New Stage kicks off season with ‘Clue’
Claire Justice Porter said she is proud to represent Madison while taking part in New Stage Theatre’s Season 57 opener, “Clue.”
“My favorite part of theatre is how it brings people from all over together,” Porter said. “I feel this is a very Mississippian cast and I’m happy to be the Madison component of this show.”
Porter grew up in Jackson and has lived in Madison for the past two years. She said she started attending New Stage’s summer camps when she was 10 years old, and recently graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in acting for the stage and screen.
In “Clue,” Porter plays the singing telegram girl, takes part in the ensemble show, and is the understudy with Mrs. White. She is the associate artist and acting-directing apprentice for New Stage.
“Clue” is based on the 1985 Tim Curry film, which is based on the popular board game of the same name. It’s a dark and stormy night, and you’ve been invited to a very unusual dinner party, the story goes. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is dead. So, who did it?
The audience joins the iconic oddballs known as Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, and Colonel Mustard as they race to find the murderer before the body count stacks up.
“I was really excited about ‘Clue’ when they announced it, and it’s one of my favorite movies,” Porter said. “I’ve seen the show probably over 20 times through the rehearsal process, and there are still times it makes me laugh. The audience is going to love it and all the actors are going to do a great job. It’s been awesome to be a part of and it’s going to be great.”
Porter said she was a fan of the movie adaptation of “Clue” before she knew it was a play, so she feels that people who have seen it are going to enjoy the show.
“It’s an adaptation, so some things play a lot differently on stage compared to the movie, but it’s a great adaptation to the source material,” Porter said. “Everyone here is so lovely and it’s great because everyone is from everywhere. Some people in the cast are from Jackson, Pear and Byram and we even have someone from Ohio here as well.”
“Clue” opened on Wednesday, Sep. 14, and runs through Sunday, Sep. 25. Curtain times and dates for performances are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices are $35 with discounts available for students, senior citizens, military, and groups.
Tickets can be purchased at the box office, charged by phone by calling the theatre at (601) 948-3533, or ordered online at www.newstagetheatre.com. The show is recommended for ages 13 and up for adult humor and content, and strobe light effects and gunshot sound effects will also be used.
New Stage Theatre Artistic Director Francine Reynolds said she is excited for New State to open its 57th season with such a fun show.
“If you have never played Clue, or have not played in a while, I suggest you gather your friends and family and break out a Clue board for game night,” Reynolds said. “Then, gather at New Stage Theatre for Clue on our stage played in person by, I can guarantee you, an amazing cast!”
The cast includes Jon Whitney as Wadsworth (Ohio), Marquita Levy as Yvette (Jackson), Jennifer Harris as Miss Scarlet (Brandon), Mandy Kate Myers as Mrs. Peacock (Pearl), Jennifer Smith as Mrs. White (Clinton), Ray McFarland as Colonel Mustard (Jackson), John Howell as Mr. Green (Jackson), and Cameron Pitre as Professor Plum (Jackson).
Ensemble members include Claire Justice Porter (Madison), Josh Harris (Brandon), Lauren Parkinson (Byram), Austin Russell (Jackson), Rakaela Thompson (Pearl), and Timothy Magee (Byram). Whitney and McFarland appear through the courtesy of the Actors’ Equity Association.
New Stage Theatre is located in the Jane Reid Petty Theatre Center at 1100 Carlisle Street in the Belhaven neighborhood.