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“The Watsons Go to Birmingham” Debuts in Huntsville

“The Watsons Go to Birmingham” Debuts in Huntsville

Watsons go to birmingahm

It’s no secret we are BIG fans of Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater here on RCM. I’m not sure Huntsville knows how lucky we are to have this amazing organization in our city. Usually, kids who love theatre only have access to drama classes through their school, but for over 56 years, Fantasy has offered more options to Rocket City kids. And now, Fantasy Playhouse is bringing to Huntsville one of the most beloved children’s books – The Watsons Go to Birmingham.

The Story of the Show

Karen Mockensturm, Executive Director of FPCT, knows how important bringing this show to a Huntsville stage would be when she started working on doing it over a year ago. It’s especially poignant that it will be performed during Black History Month.

“At its roots, Theatre is storytelling and the story of the Watson family’s journey to Birmingham, Alabama in 1963 is a story all Alabamians need to hear. We can avoid repeating history’s mistakes only by learning from our past, in this case remembering the unfair treatment and violence against our black brothers and sisters during the civil rights movement. What makes this story special is that it is told through the lens of a child.”

A Family Show to See During Black History Month

The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963 approaches the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama in a way that all children can relate to, without watering down complex issues.

Show Director Mark Moore also wants to provide an experience that families can enjoy while taking look at our nation’s past.

“It’s sad to see our country still full of so much racial strife. The Watsons children grapple with the reasons whites hated blacks so much in 1963. Audiences today might find relevant answers applicable to the many deep divides that remain.

Watsons go to Birmingham sneak peek
The Watsons cast rehearsong the show. Click to get your tickets!

The cast is incredibly talented and intelligent so producing this show has been a joy. There are a lot of scene jumps so it will take a concerted effort of lights, sound, and blocking to ensure the audience keeps up. A few words and phrases are unique to the era so we will work hard to communicate the humor and weight of this work. This play is life. By that I mean it has humor and sadness and drama and love.”

Seeing this show together as a family is a great way parents can open up conversations with their kids. “Children have a way of seeing simplicity and hope even during times of confusing darkness.”

[themify_box icon=”announcement” color=”lavender”]THE GIVEAWAY: Want to win tickets to see The Watsons Go to Birmingham 1963? We’re giving a family 4-pack away inside our Newsletter next week and our RCM Super Reader Facebook Group![/themify_box]

The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 Show Details

When: February 16-18 & 23-25, 2018
Where: VBC Playhouse (map)
Cost: $15
Buy tickets online | View Website

Performances:
Friday February 16th at 7pm
Saturday February 17th at 1:30 and 5pm
Sunday February 18th at 1:30 and 5pm
Friday February 23rd at 7pm
Saturday February 24th at 1:30 and 5pm
Sunday February 25th at 1:30 and 5pm

You Might Also Like…

Where Kids Can Celebrate Black History Month in Huntsville
It’s Time to Talk to Your Kids About Race


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