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North Texas 12-Year-Old Headed To The Broadway Stage

NORTH TEXAS (CBS 11 NEWS) - Ryann Jones is busy preparing for a test just like other 6th graders do at the end of the school year. But this 12-year-old's test will be in front of a large audience and on a big stage.

Jones' talents will be showcased on Broadway. Yes, the Broadway – New York City!

The young girl performed in a play called "The Butterfly" while living in Atlanta. The play's producer was so impressed, she called Jones when it was time for the play to take wings and head to the Big Apple.

Jones recalled, "She called me and said, 'Why don't you do the show, that you did at the Realto, on Broadway?' And, I was like, 'Of course!'"

Ryann Jones
(credit: CBSDFW.COM)

Jones is taking the opportunity lightly. "There were a lot of girls who wanted this part," Jones said. "But she called me all the way [in] Texas to ask me to do this part. So, it means a lot."

The producer chose Jones for the lead role -- a character she connects with.

"It's about a butterfly who learns to forgive, because everybody's teased her, because she doesn't have her wings yet," Jones explained. "I used to get teased a lot because, you know, I have glasses and I was the smart kid. So, I got teased a lot and I had to learn to forgive those people that teased me. So, I put a lot of my emotion into the role when I'm playing it."

After she landed the role, Jones spent a lot of time back in Atlanta, where rehearsals for the show were held.

"I've been flying back-and-forth from Atlanta all the way to Texas while managing schoolwork [and] trying to keep my grades up," Jones said.

But when it comes to her Broadway debut Jones says that is one test she will not fail.

"I've just been really blessed to get this opportunity, especially because I'm 12," Jones said excitedly. "So amazing! I'm just excited!"

(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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