Stage and Screen Legend Shirley Jones to Perform at Clarke

The Clarke College Arts at Clarke Series will host a performance by Broadway legend Shirley Jones, with Ron Abel, on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in Terence Donaghoe Hall on the Clarke campus.  Tickets are $20 and can be reserved beginning Tuesday, October 30, on-line by  clicking here or by calling (563)584-8642 weekdays between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Long before “The Partridge Family,” Shirley Jones had already achieved fame as a singer and actress.  She starred in many films, including the highly successful musicals “Oklahoma!,” “Carousel,” “April Love” and “The Music Man,” in which she often embodied or represented wholesome beauty and kindness of character.  In a rare “naughty girl” role, she won an Oscar in “Elmer Gantry.”

Although best known for her movie and television roles, Jones has an impressive stage resume, including the musical “Maggie Flynn” on Broadway and a stellar turn in a rare revival of Noel Coward’s operetta “Bitter Sweet” at the Long Beach Civic Light Opera in 1983.

In 2004, Shirley returned to Broadway in a revival of “42nd Street,” portraying diva Dorothy Brock, opposite her son, Patrick Cassidy – the first known time a mother and son starred together on Broadway.  In July 2005, Shirley revisited the musical “Carousel” on stage in Massachusetts portraying Cousin Nettie.  In June of 2007, she starred in the stage production of “Oklahoma!” with the Civic Light Opera in Pittsburg, Penn.  Shirley continues to appear in venues nationwide, in concert and in speaking engagements.

In July 2006, Jones received an Emmy nomination for her supporting performance in the TV film “Hidden Places.” She was also nominated for a SAG award for the same film.