BWW Reviews: Pioneer Theatre Company's ALABAMA STORY is Well-Written and Well-Acted

The premiere of ALABAMA STORY at Pioneer Theatre Company sometimes falters, but it is nonetheless a well-written, well-acted retelling of important history.

ALABAMA STORY is a new play written by Kenneth Jones, premiering at Pioneer Theatre Company after a developmental reading here last year. Set in Montgomery, Alabama in 1959, it relates the true story of state librarian Emily Wheelock Reed and her battle against segregationist senator E.W. Higgins, who attempts to ban a children's book about a white rabbit and black rabbit who marry. Interwoven throughout the play are scenes of childhood friends Lily Whitfield, a white Alabama woman, and Joshua Moore, a black man who has moved to Detroit but frequently returns home to visit.

It's a story that is quite intriguing, although it doesn't play out with as much drama as the subject matter might suggest. In an effort to include all the facts, the show sometimes feels more like a docudrama than a compelling story. The conflicts are neatly wrapped up offstage rather than allowing the audience to experience the resolution themselves. One important scene, in which Emily facing off against the senator at a budget meeting is juxtaposed against Joshua and Lily remembering a scene from their childhood, crackles with energy. It resonates with a power that much of the show, while definitely interesting, is lacking. This is not to say that the show is without merit, because there is much to enjoy in the dialogue and characterizations.

The stars of the show are Kate Middleton as Lily Whitfield and Samuel Gates as Joshua Moore. They have a restrained chemistry together that works wonderfully.

Also impressive are the rest of the talented professional cast: William Parry as Senator E.W. Higgins, Greta Lambert as Emily Wheelock Reed, Seth Bridges as Thomas Franklin, and Stephen D'Ambrose as Garth Williams.

Drama Desk-winning scenic designer James Noone (JEKYLL & HYDE, LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL) has created a large-scale set that frames the action well. The lighting by designer Phil Monat is functional with lovely soft transitions, and the costumes by designer Brenda Van der Wiel perfectly fit the time and place.

Unfortunately, it is often difficult to hear the actors in this production. The audience shouldn't have to strain to hear a show they paid to see, and unfortunately, this is a chronic problem for straight plays at Pioneer Theatre Company. The venue's new state-of-the-art sound system should be utilized to adequately mic the performers even when music is not involved.

Despite the show's flaws, if the Civil Rights-era South interests you, you will find much to like about ALABAMA STORY.

ALABAMA STORY plays through January 24, 2015. For tickets, call the box office at 801-581-6961 or visit www.pioneertheatre.org.

Photo Credit: L-R: Kate Middleton (Lily) and Samuel Ray Gates (Joshua). Photo by Alexander Weisman.

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