Several Jackson Academy staff members and alumni are regular presences on Jackson-area stages, with five recently performing — or about to perform — in area productions. For the teachers among them, performing professionally keeps their craft sharp and gives them additional stage experience to bring back to their own students.
Director of Choral Music Mandy Kate Myers and alumna Sarah Wade ’13, associate director of institutional partnerships at the Mississippi Museum of Art, recently shared the stage — and a character — in “Big Fish,” a musical produced by the Brick Street Players of Clinton. Wade played Sandra during her character’s high school, college and young adult years, while Myers performed the role of adult Sandra during her son’s marriage and while her husband was battling cancer. Music and lyrics are by Andrew Lippa, with a book by John August. The show ran Sept. 17-20.
Director of Performing Arts Kerri Sanders also shared a stage with a JA colleague this month, appearing alongside Reese Overstreet ’19, performing arts teacher and summer camp coordinator, in “Mrs. Christie” by Heidi Armbruster at New Stage Theatre. The play reimagines the 11 days famed mystery author Agatha Christie went missing in 1926.
Director of Performing Arts Center Operations Nancy Cheney will appear in New Stage Theatre’s “Slippin’ Through the Cracks: The Bobby Rush Musical,” a world-premiere production tracing the life and music of the Mississippi Blues legend. Written by Stephen Helper and Bobby Rush, the show runs Oct. 20-24, 27 and 29-31 at 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. performances Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, and a 1 p.m. matinee Oct. 28. Recommended for ages 16 and older.
