Although set almost 100 years ago in Depression- and Prohibition-era Harlem, today’s political climate makes the soul-wrenching tale of oppression and hatred in “Blues for an Alabama Sky” eerily familiar.
On stage at Trinity Repertory Company, the nearly three-hour piece was written by Pearl Cleage, dubbed the most important playwright alive by Trinity Artistic Director Curt Columbus. On a creative Michael McGarty set that draws audiences into modest apartments flanking a brownstone stoop, “Blues” splays the day-to-day struggles of Black neighbors whose individual dreams are dashed by an unyielding society.
“I’m tired of negro dreams – they only break your heart,” laments Angel, a blues singer whose romantic involvement with an Italian mob boss leaves her unemployed and later victimized by his colleague as she tries to secure another gig.
Despite this dismal outlook – and cautiously watching her gay roommate Guy pursuing dreams of designing clothing for the legendary Josephine Baker – Angel falls for an Alabama transplant named Leland whose attraction to her stems from her physical resemblance of his late wife.
Across the hall from Guy and Angel, Delia passionately leads a progressive movement to open a family planning clinic and enjoys a mercurial relationship with Sam, a sweet obstetrician who urges his friends to “don’t work so much on the body you forget about the soul.”
Act one blends hardship with hope but Cleage’s story darkens further in act two when Leland’s religious beliefs trigger tragedy for the friends.
The story’s painful elements are brought to life with powerful clarity and purpose by Director Jackie Davis who smooths no edges and softens no blows in her interpretation. She leads a talented cast of familiar and new faces with such focus, the result leaves the audience almost breathless with sorrow, rage and disappointment.
With vocals that surge on blues standards in the small space, Cloteal Horne is a delightful Angel, pouring ample amounts of sass and despair into the character. With Taavon Gamble, who plays Guy, she offers some of the production’s lightest and most emotionally distraught moments as the pair tries to balance support for each other’s dreams with their harsh reality.
Meagan Dilworth makes a smooth debut on Trinity’s stage as Delia, often speaking volumes with emotive facial expressions and body language. Dereks Thomas’ Sam is the quirky heart of the group, a trait that possibly seals his fate, while Quinn West brings explosive levels of passion – both good and bad – as Leland.
“Blues for an Alabama Sky,” on stage at Trinity through June 29, is necessary theatre now and always – needed to better understand each other’s passions and needs and evolve into more impactful, compassionate humans. For tickets, go to www.trinityrep.com.
