell Bash on Dec. 7 downtown.  

When asked what the public could do to help, Zachenzie said people can donate to the cause through cash or cashapp at $LegacyAndLyricsCorps. 

A dream delayed but not denied or deferred. Determination is key sometimes.  

Written and directed by Zachenzie, “Legacy and Lyrics” will debut Feb. 1, 2025 at 6 p.m. at the Walton Theater with a cameo appearance by 2024 The Voice Winner, Asher HaVon. The Black history musical is a timeline from Africa to the highest position in the United States.   

Auditions are still being held. Young people may schedule an appointment by contacting Zachenzie at 334-431-8500 or milhousezachenzie@gmail.com. 

The committee of teens for Legacy and Lyrics are: Ja'Vonsha Caver, Jaleria Glover, Cassidy Hatcher, Ayanna James, Jaden Kim, Taniya Marshall, Sydney Pritchett,Radiance Ransom, Jaide Shanks and Deanisea Sullivan.