New Stage’s season opener set in heart of the Delta
JACKSON – New Stage opens the season with a passionate ode to the power and truth of the Blues and is set in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.
New Stage Theatre is opens its 56th season with “I Just Stopped By to See the Man” February 2-13.
“Because Mississippi holds such deep ties to the Blues, I am excited to present this dramatic play to our audience,” said New Stage Theatre Artistic Director Francine Thomas Reynolds.
The play takes place in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, and Jesse Davidson, the last of the Delta blues singers, died fourteen years ago. But legends continue to surround him, such as the story about him selling his soul to the devil so that he could play guitar. There’s even a story that he isn’t dead at all.
When an English rock band hits town, their leader comes looking for answers and sets a confrontation of mythic proportions in motion. The play is the story of one man’s passion for his art and the sacrifices of fame and fortune, and who has the right to sing the blues.
“While paying homage to great bluesmen, such as Robert Johnson, and their influence on iconic rock bands including Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones, I Just Stopped by to See the Man offers a rare theatrical look at the language, culture, and mindset of the Blues,” Reynolds said.
The cast includes Mark G. Henderson, professor in the speech/communication and theatre department at Jackson State University, as Jesse (Jackson), Austin Hohnke, last seen at New Stage as Carl Perkins in Million Dollar Quartet, as Karl (New York), and making her New Stage debut, DeShawn White as Della (New York). DeShawn White and Austin Hohnke appear through the courtesy of the Actors’ Equity Association.
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 $30.00 with discounts available for students, senior citizens, military, and groups.
You can purchase tickets at the box office located inside the Jane Reid Petty Theatre Center by calling the theatre at (601) 948-3533 or get them online at www.newstagetheatre.com.