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Katherine Paterson's Come Sing, Jimmy Jo October, 2007 |
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Mark J. Thomas lives and works in Nashville, TN, as a musician, songwriter, and actor. Performing credits include Dreamworks, HBO, PBS, The Nashville Network, Nashville Opera, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Kentucky Opera, Six Flags, and Opryland. Thomas was also the principal pianist for the off-Broadway musical Always a Bridesmaid, Always a Bride at Sophie's Theatre, NYC. A published writer, he composed the music for the world premiere of The Whore and the H'Empress at Actors Theatre of Louisville. As a singer/songwriter, Mark performs regularly at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN. Having earned a bachelors and masters degree in piano performance, Thomas continues to tour as a solo piano artist, and has served as adjunct faculty at Indiana University Southeast, and Tennessee Technological University. As an actor, favorite roles include Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, and Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell. In Nashville he is a regular at Miss Marple's Dinner Theatre. |
Come Sing Jimmy Jo, takes place in the South a few years back. Jimmy Jo is the youngest of a locally famous musical family. While he stays at home with his grandma the family travels in the local Bluegrass circuit. However, when the family gets a manager and Jimmy Jo begins to perform, his whole world gets turned upside down. His sudden fame leaves him with unanswered questions and unwanted answers.
Eddie - Eddie Switten is a middle aged, somewhat conniving and at the same time likable talent manager from the "big city." He sees in Jimmy Jo, the next big thing, and perhaps his meal ticket. Acting is this character's primary requirement, but as with all the cast, singing skill is necessary.
James - James Johnson is a spindly boy growing up in the backwoods of the Virginia's with his grandmother. The son of Olive and Jerry Lee Johnson, he is thrust into sudden fame and reluctantly, becomes the center of attention.
Grandma - Grandma is wise-the head of the famed Johnson clan. She has clearly seen much in her life. Little James is her whole world, but she knows that she can't protect him from everything, especially the truth.
Olive - Olive Johnson is the 30-something mother of James and Jerry Lee's wife. The female lead of the Johnson country music team, Olive loves her son, but her own dreams can at times confuse her actions.
Earl - Earl Johnson is the portly and slower brother of Jerry Lee and uncle to James. Also an integral part of this musical family, Earl has his own dreams. He cares for Jimmy, but resents his nephew's sudden fame.
Jerry Lee - Jerry Lee Johnson is the head of the Johnson musical clan and more importantly James' "dad." Other than Grandma, he is the one stable and constant force in James' life.
Eleazer - Eleazer is a black youth (approximately same age as James-actor can be up to 20 years old) who becomes James' only friend when James' world turns upside down. With a rather uncertain reputation, he really has a heart of gold.
Stranger - A middle aged man who shows up in James' life. But is he who he claims to be?
Reporter -The reporter is the "narrator" of Jimmy Jo's rise (or fall) to fame.
For more information, please call Jane Napier, Producer, at 454-7299, or Todd Jones, Director, at 563-2524.
| James Johnson | Sage Mayhew |
| Jerry Lee | Andy Harper |
| Olive | Michelle Gardner |
| Earl | Charlie Cerutti |
| Eddie | Russell Brown |
| Grandma | Jane Ketchum |
| Eleazer | Levon Cota |
| The Fan | Isaiah Mayhew |
| The Stranger | Mark Rosalbo |
| The Reporter | Andrea Melville |
| School Secretary | Jane Napier |
Todd Jones
Director
Mark J. Thomas
Songwriter/Music Director/Conductor
Jane Napier
Producer
Maurice Cerutti
Stage Manager
Paul Mascitti
Properties
Sue Cerutti
Publicity