Nina Simone was one of the most impactful voices of the
Civil Rights movements. This play gives audiences a glimpse at her struggle to use
her lyrics to fight during that horrific time. Her story is woven in with the
16th St. Baptist Church bombing in 1963. The set is built around a piano which provides
live music throughout the show. There are stained glass windows, burned carpet,
and collapsed pews, immediately pulling the audience into the tragedy.
The success of this production rests on the voices of the
actresses and what a success it is! Without incredible singers, the rest falls
flat. Each of the four give beautiful performances, but it was the voices of
Akili Ni Mali as Nina Simone and Jamecia Bennett as Sarah that brought the
house down. Packed with such passion and incredible skill, they make the show
pulse with righteous anger and sorrow. Bennett’s rendition of “His Eye Is on
the Sparrow” feels like a portal into a church service. Akili’s fury is a sight
to behold as she launches into each new number.
Between the four women there are representations of
different backgrounds, ages, skin tones, and privilege. I love the way the
multiple perspectives push back-and-forth and express a variety of views. Their
intensity in how they approach tragedy and injustice demonstrates the limitless
ways people process grief. The show doesn’t shy away from acknowledging how
complicated Civil Rights and women’s lib is, and how many people are often
overlooked in the movements in order to serve the “greater good”.
The show is one hour and 40 minutes with no intermission. There’s no need to
pause as the momentum builds and the director, Austene Van, keeps the pacing on
point. The playwright, Christina Ham, has a brilliant ear for capturing sharp
dialogue and creating believable characters. She’s blended music into each scene,
providing depth and connection despite their differences. Music unites them in
their pain and Simone‘s lyrics don’t pull any punches.
Don't Miss the Show
Performances: The show runs until March 2 on the OneAmerica
Financial Stage.
Tickets: Times for performances and ticket purchases can be made by visiting irtlive.com
or calling the box office at (317) 635-5252. Prices range from $25 to $45.
Up next at the Indiana Repertory Theatre is The Glass Menagerie opening March
11th.
Photos Courtesy of the Indiana Repertory Theatre
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