'Alabama Story' to be presented live at Birmingham Groves high
Michael H. HodgesThis comes along just in time:
Actual, live theater will return Thursday through Saturday at Birmingham Groves High School with a staged reading of "Alabama Story" by Kenneth Jones.
That bears repeating: Actual, live theater is coming -- not virtual, not online, not videotaped.
As with all staged readings, it's bare-bones -- no set to speak of, while cast members voice their parts with script in hand. As you'd expect, actors will be comfortably far from one another and the audience, and will not move around. Stage directions will be read as well.
"Alabama Story," by one-time Detroit News drama critic and Groves graduate Jones (Class of 1982), is a social-justice drama that revolves around a school librarian's defense of "controversial" titles on her shelves.
"Kenneth Jones was a guest lecturer a couple years ago. talking about 'Alabama Story' in my Groves theatre class," said John W. Rutherford, director of the school's drama program. The relevance of his play seems especially enlightening at this time and was the ideal choice."
Seating is limited, due to COVID-19 restrictions. While the performances are free, you'll need to RSVP to get a space. Performances will take place in front of the Groves Auditorium entrance on Evergreen, masks required.
Amusingly, playwright Jones -- who now lives in New York City -- grew up right across the street.
mhodges@detroitnews.com
(313) 815-6410
Twitter: @mhodgesartguy
'Alabama Story'
by Kenneth Jones
Birmingham Groves High School - outside in front of Auditorium doors, 31301 Evergreen, Beverly Hills
7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.
Free - but reservations (and masks) required
To RSVP: Visit https://forms.gle/vDfmHCFo9PVfekPBA