Patrick Cassidy talks about mom Shirley Jones in advance of gala honoring her
On Saturday, Pittsburgh CLO will honor Shirley Jones — Western Pennsylvania native and legend of stage and screen — with a Broadway star-studded gala celebration at the Byham Theater in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Jones was born in Charleroi and grew up in Smithton — her family owned Jones Brewing Co., which made Stoney's Beer. She performed in regional theater, including with the Pittsburgh Playhouse and Pittsburgh CLO. She went on to catch the eye of legendary composers Rodgers and Hammerstein during an audition in New York City and became a staple in the duo's musicals, including "Oklahoma!" and "Carousel." She is also well known for playing Marian the Librarian in the 1962 film of "The Music Man."
She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1961 for her turn in "Elmer Gantry."
But her most-famed role was as Mrs. Partridge in ABC's musical comedy series "The Partridge Family."
Saturday's event will be hosted by her three sons, Shaun, Patrick and Ryan Cassidy. They will regale the audience with stories of their mother. According to Patrick Cassidy, who is directing the program, it will be the first time he, Shaun and Ryan will share the stage.
"It's going to have all of the music she made famous in those movies, an incredible orchestra, three of the best sopranos on Broadway. But above all, it's going to have a real personal look at Shirley Jones, not just the performer but the person," Patrick Cassidy said. "All of these performers are sharing personal stories about the effect that my mother had on them, not just their careers but on them as people."
"Shirley Jones has left an indelible mark on American theater and film, and her contributions to the performing arts have inspired generations," stated Mark Fleischer, executive producer of Pittsburgh CLO. "Pittsburgh CLO is honored to celebrate her incredible legacy with this special evening. This gala not only pays tribute to her remarkable career but also supports the next generation of artists through our education and artistic programs."
Cassidy said that patrons will be able to learn more about Shirley Jones than they've ever heard before.
Starring in the gala performance will be Sierra Boggess, Norm Lewis, Jessie Mueller, Kelli O'Hara and Adam Pascal, all with their own storied careers onstage.
"I never saw the extent and depth of her career until I was 40 and watched her A&E biography. It was the first time I realized why she was a star," Cassidy said. "I understand why Rodgers and Hammerstein signed her to their exclusive contract, I understand why the public became enamored by her. But to me and to my brothers growing up, she was Mom. Everything about her personality — which was totally genuine and real — was all about she was who she was. And her priorities — she was a mother first. Everything about her career took second place to that."
Asked about what role of Jones' was his favorite, Cassidy chose "The Music Man" — and not just because Jones was pregnant with him during the time of filming.
"Her strength as a musical ingenue, that's why they picked her — it wasn't just that she was beautiful and had this God-given glorious voice. She had this strength in those roles. That's her as a person, too, but her performance as Marian is amazing," he said.
The gala celebration also serves as a fundraiser for Pittsburgh CLO's Education and Arts programs, which contribute to the cultural landscape of Pittsburgh. For example, the CLO Academy of Musical Theater offers classes for kids and adults who are interested in studying the craft. They are also the presenters of the annual Gene Kelly Awards, which honor excellence in high school musical theater in the region.
Jones and her family have been supporters of the CLO for many years.
"I did the 75th anniversary and my mother did the 50th anniversary of the PCLO. She performed there many times. Even my father. Pittsburgh isn't just close to our hearts because it's my mother's hometown, but because of the amount of work that we've all gotten to do and share with the PCLO and Pittsburgh itself," Cassidy said.
He's proud to bring this unique event to Pittsburgh.
"She wouldn't have wanted it done anywhere else. Nor would we. It's her home, it's her roots."
