
Blue Mountain, Miss. - Every semester Blue Mountain Christian University Speech and Theatre program produces quality main stage productions (https://www.bmc.edu/speech-theatre-productions), and this spring is no exception as they present Words by Fanny Crosby by Dan Neidermyer with anopening matinee on March 25 at 2 pm, and evening productions on March 26 & 27 at 7 pm in Garrett Auditorium.
Produced by special arrangement with Eldridge Publishing Co., this production features a large cast of BMCU students and community members as they recreate the life of Fanny Crosby who was blinded as a baby and went onto to write the words to more than 8,000 hymns including the beloved “Blessed Assurance” and “Praise Him! Praise Him!” Set in New York from 1825-1875, Fanny’s story unfolds in a series of flashbacks as she answers questions from a brusque New York Times Magazine reporter.
From her humble beginnings to her education at the New York Institution for the Blind, to reading her poems to United States senators and presidents, various highlights of her life are depicted where her faith brought light and hope to all she encountered, especially those in dark places including the New York State Prison, and the slums of Bowery.
Several of her well-known hymns are sung throughout the production.
“She felt her lifetime of blindness brought her closer to the heart of God,” Assistant Professor of Speech & Theatre Christi Mitchell said. “Fanny Crosby’s story is very encouraging, and our talented cast has brought her story to life with integrity and honor. I am immensely proud of them.”
BMCU students include Jalynn Black (Fanny Crosby), Alivia White (Teen Fanny Crosby), Giana Curasi (Reporter), Nathan Hill (Alexander Van Alstyne), Thomas Floyd (William H. Doane, Irishman in Bowery), Lily-Ann Smith (Eunice), Johnathan Hitt (Dr. Russ, Prison Guard, Man in Bowery), Tallie Bird (Bowery Derelict), Savannah Dunn (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Kaylie Cox (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Abigail Vaughn (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Emma Bell (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Melody Thornhill (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Allie Pharis (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Jayla Jones (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), and community members featured include Grayson Hitt (Man in the Bowery), Tonya James (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Ana Hamilton (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Rylee Hitt (Prisoner, Woman in the Bowery), Ruthie McMillen (Ann and child in the Bowery), Gabriel Hamilton (Percy and child in the Bowery), Vivian Mitchell (Penelope and child in the Bowery), and Reagan Hitt (Young Fanny and child in the Bowery).
Admission is $10, and cash or checks are accepted at the door.
All BMCU faculty, staff, and students can attend for free with ID. While reservations are not required, inquiries can be sent to cmitchell@bmc.edu.









