The Journal

Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: Lifestyle

Media Credit: Laila Wessel Tony Award-winning choreographer and former Webster University student Jerry Mitchell warms up with theater and dance students before teaching them his moves from the musical "Hairspray" Nov. 8 in the Loretto-Hilton Center's dance studio.

"Omigod You Guys" - it's not only the title of the first song on the soundtrack to "Legally Blonde the Musical," but it was also the reaction of senior acting major Israel Gutierrez when he found out that Jerry Mitchell, the musical's choreographer and director, was returning to Webster University.

"I was shocked and excited when I found out Jerry Mitchell was coming," Gutierrez said. "I know he is a very busy person, and the fact that he would take time out of his schedule to come and teach at Webster was very gracious of him."

Mitchell is a former WU student. Two years ago, he spoke at the Commencement Ceremony and received an honorary degree. He promised Peter Sargeant, dean of the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts, that he would return to work with students. He was also anxious to reconnect his friendship with Lara Teeter, associate professor of theater and head of the musical theater program
at WU.

Mitchell followed through on his promise. During his Nov. 6 to 8 visit to the university, his activities included having dinner with Conservatory faculty members and their families, holding a Q&A for Conservatory students and giving them feedback on their auditions.

"I loved the fact that he really looked at our work on a professional level," said senior Alexis Field, a musical theater major. "He was poised and honest with his critiques but always respectful. He really shed light on what the business is like at that level."

While Mitchell stressed the importance of acting over singing and dancing - "It's really the foundation to build every other thing you do," he said. "You can sing and dance, but if you can't act, why watch it?" - he also stressed the importance of passion, something that can't be taught.

"The things he says are really inspirational," said freshman Wesley Jetton, a musical theater major. "It was most definitely a good idea to bring in a professional that's actually doing what we're being trained to do."

Continued...

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