27 STUDENT LIFE Harding’s 2022 homecoming musical, “Cinderella,” brought magic to people of all ages, and it was especially memorable for the Jones family. Assistant professor of theatre Ben Jones had directed Homecoming musicals before, but this time, both of his daughters joined his cast. “It was wonderful,” Jones said. “It’s the first time we’ve really had the opportunity to work together on such a big production. They are both so talented and easy to work with. I enjoyed seeing them really thrive throughout the process.” Jones’ daughters, sophomore Aubrey Jones and freshman Stella Jones, said it was a special experience to get to work with each other on a college musical and to have their father as their director. “It’s really awesome to be able to respect him as a professor and a professional in this field and to experience him in that environment,” Aubrey Jones said. “As soon as rehearsal is over, before I leave I give him a hug and he kisses me on the head, and then I go back to my dorm.” Stella Jones agreed. “We’ve kind of gotten to see him work over the years, but we were a part of it this time,” she said. “It was kind of like bring-your-daughters-to-work day, but we were also working with him.” Aubrey Jones also said that because all three of them were at rehearsal every night, their mother, Ellen Jones, would occasionally come to rehearsal too. “I’ve seen them more this semester than I did probably just naturally during all of last year during actual school time,” Aubrey Jones said. If the shoe fits Aubrey and Stella Jones perform roles in the Homecoming musical “Cinderella,” directed by their father Ben Jones. Ben Jones added that it was special to have the family working on a project that they were all passionate about. “I love that we share a passion for theatre and can share time creating something we can all be proud of,” Ben Jones said. Both women said auditioning for their father was a unique experience. “It was a little weird because I don’t really like to sing in front of my parents, but I had to if I wanted to be in the show,” Stella Jones said. “And he’s also seen every performance I’ve ever been in, so he wasn’t seeing anything new.” Aubrey Jones added that she knew all along that the casting process was fair, and that they were auditioning just like everyone else. “That was something that was talked about at the first rehearsal,” Aubrey Jones said. “My dad was completely transparent about the fact that both of his daughters were in the show, but we did audition, and we did the whole process.” Ben Jones said the “Cinderella” cast as a whole was enjoyable to work with. “More than their talent and hard work, they are genuinely wonderful people. They were kind and encouraging to everyone in the process,” Ben Jones said. “There were so many times that cast members would come to me to check if I was okay and offer to help with anything if I needed it. I’m thankful to have worked with each one of them.” Written by: Morgan Wrigley
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