Fine Arts – Theater
 Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella"
View pictures from "Cinderella"
The classic childhood fairy tale, Cinderella, was USJ's spring musical. Performances were March 6, 8 and 9 in the school’s Blankenship Theater, 232 McClellan Road.
On Saturday, March 8, the USJ Fine Arts Department also hosted a fairy-tale tea party for Lower School students. Guests came dressed as their favorite prince or princess. The tea party featured famous fairy-tale characters.
Leading the cast of 82 for the musical were Keely McMahon as Cinderella and William Teer as Prince Charming. Others in lead roles were Avery Cunningham, Stepmother; Catherine Roach, Fairy Godmother; Bradford Carrington, King; Elizabeth Crowder, Queen; and Stepsisters Camilla Bratton and Natalie Wilson.
The USJ band, under the direction of Tom Grant and featuring USJ students, accompanied the show.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella was presented by the USJ Fine Art Department, through the help of its Platinum Partners: Commercial Bank and Trust; Dermatology Associates, LLC; BancorpSouth; Dr. and Mrs. James Wilson; Medical Specialty Clinic; Christi and Joel Haynes; and First South Bank. Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella was presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals, 229 West 28th Street, 11th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10001.
Guys and Dolls Jr.
University School of Jackson presented “Guys and Dolls Jr.,” December 2-4 at USJ’s Blankenship Theater, 240 McClellan Road.
Described as the “perfect musical comedy,” “Guys and Dolls” is a Broadway classic that is set in New York City. Its characters include a gambler and a missionary, who fall in love. Memorable songs from the musical include “Bushel and a Peck” and “Rockin the Boat.” “Guys and Dolls Jr.” is designed for young performers.
 |
 |
Upper School Fall Musical "Hot Mikado," September 20 and 22
The Upper School fall musical, “Hot Mikado," was s a true USJ family affair featuring parents, faculty and student cast members. Seniors students Ian Charles and Mary Haynes were featured in two of the lead roles, playing Nanki-Poo and Yum-Yum, respectively. USJ parents, Dr. Tom Head and Julie Glosson, in the roles of Ko-Ko and Katisha, joined them. Other parents and faculty members appearing in the cast included Sharel Tabor, Karlie Head, David Hopper, David Rohm, and Jimmy Glosson.
“Hot Mikado” is an upbeat version of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic story Mikado, just reset to jazz music with swing dance. The comedy involves a love quadrangle between the main characters Nanki-Poo, Yum-Yum, Co-Co, and Katish.
The USJ band, under the direction of Tom Grant and featuring USJ students and faculty members, accompanied the show. USJ art students, under the direction of Libby Lynch, did the table decorations for a dinner performance on the first night of the show.
Musicals & Plays
Each year, Upper School students present a spring musical and a fall play. Middle School students do junior musicals each year and the Lower School grades each have a production.
Disney's High School Musical
The popular Disney’s High School Musical was performed by USJ Upper School students on March 2 and 3, 2007.
The musical, based on a Disney Channel original movie, is a slice of today’s high school life. East High School, the Wildcats, has four distinct social groups – jocks, braniacs, thespians, and skaterdudes. When the basketball star wants to try out for the school musical, his friends tell him that just can’t happen.
Pictured at right, Victoria Farnsworth as Gabriella, Bradford Carrington as Troy, Camilla Bratton as Sharpay, and Ian Charles as Ryan, played four of the lead roles. Close to 100 USJ students were in the musical. Choreographer was Renee Brooks. Scott Conley was in charge of set design. The live music, which sets USJ’s productions apart from many other high schools, included USJ band students.
Bye, Bye Birdie
The University School of Jackson Fine Arts Department presented Bye Bye Birdie in March, 2006.
The cast included 75 students from Grades 2-12. Lead roles were played by Grant Wallace, Lauren Dowling, Worth Eubanks, Keely McMahon, Camilla Bratton and Greg Pearson.
Bye Bye Birdie tells the story of Conrad Birdie, a rock star who is going to give Kim McAfee “one last kiss” before he joins the army. With a moma’s boy as a manager, a “Spanish Rose” secretary, and a huge ego, Conrad Birdie and his entourage will turn the town of Sweet Apple, Ohio, upside down. Musical numbers include “An English Teacher,” “What Did I Ever See In Him,” “Put on a Happy Face,” and “A Lot of Livin’ To Do.”
Music Man Jr.
The Middle School presented Music Man Jr. September 29, September 30, and Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Annie Jr.
The USJ Middle School presented Annie Jr. in May 2006. Students in grades 6-9 participated.
 Annie, which first opened on Broadway in 1977, is the tenth longest-running musical in Broadway history. The Junior version, released by Music Theatre International, includes eleven scenes in one act.
The role of Annie was played by sixth grade student Brigham Short. Other characters included Nathan Grimm as Daddy Warbucks, Kate Carlton as Miss Hannigan, Caleb Self as Rooster Hannigan, Elizabeth Crowder as Lily St. Regis, and Chelsea Kee as Grace Farrell. Memorable songs include Maybe, Tomorrow, Hard-Knock Life, and You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile.
|
|
Seussical Jr. - May 5
On Monday, May 5, the Middle School will present "Seussical Jr." at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Blankenship Theater. The musical features many of the beloved Dr. Seuss characters, including the Cat in the Hat and the Whos from Whooville. Tickets are avaiable at the school office. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors.
Fall Plays 2007
Upper School drama students presented two short comedies – "The Actors Nightmare" and "The American Dream" – on November 30 and December 1.
"The American Dream:" In a house where everyone seems to be losing their sanity, Grandma's senility leads to a new order and her escape. This absurd comedy threads a social commentary and more intricate plot without ever taking itself too seriously. (About 50 minutes)
"The Actor's Nightmare:" George Spelvin, like us all, is thrust into a world without knowing his lines, but does his best to play along. The play brims over with an absurdity and dark-comic edge in a somewhat ethereal dream world. (About 30 minutes)
The Trickeries of Scapin
Upper School students presented Jean Baptise Moliere's “The Trickeries of Scapin” Friday through Sunday, November 2-4, 2007.
Twelfth Night first USJ Shakespeare production
USJ’s Fine Arts Department presented Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night in January 2006.
|
