From critically-acclaimed contemporary works, classic dramas, comedies, musicals, and children's theater, there's a little something for everyone on the Playbill. The Eudora Welty New Play Series, established in 1984, is inspired by the state's rich literary history and brings together playrights and performing artists for cutting-edge drama that sparks conversation and pushes boundaries.

Education is also a top priority at New Stage, and its art programs are designed to introduce Mississippians to the joys of live theater. The community can look forward to their touring program, workshops for both teachers and students, acting classes, summer camps, youth and adult classes, and an apprenticeship program. New Stage also enjoys close relationships with Jackson universities, Jackson State University, Belhaven University, and Millsaps College.

Now in its 57th Season, New Stage produces five plays yearly in its subscription series, a Holiday show, an annual SchoolFest matinee, and a kids-only summer camp show that features local area talent. No matter the act, audiences can look forward to a dazzling performance that's as professional as it is entertaining, two qualities for which the theater has long been recognized.

New Stage founder Jane Reid Petty said it best in describing the theater's commitment to new work this way - "The artist comes first, and at New Stage Theatre, our energies are directed toward sustaining a vital environment in which artists can work together to achieve their finest moments on stage."

Clue

By Sandy Rustin
September 14-25, 2022 | Contemporary Comedy

It’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well . . . dead. So whodunnit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist.

The Glass Menagerie

By Tennessee Williams
October 25 - November 6, 2022 | American Classic

From her cramped St. Louis apartment, Amanda Wingfield dreams of her days as a Southern debutante while worrying about the future of her aimless son Tom and unmarried daughter Laura. With their father absent and the Great Depression in motion, the siblings find comfort in their foibles — alcohol, movies, and writing for Tom and a collection of glass animals for Laura — which only heightens Amanda’s anxiety. When a gentleman caller arrives for dinner, the Wingfields are flooded with hope. But it’s unclear if his presence will change things for the better or shatter their fragile illusions.

Every Brilliant Thing

By Duncan Macmillan
March 14-26, 2023 | Contemporary Play

Could you name a hundred things that make life wonderful? A thousand? How about a million? When he was 7, a boy’s mother attempted suicide. In response, he started a list of things to live for. As he grows up, the list takes on a life of its own. From “Ice Cream” (#1 on the list) to “the Alphabet” (#999,997), Every Brilliant Thing shines a hilarious and compassionate light on dark corners of the human condition. This surprising and immersive theatrical experience speaks openly about depression, mental illness, and suicide. With poignant humor and joy, Every Brilliant Thing takes us on a journey through grief, healing, falling in love, and (re)discovering all that life has to give.

Fences

By August Wilson
April 18-30, 2023 | American Classic

Set against the backdrop of 1950s Pittsburgh, August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama tells the story of Troy Maxson, a one-time star of the Negro baseball leagues who now works as a garbage man, holding court and expounding on life from the chair in his backyard. Due to his race, Troy was denied his shot at the big league, so when his son Cory wants his own chance to play ball, Troy’s bitterness and resentment threaten to tear their relationship apart.

Ring of Fire

Created By Richard Maltby, Jr.; Conceived By William Meade
May 30 - June 11, 2023 | Musical

From the iconic songbook of Johnny Cash comes this unique musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and home and family. More than two dozen classic hits—including “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and the title tune—performed by a multi-talented cast, paint a musical portrait of The Man in Black that promises to be a foot-stompin', crowd-pleasin’ salute to a unique musical legend! Though he is never impersonated, Johnny Cash’s remarkable life story is told through his music, climaxing in a concert that will both move and exhilarate!

The Sound of Music*

Music by Richard Rodgers | Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II | Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse | Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp
December 6-21, 2022 | Holiday Musical

A young woman takes on the challenge of being a nanny for seven children. A musical adventure, political intrigue, and inspirational bravery make this show one of our favorite things.

*This production is not part of the season subscription package. Single tickets go on sale to the public beginning October 4, 2022.