Trinity Rep Presents ‘Blues for an Alabama Sky’ in Providence

News Summary

Trinity Repertory Company is staging ‘Blues for an Alabama Sky,’ a powerful play by Pearl Cleage, running through June 29. Set during the Great Depression and Harlem Renaissance, it explores the lives of four friends facing societal challenges, heightened by the arrival of a newcomer. Directed by Jackie Davis, the production has received acclaim for its engaging performances and innovative set and costume design, making it a significant theatrical event this season.

Providence, RI – Trinity Repertory Company is currently staging “Blues for an Alabama Sky,” a poignant play written by Pearl Cleage, which runs through June 29. The production has garnered attention for its strong performances, thoughtful direction, exquisite costumes, and an impactful set design that resonated with both the audience and critics, making it a noteworthy theatrical event this season.

The narrative of “Blues for an Alabama Sky” is set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the Harlem Renaissance, delving into the lives of four friends facing various societal challenges. The arrival of a newcomer from Alabama, Leland Cunningham, who carries a tragic past, disrupts their established dynamics and forces each character to confront their struggles and desires. The main characters include:

• Angel Allen (played by Cloteal L. Horne), a blues singer who has recently lost her job,
• Guy Jacobs (played by Taavon Gamble), an openly gay costume designer,
• Delia Patterson (played by Meagan Dilworth), a social worker with aspirations of opening a family planning clinic,
• Sam Thomas (played by Dereks Thomas), a physician committed to his community, and
• Leland Cunningham (played by Quinn West), the newcomer from Alabama.

The play tackles pressing social issues of the time, including racism, sexism, homophobia, and the ongoing struggles related to women’s reproductive rights. Through the characters’ journeys, audiences gain insight into the vulnerability and resilience inherent in the African American experience during this pivotal historical period.

Directed by Jackie Davis, who is making her directorial debut with this production, “Blues for an Alabama Sky” has been praised for its engaging direction. Davis’s approach allows the audience to connect deeply with the emotional arcs of the characters, navigating their ambitions and societal constraints. The performances delivered by the cast have been noted for their emotional depth, making the characters’ struggles and triumphs resonate with contemporary discussions about race and gender.

The set design crafted by Michael McGarty complements the narrative with an innovative open-plan layout that eschews traditional defined walls. This choice enhances the overall theatricality and fluidity of the production. The absence of barriers in the set reflects the characters’ challenges with societal constraints, allowing for a visceral interpretative experience.

Additionally, the costumes designed by Amber Voner strongly embody the 1930s era, further immersing the audience in the historical context and enriching the characterization. Voner’s choices effectively highlight the personalities and life circumstances of each character, making their journeys more relatable.

As relationships gradually unravel through the play, the consequences of the characters’ choices become increasingly dramatic and thought-provoking. The culmination of their struggles offers a powerful commentary on survival and personal dreams amidst the broader societal narrative.

Tickets for “Blues for an Alabama Sky” are available for purchase online and at the box office, with prices ranging from $24 to $90. This timely production promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences, illuminating vital conversations about historical and contemporary social issues.

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Additional Resources

• Boston Globe: Review of “Blues for an Alabama Sky”
• Warwick Post: Trinity Rep’s “Blues for an Alabama Sky” Review
• WPRO: Trinity Rep Closes Season with “Blues for an Alabama Sky”
• Wikipedia: Blues for an Alabama Sky
• RIMonthly: June Events in Rhode Island