The Magnolia State and the blues go hand in hand. That heritage is central to “It Ain’t Nothin’But the Blues,” a musical to be presented in Jackson by New Stage Theatre May 26 through June 7.
William “Peppy”Biddy of Columbus directs the retrospective that spans from African chants and Delta spirituals to the urban electricity of a Chicago nightclub.
“This show is a celebration of the blues, its roots and its traditions,” said Biddy. “The role that Mississippi played in the birth of the blues is highlighted throughout the musical. … Working on it has been a reminder of how influential the music from Mississippi has been for the whole world.”
The experience has been especially poignant with the recent passing of B.B. King, added Biddy. King’s music is among more than two dozen numbers featured in the production that includes “The Thrill is Gone,” “Let the Good Times Roll,” “I’m Your Hoochie-Coochie Man” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.”
“Mississippi is the Birthplace of America’s music and home to the Mississippi Blues Trail and the Mississippi Country Music Trail,” said Malcolm White, director of MDA’s Visit Mississippi. “We work with partners across the state to tell the Mississippi story in a real, authentic way. We are pleased to partner with New Stage Theatre to share the story of one of our greatest cultural exports — the blues — through the power of the theater arts.”
The ensemble cast members hail from multiple Mississippi cities, as well as from out of state. They include former Starkville resident Sharon Miles, now of Hattiesburg.
Artistic director Francine Thomas Reynolds said, “The audiences are going to be amazed at the talented group of singers, actors and musicians that have been assembled for this high energy and soul-infused musical.”
How to go
Performances are May 26 through June 7 at 7:30 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays.
Tickets are $28, with discounts available for students, senior citizens and groups. Tickets may be purchased at the box office, charged by phone by calling the theatre at 601 948-3531 or ordered online at newstagetheatre.com. The theatre is located in the Jane Reid Petty Theatre Center at 1100 Carlisle Street in the Belhaven neighborhood.
Biddy said, “Whether you are a long time fan of the blues, or just discovering the genre, you will enjoy this production.”
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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