Play Review - Blues For an Alabama Sky

Blues for an Alabama Sky is an absolutely delightful play that plucks you out of the year 2011 and takes you back to the 1930's, to Harlem with the assistance of authentic music from legends such as Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and more, along with rich 1930's style costuming and a neatly packaged set.

Our economic depression is just as real as the 1930's depression depicted in this play and the similarities are not by coincidence. Although the play starts slowly, it manages to pick up the tempo just at the right time to keep the audience involved.  As a director, Sheldon Epps has a nack for pulling his audiences in every time.

Robin Givens, who has come a long way from her television and big screen roles, displays her seasoned acting skills on stage. She truly brings her sassy, sexy character "Angel Allen"  aka "Angel Eyes" to life and seems to carry the play with ease along with her counterpart, Guy Jacobs, who is played by Kevin Carroll. Together they are witty and humorous as they show the intimate relationship of long time friends.

On the more serious side, Tessa Thompson plays Delia and is teamed up with Kadeem Hardison, who's face audiences have not seen in some time.  I was pleasantly surprised as they heated up the scene as an accent to the main story line. Finally, Robert Ray Manning Jr., who played the role of the deep dark southerner who mysteriously enters Angel's life, weaves his way in and out of the story seamlessly, and with excellent stage presence and timing.  His character definitely is one to be reckoned with.

The underlying themes are, homosexuality, pro-life, alcohol abuse, as it takes place during prohibition, seeking one's passion, and of course love.

The play was brilliant and all the story lines tied themselves together at the end with a twist of course.  I give it a thumbs up with 4 out of 5 stars! In other words, it's a must see if your looking for a good, solid, play and it's just in time for the holiday's.

Opening night is tonight, so support the Pasadena Playhouse by seeing this fabulous play written by Pearl Cleage and Directed by Sheldon Epps.

"BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY"


Thanks for reading.

Many Blessings,
Angel-Ahhh

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