Alabama Story by Kenneth Jones
As the Civil Rights movement is brewing, a controversial children’s book about a black rabbit marrying a white rabbit stirs the passions of a segregationist State Senator and a no-nonsense State Librarian in 1959 Montgomery, Alabama. Meanwhile, the story of two childhood friends — an African-American man and a woman of white privilege, reunited in adulthood — provides a private counterpoint to the public events swirling in the state capital. Political foes, star-crossed lovers, and one feisty children’s author inhabit the same page in a Deep South of the imagination that brims with humor, heartbreak, and hope. Inspired by true events.
Kenneth Jones, the playwright stated, “I didn’t want to write a docudrama that told the strict truth, but to create a collage of a play that was a mashup of theatrical forms. I love telling the artistic truth. I say that the play is set in “the Deep South of the imagination.” So, what you will experience is a political thriller, a workplace comedy, a courtroom drama, a romance, a history play, and more.”
Ms. Norwood, our director, is excited to take the helm of South Camden Theatre’s production of “Alabama Story.” She was selected to direct this play by Artistic Director Dawn Varava, “because of her unique ability to tell complex stories and to bring the play’s characters to life on our stage.” The cast selection was made from a large group of actor auditions. Anne Allen plays the “real-life” librarian, Emily Wheelock Reed. Eric Rupp plays Garth Williams, the writer/illustrator of “The Rabbit’s Wedding” and others. Gene Dale plays Senator E.W. Higgins, the segregationist senator. Emily-Grace Murphy plays Lily, a white woman of privilege, opposite Maurice Tucker as Joshua Moore, an upwardly mobile middle-class African American. Adam Brooks appears as Thomas Franklin, Emily Reed’s reference librarian.
Kenneth Jones also commented on his research for the play. “Emily Reed’s story was widely documented in newspapers and magazines at the time, so a lot of source material existed, allowing me to draw from and expand upon actual language and public personalities. In fact, the play’s most outrageous proclamations from the bullying politician (renamed Senator Higgins) are direct quotes from the man who used to be known as “Big Ed.” And when I read Emily’s statement that “the free flow of information is the best means to solve the problems of the South, the nation and the world,” I was inspired by the grandeur and universality of the sentence: This is a story about access, a basic human right. Little did I know at the time that the words “free flow of information” make up one of the foundational tenets of librarianship itself.”
Kenneth continued about his hopes for those who see “Alabama Story,” “Mostly, I hope that “Alabama Story” sparks a memory of a beloved book, the person who gave it to you and the day that you realized that a “turning of the page” — whether moving forward in a book or in your personal evolution — could be both terrifying and wonderful. Maybe the play will also be a reminder that no matter what our differences, on some level, we all share the same story. “
“Alabama Story is exuberant, hilarious, and timely. A children’s picture book is at the heart of Kenneth Jones’ crowd-pleasing and imaginatively theatrical comedy-drama inspired by the real-life conflict between an enlightened librarian and a bigoted politician. At a time when intolerance is on the upswing and empathy is under siege, Alabama Story is just the play we need. Jones brings an exuberant wit to this potentially preachy material.” — St. Louis Post DispatchAbout the play…
“A disarmingly engaging drama.” “Thoughtfully written.” “Nuanced.” “Well-layered.” “A modest little gem of a production.” — Atlanta Journal Constitution
“An Alabama Story that has national relevance. The 2015 play feels timely, resonating with this era’s racial tensions, the ‘she persisted’ meme, and continuing controversy over the Old South’s legacy. The topicality of Alabama Story infuses a theatrical moment that feels spontaneous yet intriguingly layered.” — The Washington Post
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier® Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and an MC.
Two iconic singers perform their hits and celebrate America’s 250 birthday! Singer/songwriter Don McLean is best known for the classic hit “American Pie,” as well as “Vincent” and “Castles in the Air.” Country superstar Lee Greenwood has seven top charting singles, including “I.O.U,” “It Turns Me Inside Out,” and the patriotic favorite, “God Bless the U.S.A.”
Join us for a 35mm screening of 1955’s iconic film “Rebel Without a Cause” starring James Dean, Natalie Wood (Academy Award Nominee, Best Supporting Actress), and Sal Mineo (Academy Award Nominee, Best Supporting Actor).
Music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
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Dunbar Repertory Company presents Ntozake Shange’s FOR COLORED GIRLS Who have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf, the groundbreaking “choreopoem” – a spellbinding collection of vivid prose and free verse narratives about and performed by Black women. Directed by Darrell Lawrence Willis, SR.
Singer-songwriter/pianist Bruce Hornsby and NJPAC Jazz Advisor/bassist Christian McBride will jam and chat on the intimate Victoria Theater stage, in celebration of Hornsby’s 2026 album, Indigo Park. The two artists share plenty in common: Musical adventurousness that transcends genre. Constant collaboration with the biggest names on the scene. And many well-earned GRAMMY® Awards between them. Pitchfork hails Hornsby as “a solitary spirit drifting through time, bringing people together and bringing out their best, finding the strange resolution in all the dissonance.”
Marvel at the abundance of New Jersey talent in this awe-inspiring annual performance. Students from high schools across the state will put their artistry and hard work on display in NJPAC’s grand Prudential Hall. Members of the 100-piece orchestra and 350-voice mixed chorus have been selected through a rigorous audition process and will be led by a professional conductor. As a longtime leader in youth arts education, NJPAC is proud to host these students. Come cheer them on!
Being over 40 and the only single person in your family is hard. Being over 40, single, and Indian? That’s a WhatsApp family chat emergency.
A meditative rock odyssey weaving reimagined contemporary songs, stream-of-consciousness poetry and live painting.
(PARAMUS, NJ) -- The Forte Piano Music Company presents a Piano Trio Concert - "Exquisite Contrasts" - Haydn & Schubert on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 2:30pm. This program brings together two landmarks of the piano trio repertoire, revealing the evolution of the genre from the Classical era to early Romanticism.
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Come to the Mahwah Museum on Sunday, November 15, 2026 for a discussion of a 29-year friendship, rare memorabilia, and the story behind Les Paul's home with Mahwah Mayor Jim Wysocki from his nearly three-decade friendship with legendary musician and inventor Les Paul. The event begins at 2:00pm.
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The Stress Factory Comedy Club presents Malik Elassal on Sunday, November 15, 2026 with performances at 7:00pm & 9:30pm. His stand-up comedy earned him a spot on Vulture's 2024 "Comedians You Should and Will Know" list.
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- You can get your holiday shopping done on Sunday, November 15, 2026 when Anchor Rock Club hosts the Atlantic City Punk Rock Flea Market - Holiday Edition. The event runs from noon to 6:00pm.
