{Culture} The Court Theatre: Blues for an Alabama Sky

The actors draw you in from the very first scene and never let you go, not even when it’s over.  Pearl Cleage has a very unique & special way with her characters. Her work tends to remind me of August Wilson in a way, but it is more relatable for me. Perhaps it’s because she’s a woman or maybe it has more to do with the fact that her work feels more expansive.

Blues for an Alabama Sky is set during the time that the Harlem Renaissance was ending and the Great Depression was beginning and deals with some of the challenges that black people faced during that time.

It also deals with many of the same things that we are still dealing with today like intolerance &does it all unapologetically. Even the characters that you want to hate, you have an affinity for them because you feel for them, their desperation, the life that has lead them to who they are. And the ones you love, you REALLY love.

I have always been fascinated by the Harlem Renaissance. I remember watching Stompin’ at the Savoy many years ago and wishing that I lived during that time. I loved everything, the fashion, music, dancing, literature, all of it. And you get a good sense of that from this production.

The ending to Blues for an Alabama Sky apparently had previously been changed but the production at The Court Theatre includes the original.  So of course reading that has peaked my interest to find out in what way & I am hoping the World Wide Web will come through with an answer.


But in the meantime, I highly recommend Blues for an Alabama Sky. I am so excited to be getting back to seeing so many different works. I have missed it so much and I am thankful that we have so many options here in Chicago.


What: The Court Theatre production: Blues for an Alabama Sky
Where: The Court Theatre
When:  Extended run through February 19th

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