Newton High School Brings the Comedy-Mystery Play Finding J Mitchell to the Stage This Weekend

Newton High School is gearing up for a lively weekend as students prepare to present the comedy-mystery play Finding J Mitchell, a fast-paced whodunnit written by playwright Kiernon James.

The show will run at the school auditorium on November 21 at 7:00 PM, November 22 at 7:00 PM, and on November 23 at both 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, giving the community multiple chances to catch the performance.

Ticket details were not explicitly provided on public listings, but the full schedule is available on the Newton High School events page through the district website at Newton Public Schools.

The play itself is a humorous mystery centered around a determined private investigator named Alex Taylor, who travels to the Shady Oak Lodge in Wisconsin after receiving a tip that a burglar known only as J Mitchell may strike there that very night. Her plan to go undercover quickly collapses when guests at the lodge recognize her, forcing her to improvise.

With the possibility of another crime looming, Alex must sort through suspicious characters, strange behaviors, and unexpected twists to uncover the truth.

One of the standout features of the script is its blend of comedy and investigation. Instead of leaning fully into suspense, the play uses humor to keep the story energetic and light. A major source of fun comes from a 10-year-old girl who imitates everything she sees on television, bringing chaotic charm to the unfolding case.

The play is written to accommodate a flexible cast, typically around eight females, five males, and a young girl, making it ideal for high schools and community groups of varying sizes.

Written specifically for accessible performance, Finding J Mitchell has been described as a fun, light whodunnit with a neatly structured storyline by reviewers such as The Stages of Minnesota, which praised the script for its easy-to-follow mystery and comedic rhythm.

You can read that review on their site at The Stages of MN. The playwright’s official page also offers further information about the show, including runtime (approximately two hours), character breakdowns, and script previews at Kiernon James’ Website.

For those interested in the script itself, it is available through the New Play Exchange at New Play Exchange and is also listed on Amazon.

The Newton High School production appears to follow the original setting and format, offering local audiences a faithful and entertaining interpretation.

While specific cast members and production staff names were not publicized in the available listings, the multi-show weekend schedule suggests a strong student effort and likely a sizable turnout from friends, family, and community supporters.

If you’re looking for something lighthearted to enjoy this weekend and you appreciate a mix of mystery and humor, Newton High School’s staging of Finding J Mitchell promises a fun night out.

The combination of a quirky story, quick comedic beats, and the enthusiasm of a student cast makes this a performance worth checking out.