Paris, Tennessee native Cherry Jones wins Emmy

A very talented home-town gal makes it big.  Saturday evening, Cherry Jones won an Emmy award to add to her already impressive collection of awards and achievements.  Cherry won the Emmy for her performance as President Allison Taylor in the popular Fox series “24.”  I don’t watch a lot of television, but my son, Anthony and I enjoy this program.  Because of our tour to Australia and New Zealand, I only recently saw the conclusion of this year’s season.  I must say, I was very impressed with the exceptional actress from my home town.  Check out more information from my hometown paper, the Paris Post Intelligencer.  Way to go Cherry!

I’ll have you know that I gave Cherry Jones her start, having acted with her in a Henry County High School production of the musical, Mame.  Well, the latter part is true; I did, in fact, appear with her in that musical as “Patrick.”  However, I cannot imagine anyone more unsuited to acting than myself.  How did my assignment come about?  All I can tell you is, the director must have really been hurting for singers; reasoning that my singing gift could be a sign that I could learn how to act. The two disciplines are not necessarily parallel as evidenced by the numerous, unsuccessful forays into Hollywood by successful musicians.  I can confidently say that I don’t have the gift of acting.

I recall that assignment as was one of the most challenging experiences ever, bringing me to a full appreciation of the skills required to achieve excellence.  It was obvious, even in the mid-seventies, that Cherry Jones was a class act destined for much greater things.

How many of you have enjoyed your experiences in dramas or musicals? I have spoken with so many people who cherish their high school and college days of choral groups, bands, productions and tours. As life moves on, I assume there are thousands of gifted individuals who wistfully reflect upon the times when they were fully engaged in theatre and various creative endeavors.  Do you have have a gift in drama, art or music?  Do you find opportunities to enjoy and share your gift?

[Paris Post Intelligencer]