By: Richard L. Smith
Irvington Township native Mr. Jordan Owens is set to perform in the cast of "The Stephen Foster Story," "Songs of Stephen Foster," and Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella" this summer through the Stephen Foster Drama Association, located in Bardstown, Kentucky.
RLS Media learned that "The Stephen Foster Story" details the life of legendary songwriter and composer Stephen Foster through dramatic portrayals of his life and features performances of over 50 of his greatest compositions, such as "Oh! Susanna," Camptown Races," "Beautiful Dreamer," "Hard Times (Come Again No More)," and Kentucky's state song, "My Old Kentucky Home."
The show has been performed at the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre in Bardstown since 1959.
For this season, officials said the company will also perform Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Cinderella."
A Tony-nominated Broadway adaptation of the beloved musical, the show features some of the songwriting duo's loveliest tunes, including "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible/It's Possible," and "Ten Minutes Ago," as well as some new characters and surprising twists.
In the production, officials said Owens portrays Joe Aikins in "The Stephen Foster Story" and is included in the ensemble of "Cinderella."
"I'm always ready for new experiences, to make new connections, and to tell a new story," Owens said.
A native shining star of Irvington Township, Owens holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music from New Jersey City University. Some of his notable acting credits include Ken Page in "Ain't Misbehavin," Sweeney Todd in "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," Agwe in "Once On This Island," and King Charlemagne in "Pippin."
"My passion for the arts has produced a strong hunger for music, dance, and theatre from an early age. I am perpetually eager to bring my skills and experience to the stage," Owens said.
"It's an honor to be a part of the Stephen Foster Drama Association for my third year in a row."
Officials told RLS Media that "The Stephen Foster Story" performances are set to take place Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. from June 17 through August 12. "Cinderella" will be performed on select dates from July 12 to August 4 at the amphitheater.
"Songs of Stephen Foster" will be performed on Saturdays at 2 p.m. at Nelson County High School between June 24 through August 5.