New Stage Theatre, a professional theatre located in Jackson, Mississippi, announces its 2020-2021 SchoolFest Matinee performances, part of New Stage’s Arts in Education program. We will celebrate our 56th year with a wonderful variety of great theatre for all ages. For reservations, please contact 601-948-3533, ext. 245 or sfrost@newstagetheatre.com.
All performances are at 10 a.m. and are $8 per person.
A Christmas Carol: December 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 14, 2021. Ebenezer Scrooge is a wealthy man, rich in money and poor in spirit. He’s locked his solitary heart into a cashbox and forgotten where he’s put the key. Haunted by specters and visited by spirits of his past, present and future, he journeys from the painful losses of his youth to the human kindness and deep joy of a glorious Christmas morning. Dickens’ classic tale reawakens the true spirit of Christmas in a heart-stirring Carol of profound beauty and redemption as the Victorian London community surrounds Scrooge and his change of heart, mind, and spirt. Recommended for ages 5+ for darkness and frightening images
I Just Stopped by to See the Man by Stephen Jeffreys: February 3 & 10, 2022. Set in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Jesse Davidson, last of the Delta blues singers, died fourteen years ago. But legends continue to surround him – like the story about him selling his soul to the devil so that he could play guitar. And the story that he isn’t dead at all. When an English rock band hits town, their leader comes looking for truth and triggers a confrontation of mythic proportions. This striking play is the story of one man’s passion for his art and the sacrifices of fame and fortune. Who really has the right to sing the blues? Recommended for ages 13+ for language
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Based on the novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens: March 30, April 1, 5, & 7, 2022. Fifteen-year-old Christopher is on a mission. After the untimely death of his neighbor’s dog, the brilliant but unique boy is compelled to investigate the crime. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that upturns his world. Recommended for ages 13+ for language
A post-performance discussion with the cast and crew, and a comprehensive study guide will be provided for each school attending the performances.
Check out our website for more detailed information about these dynamic productions and to fill out a reservation order request form https://www.newstagetheatre.com/educate/schoolfest