ST. LOUIS — Mayor Tishaura O. Jones will appear in “Dreamgirls” at the Muny on June 29 and 30 and July 1.
No, she won’t be belting out, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” Instead, you’ll find her in the show’s second act in what’s called a walk-on role, which are small parts without any lines.
“My first job as a kid growing up in St. Louis was an usher at the Muny, and having this chance to appear on stage is a dream come true,” Jones said in a statement. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to celebrate this beloved institution and to participate in a tradition started generations ago by Mayor Henry Kiel.”
That was St. Louis’ 32nd mayor, who actually helped spearhead the creation of the Muny. He later served as president of the Municipal Opera Association, and at least dabbled in acting. He was in “Robin Hood” in 1918, where he played King Richard the Lion Hearted. That was a year before the Muny’s inaugural season.
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Since then, mayors often attend shows and get a shout-out. Ozzie Smith has also graced the stage twice.
“Including Mayor Jones in this exciting moment in Muny history is an extraordinary honor,” Muny President and CEO Kwofe Coleman said in a statement. “Her participation underscores the powerful connection between civic leadership and a thriving arts community.”
“Dreamgirls” is the Muny’s second production this season and opens June 27 and runs through July 3. The musical, set in the 1960s and ‘70s follows a Motown-style girl group (modeled after the Supremes) as they rise to superstardom. The show will also feature Ron Himes, artistic director for the Black Rep, as Marty, a talent manager.
For more information visit muny.org/show/dreamgirls.
Take a look at the history of the Muny, which has entertained guests from all over the world for more than 100 years.