Cheaper by the Dozen Plays at Mississippi College

“Cheaper by the Dozen” is the funny novel based on the real-life adventures of a large family as they spent years growing up in suburban Montclair, New Jersey.

First made into a movie in 1950 featuring Clifton Webb and Myrna Loy, the latest film version of 2003 stars Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt. The eight-year-old movie version tells the story of a football coach moving from his post at a small rural college to a high-pressure job as head coach at a big university. And the coach’s dozen children came along for the ride.

This fall, Mississippi College’s Department of Communication is producing the shows depicting the hilarious Gilbreth family from generations ago. Performances are set for October 27-29 and November 4-5 at Swor Auditorium on the Clinton campus. Each show opens at 7 p.m.

MC student Heather Gothard of Clinton takes on a leading role as the mother of the Gilbreth family, the mom who helps guide the lives of 12 children. The show deals with everything from skipping grades to first dates and wonders if the parents can cope from day to day.

“I’ve never been a mother in real life, but one day when I am, I hope my family has as much teamwork, fun and love as I have seen in this production,” Gothard said. “I feel like the individuals who auditioned for this show have truly become a family through these weeks and I know that will come out through our portrayal of the Gilbreth family.”

She’s hoping audiences will see “the beauty of a close family and being inspired by the laughs and trials that shaped the amazing Gilbreths.”

MC student Ethan Simpson of Brandon plays the father in the production, a man in his 50s. “Being one of seven kids, I can really empathize with a lot of the characters in this play,” he said. “It has been an interesting endeavor plunging into the opposite side of the situation as a father.”

Another MC student cast member, Corrine Allen of Long Beach plays Anne, the oldest child. “Being the oldest child is nothing new to me,” she says. “Having eleven siblings is something new. The relationships in this family are similar to the relations I have with my family.”

Members of the production on a Mississippi College stage come from as close as metro Jackson communities to as far away as China. Others in the big cast include Jamie Anderson, Jelecia Dixon, and Gabi Jones, all of Clinton, Ariel Jade McCullough of Flora, Ashley Gressett of Conehatta, Carey Jones of Madison, Meredith Harrison of Gautier, Jonathan Wilson of Memphis and John Melendrez of Southaven.

Decades ago, Frank Gilbreth, Sr. was often asked why he had so many children. “Well, they are cheaper by the dozen, you know,” was usually his reply.

Communication professor Sandra Grayson is directing the MC production based on the novel by Frank Gilbreth, Jr. The backstage manager is Matt Faries of Madison with Victor Barnette of Jackson serving as backstage director and Rebecca Gaines working as the prop master.

Tickets are $7 for general admission and $5 for all students, MC employees and senior adults.

For more information, contact the MC Department of Communication at 601.925.3229.