A New Play about Books, Race, Censorship and the American Character
Sedona AZ (February 12, 2019) – In commemoration of Black History Month, Emerson Theater Collaborative presents playwright Kenneth Jones’ Alabama Story at Sedona United Methodist Church February 22 – 24, 2019.
In 1959 Alabama, segregationist Senator E.W. Higgins wants a controversial children’s picture book — about a white rabbit who marries a black rabbit — purged from the state library. But librarian Emily Wheelock Reed refuses, putting both of their worlds at risk in a time of extraordinary social change. Inspired by real events, Alabama Story brings forward issues of racism and censorship during the Jim Crow era of the Deep South.
Alabama Story is produced by Camilla Ross and directed by Breinne Reeder. The cast features Sedona residents, Joan Westmoreland andRafe Rendell. Audrey Young joins us from Flagstaff for her third performance with Emerson Theater Collaborative. Hawaii resident Paul Drake and Phoenix resident James Yaw come to the stage for the first time with ETC. We are also excited to have Ricky Davis Jr. returning from Los Angeles. Audiences may remember his amazing performance as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in The Mountaintop by Katori Hall last year. Alabama Story will also feature a special musical guest appearance by Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, Leon Jay Morton, who resides in Cornville, AZ.
All shows will be at the Fellowship Hall at Sedona United Methodist Church, 110 Indian Cliff Road, Sedona, AZ 86336. Tickets are available at the door or online at bit.ly/AlabamaStory. Show times are February 22 & 23 at 7 p.m. and February 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 each. Seniors and students are $20.
For more information, call 860-705-9711 or visit emersontheatercollaborative.