Kicking off Black History Month, the IRT has put one of the most compelling plays about the black experience on the stage with The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963. Based on the novel by Christopher Paul Curtis (his first novel) and adapted by Cheryl L. West, the story features the Watson family as they travel from Flint, Michigan to Birmingham, Alabama, in hopes of having Grandma Sands (Milicent Wright) straighten out their son Byron (Brian Wilson) by separating him from Buphead (Grayson Molin) as well as dispensing some old school tough love. Kenny, the younger son (Xavier Adams), Joey, the daughter (Dalila Yoder), Mama (Tiffany Gilliam) and Daddy (Bryant Bentley), head south and into a violent chapter of American history — the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church that killed four children and igniting a new chapter in the Civil Rights movement.
Kenny is the narrator, and Adams carries both humor and horror equally well on his young shoulders. Fiesty Byron is played with just the right balance of trouble and charm by Wilson. Performances by the rest of the ensemble are strong, supporting the point of view of Kenny.
Director Mikael Burke finds moments of depth and warmth in the odd Watson family dynamic, encouraging strong emotional connections between characters that create a feeling of safety even in the midst of danger. Scenic designer Reuben Lucas created a compelling set that is interesting to look at but doesn’t overwhelm the action.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963 has a limited run on Saturdays throughout February. The shows are selling out quickly, so get your tickets ASAP by calling 317-635-5252 or visiting irtlive.com.
