New Stage Announces Season 58 Shows

Mississippi’s professional theatre, New Stage Theatre, has announced its 2023-2024 season of shows. The 58th season is a celebration of laughter, love, and wonder that includes two regional premieres of new comedies, a Pulitzer Prize finalist new play, a musical based on a classic book and a new Broadway musical. The subscription season includes five professionally produced shows. Along with this compelling line-up, the theatre will also offer an extra seasonal musical comedy.

“Featuring exciting new plays and musicals, with a bit of the familiar, the 2023-2024 season has us leaning into fun and entertainment at New Stage Theatre,” says Artistic Director Francine Thomas Reynolds. “The Celebrate Season 58 show selections are fresh and dynamic, offering something for everyone. From the regional premiere of a screwball comedy to an explosive moment of American history; with an enchanting classic; a relatable laugh out loud comedy; and a hit musical that features the rise of a superstar, New Stage’s Season 58 celebrates laughter, love, and the wonder of live theatre.”

The season opens in September with a regional premiere of Lend Me a Soprano by Ken Ludwig. Based on his Tony Award-winning Lend Me A Tenor, this madcap screwball comedy features ladies in theleading roles and is guaranteed to leave audiences teary-eyed with laughter. The show runs September 12-24, 2023.

Next is the Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony nominee What The Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck, October 24 -November 5, 2023. This new boundary breaking play breathes life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans. To capture the true spirit of the performance, this production will be in New Stage’s Hewes Room Theatre with general admission seating.

In the new year, showing from February 6-18, 2024, is the classic musical The Secret Garden: Spring Versionwhich can be enjoyed by the entire family. This special shortened version of the beloved musical The Secret Garden is as beautiful and spirited as the original Broadway hit.

The new comedy Chicken and Biscuits by Douglas Lyon is another regional premiere from April 9-21, 2024. Rival sisters, Baneatta and Beverly, are trying to bury their father without killing each other first.

Closing out the season is the Broadway hit musical Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, May 28-June 9, 2024. With book by Doug McGrath and words and music by Gerry Goffin, Carole King, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, Beautiful follows the inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable rise to stardom.

The holiday season will bring Elf The Musical to life on stage, November 30-December 21, 2023. Not part of the subscription package, subscribers will have the opportunity to purchase tickets at a discounted price. A title known the world over, Elf The Musical, with book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; music by Matthew Sklar; and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, brings heart, hilarity and holiday joy.

Season tickets include all five main stage shows, and prices range from $90 to $130 depending on the package you choose. Premium subscribers can lock in ticket prices for more than 40% off, choose their favorite seat with a same seat-same night privilege, purchase additional tickets for guests at a discounted price, and receive unlimited ticket exchanges. Or mix and match your favorite shows, plus get all the benefits of being a subscriber with a Flexipass Ticket Package. Purchase either three shows or five shows Flexipass packages, anduse them any way you like. Pick your productions and dates as you go, or reserve up front – either way, you can exchange as often as needed. Whether you prefer to bring a friend, make a group outing, or fly solo, Flexi passes provide the flexibility to enjoy New Stage your way. To subscribe call (601) 948-3533 (Monday-Friday 10 a.m.to 5 p.m.). In person box office hours will be Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To order your subscription call (601) 948-3533, visit newstagetheatre.com or stop by the box office at 1100 Carlisle Street in Jackson.

New Stage Theatre was chartered as a not-for-profit organization in 1965, producing its initial season in the winter/spring of 1966. Founded by Jane Reid-Petty with the assistance of the American National Theatre Academy and Actor’s Equity Association, dedication to professional excellence in theatre arts was part of the theatre’s original mission. New Stage’s first home was a converted church, and the full houses for its opening season were significant: they represented the city’s first racially integrated theatre audience. Winner of the 2019 Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, New Stage Theatre continues to be a catalyst for dynamic and entertaining theatre for Jackson and the surrounding areas.