Last night I went to the world premiere of Alabama Story by Kenneth Jones at Pioneer Theatre. The script was very thought-provoking and the production was exceptionally well done. It is 1959 in Montgomery, Alabama when the State Librarian, Emily Wheelock Reed (Greta Lambert), comes under fire by Senator E. W. Higgins (William Parry) for the children's book The Rabbits' Wedding because a black and white rabbit get married. Juxtaposed with this is the unexpected reunion between Lily Whitfield (Kate Middleton), the privileged daughter of a cotton plantation owner, and Joshua Moore (Samuel Ray Gates), the African American son of a former servant on the plantation turned civil rights worker. Lily remembers a sweet childhood romance while Joshua remembers being beaten and driven off the property by Lily's father. The two stories converge with very powerful discussions about censorship and segregation. I particularly liked the message that having access to the ideas contained in books is the only way to change the world for the better. The ensemble cast is excellent, including the aforementioned actors as well as Stephen D'Ambrose as Garth Williams, the author of The Rabbits' Wedding and stage manager for all of the action, and Seth Andrew Bridges as Thomas Franklin, Emily's assistant who has one of the most powerful speeches in the play. The set design is very striking, almost like a children's pop-up book, and the costumes are fabulous, especially the southern belle dresses worn by Lily. I think this play is extremely relevant in today's troubled times and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Alabama Story runs until January 24 at PTC with evening performances and Saturday matinees. Go here for more information and to purchase tickets.
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