What I Learned in Paris, the latest offering by the Indiana Repertory Theatre, is another masterful production in their very strong season. Written by Pearl Cleage, the play is set in 1973 Atlanta, just as the first African-American mayor of a large southern city, Maynard Jackson, was elected. Change was in the air — politically and racially — and the new dynamic seeps into the personal relationships of the principal characters.
The ambitious attorney J.P. Madison (David Alan Anderson) is geared up to make his way in this new world with new wife Ann (LaKeisha Randle), and ex-wife Evie (Erika LaVonn) shows up from her world travels to inspire, comment, and stir up the pot. Campaign workers John (Cedric Mays) and Lena (Tracey N. Bonner) get caught up in their own drama, dreams, and desires with the backdrop of historic events shaping their lives.
Funny and touching in turns, What I Learned in Paris is an entertaining feast of words and ideas. Director Lou Bellamy does a terrific job guiding a strong cast through a verbally dense play. The costume designer, Mathew J. LeFebvre has a field day with the 70s inspired designs, which scenic designer Vicki Smith gets all the details right in the hip 70s apartment that is the sole set (remember those avocado green refrigerators?).
On the intimate IRT Upperstage, What I Learned in Paris runs through April 12. Tickets are $25-$59. Call 635-5252 or visit www.irtlive.com for ticket reservations.