RIPLEY – Mississippi’s musical heritage will come alive in Ripley this September as Nellie’s Diner, an original jukebox musical by Amy Marsh, takes the stage at Stage on Main. The show celebrates some of the state’s most legendary artists, blending storytelling, comedy, and live performances of classic songs.
The production opens Sunday, Sept. 7 at 2 p.m., with additional performances on Sept. 9, 11, and 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults and $5 for children, and can be reserved online at www.stageonmainripley.com or by calling 993-ARTS. Doors open 45 minutes prior to showtime.
A Celebration of Mississippi Music
Written and directed by Marsh, a Corinthian and Kossuth teacher, Nellie’s Diner was born out of a desire to spotlight Mississippi’s outsized influence on American music. The show features hits by Elvis Presley, Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty, Charley Pride, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, and more.
“There had never been a show about the music of Mississippi,” Marsh explained. “I wanted to write something that would feature a lot of our artists, and I hope audiences truly get how important Mississippi has been for music.”
The story unfolds inside a small-town diner where a traveling band, stranded by circumstance, is cheered up by the locals in the best way they know how – through music. Colorful characters like the town gossip, eccentric dreamers, and local businessfolk help bring the fictional setting to life.
From Jacinto to Ripley
Nellie’s Diner was first conceived as a fundraiser for the Jacinto Foundation, which preserves the historic Jacinto Courthouse in Rienzi. Marsh, alongside collaborators Lisa Kinney and Casey Luther, crafted the production after directing other music-themed plays such as Always… Patsy Cline and Ring of Fire. The musical has already been performed at the Historic Jacinto Schoolhouse in Corinth, and now makes its way to Ripley for its third run.
“This state has a huge amount of artists,” Marsh said. “Why not write one that features them all? The music alone is worth the price of admission, but even those who don’t normally enjoy plays will love the humor and characters.”
A Show for All Generations
While the musical leans heavily on nostalgia, Marsh also hopes it will resonate with younger audiences who may be less familiar with some of the classic artists. “We do feature contemporary names like Faith Hill and LeAnn Rimes, but I hope younger people leave with a deeper appreciation for Mississippi’s musical roots,” she said.
Sponsored and Presented by Local Arts
The Ripley Arts Council’s Stage on Main is hosting the production, which is sponsored by Farrow-Ward Ford, Inc. Future Stage on Main offerings include the fall production of The Lion in Winter and additional performances planned through year’s end.
For more updates, follow the Ripley Arts Council on Facebook.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
