What I Learned in Paris at the IRT

Ethel Winslow — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 05:09:58 +0000

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.

“What I Learned in Paris” at the IRT

Weekly View — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 05:09:53 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS — During a year of momentous change in America, Pearl Cleage, nationally recognized author and playwright, was at its center as Maynard Jackson was elected Atlanta’s first African-American mayor. As Jackson’s press secretary and speechwriter, Cleage’s experiences on his campaign serve as the inspiration for her play What I Learned in Paris, a romantic comedy that makes its Midwest premiere on the Upperstage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT), March 17 through April 12.
What I Learned in Paris follows five friends and colleagues who have tirelessly worked on Jackson’s campaign and now, in the wake of his election are faced with determining how their lives will change in the days to come. From competing for potential positions on the new mayor’s staff to discovering their true calling, this play follows these individuals as they realize their destinies.
Opening Night is Friday, March 20 and features a live band and 70’s costume party beginning at 6:30 p.m. and champagne toast with the cast after the show. The performance is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes and includes one intermission. Call 635-5252 or visit www.irtlive.com for tickets.

Weekly View » What I Learned in Paris

What I Learned in Paris at the IRT

“What I Learned in Paris” at the IRT