{"id":6592,"date":"2026-03-27T09:12:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T15:12:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/?p=6592"},"modified":"2026-04-01T10:35:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T16:35:17","slug":"jones-colleges-theater-department-to-present-gypsy-april-10-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/news\/jones-colleges-theater-department-to-present-gypsy-april-10-12\/","title":{"rendered":"Â鶹ֱ²¥\u2019s Theater Department to present \u201cGypsy\u201d April 10\u201312"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ELLISVILLE – The Â鶹ֱ²¥ Theater Department will bring the classic Broadway musical \u201cGypsy\u201d to life on April 10\u201312, featuring a cast of students and young performers from the community in a production that blends music, drama and powerful storytelling. Originally on Broadway in 1959, Gypsy was made into a movie in 1962. This classic Broadway musical has won multiple awards and has been revived many times including a second movie version in 1993 starring Bette Midler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Â鶹ֱ²¥ performances in the M.P. Bush Auditorium are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 10 & 11, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for lower-level seating and $10 for upper-level seating and can be reserved online at www.jcjc.edu\/tickets<\/strong><\/a>  <\/strong>Discount codes will also be available for students, employees and through cast promotions on social media. JC employees and students will receive discount codes through campus email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dean of the School of Art, Music and Performance, Bruce Smith is directing the production which includes approximately 30 cast and crew members, including six young actors under the age of 12 who help bring the story\u2019s early vaudeville scenes to life.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The young cast of characters for Â鶹ֱ²¥\u2019s Theater production of Gypsy includes young actors and actresses from the Pine Belt and are pictured left to right with Assistant Director, Amanda Robertson, Bryce Beard-Young Yonkers of Ellisville, Scott Shows-Young LA of Ellisville, Mila Lancaster-Ensemble of Hattiesburg, Arron Harrison-Young Tulsa of Ellisville, Director Bruce Smith, Vaeda Lancaster-Baby Louise of Hattiesburg and Greenly Flowers-Baby June of Ellisville.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a story that\u2019s been told for years and years,\u201d Smith said. \u201cIt\u2019s got timeless music and a powerful message, and I think audiences will connect with it in a real way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gypsy is based on the memoir of famed burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee, who is a determined and often overbearing stage mother. The story follows Rose as she pushes her daughters through the declining world of vaudeville. We see a mother\u2019s relentless ambition and the evolving relationship with her daughters, particularly Louise, who ultimately transforms into the iconic Gypsy Rose Lee.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Sydnee Tisdale (center) of Ellisville plays Rose, the overbearing stage mother with her daughters, Louise “Gypsy” played by Ella Jolly (left) of Petal and June, played by Chloe White of Laurel.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really about a mother who struggles to love her children outside of the stage,\u201d Smith said. \u201cIn the end, it\u2019s about their transformation and how that relationship changes over time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smith said the show was intentionally selected to highlight the talents of lead performer Sydnee Tisdale, a dedicated Â鶹ֱ²¥ music and theater student who has taken on major roles during her time at Jones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe always look at who we have in our talent pool,\u201d said Smith. \u201cSydnee has been a star for us since she arrived, and we wanted to find something where she could truly shine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tisdale, who plays the demanding role of Rose, said stepping into such an iconic character has been both exciting and intimidating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt honestly is surreal,\u201d Tisdale said. \u201cI\u2019ve never played a role this big. It\u2019s new territory, but I feel honored that I\u2019ve been given this chance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite her confidence on stage, Tisdale admitted the role comes with pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m very nervous, very intimidated,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s very lead-heavy, and there\u2019s a lot of responsibility, but I\u2019m going to be prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of her favorite moments in the production is the show-stopping finale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2018Rose\u2019s Turn\u2019 is probably my favorite,\u201d Tisdale shared. \u201cI get to be very raw and emotional. It\u2019s a really intimate moment with the audience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The production will feature a live orchestra and classic songs such as \u201cEverything\u2019s Coming Up Roses\u201d and \u201cLet Me Entertain You,\u201d adding to the authentic Broadway-style experience. While the musical touches on themes of burlesque in its second act, Smith described the show as appropriate for general audiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Members of the cast of Gypsy playing at Â鶹ֱ²¥ April 10-12, include the Young Yonkers played by Bryce Beard (pictured left end) of Ellisville with his older character, Yonkers played by Peyton Shoemaker of Morton. Greenly Flowers (pictured left middle) of Ellisville plays Baby June and is pictured with Chloe White of Laurel who plays the older June. Pictured in the middle are Vaeda Lancaster of Hattiesburg who plays Baby Louise (Gypsy) with Ella Jolly of Petal. Arron Harrison (right middle) of Ellisville plays Young Tulsa and is pictured with JC student Aidan Chisolm of Mize who plays Tulsa. The Young LA is played by Scott Shows of Ellisville, and the older LA is played by Zach Hand (right end) of Petal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t perform any actual burlesque,\u201d he said. \u201cWe suggest it through costuming and storytelling, but it remains appropriate, around a PG level.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Tisdale, the experience goes beyond the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Rose’s daughters, Louise “Gypsy” played by Ella Jolly (left) of Ellisvlle and June, played by Chloe White of Laurel (right).<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cBeing part of the Jones Theatre Department feels like a family,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s very close-knit, and I love being a part of this special group at Jones.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a large cast, live music and a story rooted in real-life events, Smith said the production offers something for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is live theater at its best,\u201d he said. \u201cWe just want people to come out, support these students and enjoy a great show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gypsy also features JC theater regular, Ella Jolly of Petal, who played Anita in \u201cWest Side Story\u201d last spring and was a member of the cast of \u201cGrease.\u201d She plays Rose\u2019s daughter Gypsy in this production. For more information about the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Theater Department or the School of Art, Music and Performance, check out the website at: <\/strong>https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/programs\/finearts\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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young performers sitting in the front row, left to right, Greenly Flowers of Ellisville plays Baby June, Vaeda Lancaster of Hattiesburg who plays Baby Louise (Gypsy), Scott Shows of Ellisville who plays Young LA, Arron Harrison of Ellisville plays Young Tulsa, Bryce Beard of Ellisville plays Young Yonkers and Mila Lancaster of Hattiesburg is in the Ensemble. Â鶹ֱ²¥ students are listed in alphabetical order: Rose-Sydnee Tisdale, Ellisville; Louise \u201cGypsy\u201d-Ella Jolly, Petal; Tessie-Bailey Daphne Brooks, Moselle; Tulsa-Aidan Chisolm, Mize; Ensemble-Mariah Dawkins, Columbia; Miss Cratchitt-Kyndall Gunderson, Petal; LA-Zach Hand, Petal; Ensemble-Addy Hodges, Ellisville; Uncle Jocko-Bryce, Jasper, Laurel; Waitress-Hailey Keys, Collins; Agness- Patricia \u201cDani\u201d Mitchell, Seminary; Electra-Gracelyn Summer Knight, Monticello; Yonkers-Peyton Shoemaker, Morton; Mazeppa- Josalynn Tisdale, Laurel; Herbie-Landen-Silas Upton, Hattiesburg; Mr. Goldstone-Brady Warren, Laurel and June-Chloe White, Laurel. Not pictured: Balloon Girl-Lydia McLeod, Ellisville, Mazeppa-Alexandria Ruth, Laurel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cast of Gypsy 3-26<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rose    <\/strong>                        Sydnee Tisdale, Ellisville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Louise \u201cGypsy<\/strong>\u201d         Ella Jolly, Petal<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Young Yonkers<\/strong>          Bryce Beard<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tessie<\/strong>                          Bailey Daphne Brooks, Moselle<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tulsa <\/strong>                          Aidan Chisolm, Mize<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ensemble<\/strong>                   Mariah Dawkins, Columbia<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baby June<\/strong>                  Greenly Flowers, Ellisville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Miss Cratchitt<\/strong>           Kyndall Gunderson, Petal<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LA<\/strong>                               Zach Hand, Petal<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Young Tulsa<\/strong>               Arron Harrison,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ensemble <\/strong>                  Addy Hodges, Ellisville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uncle Jocko<\/strong>               Bryce, Jasper, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waitress         <\/strong>            Hailey Keys, Collins<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baby Louise<\/strong>               Vaeda Lancaster<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ensemble<\/strong>                   Mila Lancaster<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balloon Girl  <\/strong>            Lydia McLeod, Ellisville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Agness<\/strong>            Patricia \u201cDani\u201d Mitchell, Seminary<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electra <\/strong>                       Gracelyn Summer Knight, Monticello<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mazeppa <\/strong>                   Alexandria Ruth, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yonkers <\/strong>                     Peyton Shoemaker, Morton<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Young LA<\/strong>                   Scott Shows<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mazeppa <\/strong>                   Josalynn Tisdale, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Herbie            <\/strong>            Landen-Silas Upton, Hattiesburg<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Goldstone           <\/strong>Brady Warren, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

June <\/strong>                           Chloe White, Laurel<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Director<\/strong>: Bruce Smith<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choreographer:<\/strong> Rachel Appleby<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assistant Director: <\/strong>Amanda Robertson<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Audio and Lighting Design<\/strong>: Jacob Arnold<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage Crew:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira Alexander, Monticello<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gabriel Murphy, Petal<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antiana Newell, Taylorsville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

David Parish, Ellisville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jacey Posey, Ellisville<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Members of the Band<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caitlyn Austin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matt Barron<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tamiko Bridges<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brandon Domingue<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alex Handley<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michelle Howells<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tom Howells<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spencer Jones<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kyle Matthees<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conner Perkins<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jared Potter<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maddie Prattini<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

ELLISVILLE – The Â鶹ֱ²¥ Theater Department will bring the classic Broadway musical \u201cGypsy\u201d to life on April 10\u201312, featuring a cast of students and young performers from the community in a production that blends music, drama and powerful storytelling. Originally on Broadway in 1959, Gypsy was made into a movie in 1962. This classic … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Â鶹ֱ²¥\u2019s Theater Department to present \u201cGypsy\u201d April 10\u201312”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6629,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6592"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6592"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6592\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6606,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6592\/revisions\/6606"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6629"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6592"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6592"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jcjc.edu\/jcnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6592"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}