Legend Helps Indiana Thespians
Break Record for Broadway Cares

By Joe Norton

Shirley Jones, star of stage, screen and television, used her star power and personal warmth to help one Indiana high school break the record for the most money raised for BC/EFA by a single school.

With help from Miss Jones and the guidance of their Director, David Longest, students from New Albany High School raised over $12,600 in proceeds from one special night, which featured a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! with Jones as the special guest.

Celebrating Shirley

Director Longest planned an entire evening to both honor Miss Jones (who asked the students, parents and faculty to call her “Shirley”) and support BC/EFA. The star, who played Laurie in the film musical 50 years ago, was as radiant as ever.

Sponsors and parents bought tickets to a gala dinner before the show, where limousines took them in small groups to meet and talk with Shirley, and to bid on memorabilia from her half-century-long career.

Chatting with her well-dressed fans, Shirley shared memories of her audition for Rodgers and Hammerstein in New York, when she was barely out of her teens. The multi-talented performer (who won an Academy Award for 1960’s Elmer Gantry) also discussed her successful show-biz family, and spoke of raising money on Broadway for BC/EFA a few seasons back while starring with her son, Patrick Cassidy, in 42 nd Street.

At the school, the New Albany High School cast and crew – in costume – greeted Shirley before performing for a sold-out crowd. The show was a rousing success, and, at the curtain call, Shirley took center stage for her standing ovation, where she announced the Broadway Cares total before going back to the green room to sign autographs for the cast and crew.

Oh, what a beautiful evening! We extend our sincere thanks to Dave Longest and to all the wonderful Thespians at New Albany High School.

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