A VETERAN RETURNS: Julie Baker Takes the Helm of Mona Shores Players and Launches Season with Broadway Hit Clue: On Stage
NORTON SHORES, MI – October 3, 2025 – Mona Shores High School Players, one of the school’s premier student theatre programs, is thrilled to announce the return of a familiar face to the director’s chair. Julie Baker has stepped into the roles of Advisor and Director, marking her highly anticipated return to the program after a hiatus.
Baker, who brings 27 years of experience teaching Speech, Drama, and Stagecraft at MSHS, is kicking off her tenure with immediate excitement, bringing one of the hottest touring comedies to the community stage: Clue: On Stage.
The Mona Shores Players will present the hilarious mystery, Clue: On Stage, for three performances: Thursday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 8 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Based on the classic board game and beloved 1985 movie—which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025—Clue: On Stage follows the iconic characters as they attempt to solve a murder mystery at a secluded mansion. The production promises a night full of non-stop laughs and high-energy theatrical fun, all at an incredibly accessible price for the local community.
“After taking time to raise my two boys, who are now teens, I jumped at this incredible opportunity to get back to doing what I love,” said Julie Baker, Advisor and Director, who holds degrees in Theater Education and Communications from Ball State and Grand Valley State. “My history with Mona Shores Players includes directing productions like Harvey, The Importance of Being Earnest, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, (just to name a few) and it’s thrilling to return and work with this generation of students. They’ve been working tirelessly—mastering blocking, memorizing lines, and developing unforgettable characters—to bring this laugh-out-loud comedy to life. We hope everyone comes out to support this talented cast and crew.”
The Mona Shores Players program is a comprehensive theatre experience, offering students hands-on opportunities in every aspect of production, including acting, directing, lighting design and operation, sound design, costume assistance, makeup design, set construction, and stage management.
This production is truly a community effort, with key assistance from familiar faces, including Players alumnus Sebastian Barnett as the stage combat coach, Auditorium Manager and Technical Director Tk (Trent Klairter), and piano accompanist JaiLynn Petrie, who will perform live on stage.
Performance Details
- What: Clue: On Stage
- When: Thursday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 8 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
- Where: The Mona Shores High School Performing Arts Center
- Target Audience Note: The show contains some adult humor and is recommended for middle school age and older.
- Tickets: Conveniently purchased online at https://monashoresplayers.ludus.com/200496446
Support the Program
In lieu of traditional sponsorships or fundraising product sales, the program is accepting direct donations to help fund large expenses like the purchase of necessary body microphones. Donations can be made through the ticket sales website or by check made payable to MSHS Players and directed to the high school.
About Julie Baker
Julie Baker is the Advisor and Director for Mona Shores High School Players, bringing 27 years of experience teaching Speech, Drama, and Stagecraft at MSHS. A seasoned veteran of both educational and community theatre, her past directorial credits include Harvey, The Importance of Being Earnest, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Baker also previously served on the Education Board for Muskegon Civic Theater, taught Saturday classes, and directed for Footlights Fun Camp. Fun Fact: Julie once taught at a performing arts camp in the Czech Republic.
About Mona Shores High School Players
The Mona Shores High School Players is the premier student theatre program at Mona Shores High School, dedicated to offering students a variety of comprehensive theatre-related opportunities. Students gain invaluable, real-world experience in all facets of production, including performance, technical design (lighting, sound, set construction), stage management, and house operations.