Shirley Jones shines for Asheville Director

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November 12, 2008 - Asheville, NC - You might remember her in the role of Julie Jordan, from the quintessential American musical film, “Carousel,” but Shirley Jones, 74, is still in fine voice, over 50 years later.

Asheville resident and director/choreographer Stephan deGhelder recently returned from Oklahoma City where he staged Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical “Carousel” in concert, starring Shirley Jones and Patrick Cassidy.

“In my career, I’ve worked with lots of stars, but Shirley Jones is every bit the professional, hard-working, generous, talented artist you would expect her to be,” deGhelder said.

The concert, produced by the Broadway Tonight series, featured the University of Central Oklahoma fifty-four piece orchestra and a 75-voice choir in addition to other principals and guest stars, including former Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson.

Veteran actress Shirley Jones starred in the film of “Carousel” in 1956 opposite her “Oklahoma” co-star Gordon MacRae, but is probably best known for her TV series, “The Partridge Family,” and as “Marion, the Librarian,” in “The Music Man.” Ms. Jones also won an Academy Award for her performance in the film, “Elmer Gantry.” Patrick Cassidy recently starred on Broadway in Stephen Sondheim’s “Assassins” and is the son of Shirley Jones and Jack Cassidy, and brother of Shaun Cassidy.

In the role of Nettie Fowler, Ms. Jones performed “June is Bustin’ Out all over” and the timeless classic “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” which deGhelder said, “Ms. Jones sung beautifully, every performance. It was a stunning, moving moment in the show.”

About Stephan deGhelder
Stephan deGhelder, has had a long career in theatre as an award-winning actor, director/choreographer and most recently a writer, nominated for "Best New Musical," along with his collaborator Brad Simmons for their work, "A Kiss From Alexander," currently optioned for an Off-Broadway production