Nashville Children’s Theatre has taken audiences on many wonderful journeys over the years. Few, if any, have likely been as remarkable as The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963.
Christopher Paul Curtis’ Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning first novel was adapted for the stage by Reginald André Jackson (who also adapted Curtis’ Bud, Not Buddy, which NCT produced to great acclaim last season). A terrific cast and such elements as Michael Sanders’ superb set design and Colin Peterson’s powerful multimedia offerings make this play an incredibly moving experience.
The story centers on the Watson family of Flint, Mich. Kenny (Jessica Kuende) is a sensitive youngster who’s often bullied by wayward older brother Byron (Shawn Whitsell) and his pal Buphead (Patrick James). They have a younger sister Joetta, aka Joey (Nikkita Staggs), a sweet and respectful little girl who dotes on Byron. At the head of this family are father Daniel (David Chattam) and mother Wilona (Aleta Myles).
Wilona is from Birmingham, Ala., and after Byron’s behavior gets out of hand it’s decided the family will journey south to spend time with her mother Grandma Sands (Jacqueline Springfield). There are surprises when they get there, including the presence of Grandma Sands’ friend Mr. Robert (Tony Morton). And there is also tragedy as hatred leads to a horrific act of violence at the 16th Street Baptist Church on the morning of Sept. 15, 1963.
One of NCT Producing Director Scot Copeland’s many strengths is casting, and his ensemble is strong throughout. It’s a mix of returning and new faces on the Ann Stahlman Hill Theatre stage that I won’t separate in my analysis because all of them did top-notch work.
Surrounding these engaging players is a finely-crafted Sanders set that transitioned quickly and believably between home-life in Flint and Birmingham. And Peterson’s well-edited multimedia images and videos – including footage of 1960s figures and events as well as pictures of the four girls killed when members of the Ku Klux Klan bombed the 16th Street church – go from setting the places we see to keeping us mindful of the struggle for civil rights.
Patricia Taber’s period costumes, Scott Leathers’ atmospheric lighting and Daniel Brewer’s rhythmically-flavored sound complete the sharp portrait Copeland and colleagues have brought so vividly to life. The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 offers a narrative that looks at a family through the lens of history. NCT’s art makes that narrative unforgettable.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963, which is recommended for ages 8 and up, runs through Feb. 12 at Nashville Children’s Theatre (25 Middleton Street). In addition to school performances there are public shows scheduled for 2 pm this Saturday (Jan. 21), Jan. 28-29, Feb. 4-5 and Feb. 11-12. NCT’s Opening Saturday on Jan. 21 includes free pre-show entertainment and activities that begin at 1 pm. NCT’s free After-words event Jan. 28 allows the audience to stay following the performance to learn some production secrets behind the play. All performances are open to the public, and reservations are recommended. Individual ticket prices are $12 per child (ages 2 to 17), and $19 per adult; season subscriptions and group discounts are also available. For more information, please call (615) 254-9103 or visit www.nashvillechildrenstheatre.org.
Photo: (L to R) Jessica Kuende & Nikkita Staggs
