New Stage Theatre Presents the world premiere of The Attala County Garden Club
New Stage Theatre is proud to present the World Premiere of The Attala County Garden Club by Mississippi playwright Topher Payne in Jackson, Mississippi. Performances are April 7-11,14, 16- 18, 2026 at 7:00 p.m; April 12 & 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m; April 15, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $35.00 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 Ext 223, or ordered online at www.newstagetheatre.com. This production is sponsored by The Eudora Welty New Play Series Endowment Fund of the Community Foundation for Mississippi. Security provided and patrols during performances. Recommended for ages 16+.
In 1987 Mississippi, recently divorced Rose Chipley returns to her hometown to collect an inheritance, her Aunt Polly’s creepy Queen Anne mansion, bringing a baby on her hip and the weight of a bad reputation. When the charismatic Bettye Little-Landrum arrives on her doorstep, she recruits Rose into The Attala County Garden Club- a motley crew of trailer trash, homewreckers, and suspected arsonists. Rose begins to be plagued by memory lapses, curious household visitors, and a mysterious radio broadcast from a broken baby monitor. When the Club unveils a secret project involving a genetically engineered kudzu, the line between Southern hospitality and supernatural manipulation blurs. Rose must navigate the hedge maze of a hidden past to uncover why her aunt really left her the house, and what the Club is truly growing in the shadows.
“We wanted to celebrate Mississippi with a story by one of our own,” says Artistic Director Francine Thomas Reynolds, “And The Attala County Garden Club delivers in full bloom. With its all- female cast of quirky, quickwitted characters and razor-sharp humor, Mississippi native Topher Payne’s comedy is a perfect fit for New Stage Theatre’s 60th Diamond Anniversary Season. As Southern charm collides with a touch of the supernatural, the result is a wickedly funny ride that will leave audiences completely spellbound.”
Writer and Director, Topher Payne says, “The story and the comedy of The Attala County Garden Club would be relatable to audiences anywhere, but it’s a story that could only take place in Mississippi. The history of our families and communities are alive in every dinner table conversation- past and present walk hand-in-hand here, and not always in agreement.” Payne adds, “After 25 years of writing for the stage, it’s a real privilege to come back and create a story about my home for the first time, and have it performed for the very people who inspired it.”
Featuring spellbinding performances by Mahri McLean (Jackson), Kerri Courtney Sanders (Brandon), Ashia Benford (Brandon), Jo Ann Robinson* (Pearl), Jessica Wilkinson (Florence), Iliana Lucero Barron (Colorado), and Viola Dacus (Clinton). *Actors’ Equity Association Member
Event Details
Location: New Stage Theatre 1100 Carlisle St. Jackson, MS 39202
Dates: April 7-11, 14, 16-18, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
April 12 & 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
April 15, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: $35; $30 Seniors/Students/Military Available at 601-948-3533 Ext. 223 & www.newstagetheatre.com
PAY WHAT YOU WISH NIGHT: Patrons can come to the box office beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8 and name their price at the door. Valid for the April 8 performance only. Subject to availability ($5 minimum on all credit card purchases)
PRIDE NIGHT: To celebrate our LGBTQ+ community, we are partnering with the LGBT Fund of Mississippi to host a Pride Night on Thursday, April 9. Anyone who mentions ‘Pride’ can reserve $25 tickets for the performances on Thursday, April 9. This discount is only available by calling the box office and mentioning “Pride” for the discount.
STUDENT RUSH DISCOUNT: One hour prior to curtain for any performance, students with a current academic ID may purchase an available seat for $10. Limit one ticket per ID.
PRODUCTION STAFF:
Writer/Director Topher Payne
Production Stage Manager Rachel Boudreaux
Production Manager Casey Nelms
Technical Director/Co-Scenic Designer Richard Lawrence
Co-Scenic Designer Jimmy Robertson
Costume Designer Caroline Martin
Lighting Designer Anna Dunbar
Costume Assistant Lamana Stringfellow
Carpenters Dave Ellis
Assistant Technical Director Antonio Juarez
