Back in 1959, a woman from Indiana went toe-to-toe with the Alabama political system. Truth. Honor. Doing What’s Right.

Through the magic of streaming-on-demand, Actors Theatre of Indiana invites you to experience Alabama State Librarian Emily Reed, history’s forgotten hero of free speech, as she confronts racism and censorship. You’ll find yourself relating to various characters as you step into the deep south of your imagination. For 2021, this is the show that you’ll see and tell others about. The following is a one-minute promotional video of Alabama Story. Click HERE for the video!

This true story is about defending a book called “The Rabbits’ Wedding.” On the surface, it’s about a black-furred rabbit marrying a white-furred rabbit, but it is so much deeper than that.

Don Farrell, who plays State Senator E.W. Higgins, expressed his feelings saying “In the year since we presented this production, the United States has intensely dealt with issues relating to race. The themes of civil rights and prejudice are prevalent today and this story from 1959 feels even more appropriate. I spoke with my colleagues at Actors Theatre of Indiana and we knew we wanted to do something. So, the idea came to bring back our production of Alabama Story.”

The drama was originally part of the 2019-2020 season, performed at the Studio Theater, located at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, IN. It continues to be of great interest since it is based on actual events and is so relative to current headlines. It will run from January 18, 2021, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, through February 14, 2021 during Black History Month.

The storyline follows an Indiana native who becomes state librarian of Alabama but finds her life and livelihood at risk when a controversial children’s book crosses her desk. The innocent tale of a white rabbit marrying a black rabbit is angering politicians in the Civil Rights era. It’s a fact-inspired, highly theatrical new American play brimming with humor, heart and humanity.

Cynthia Collins, who plays State Librarian Emily Reed, reflects on that relevance, “This play is important because it focuses on many topics. Of course, there is the topic of segregation. But it focuses on individuals. It’s a human story.”

The six-person cast, in addition to Farrell and Collins, includes Paul Tavianini, who portrays author/illustrator Garth Williams, along with Cameron Stuart Bass who plays Civil Rights Worker, Joshua Moore.  Samuel Wick is Assistant Librarian Thomas Franklin. Meaghan Looney rounds out the cast as Lily Whitfield.

Actors Theatre of Indiana thanks The City of Carmel, Pedcor, and United Fidelity Bank for your continued support.