Jeanne Paulsen, Carl Howell, Carl Palmer and Larry Paulsen. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Jeanne Paulsen. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Carl Palmer. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Corey Allen. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Anna O'Donoghue. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Larry Paulsen. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Larry Paulsen and Jeanne Paulsen. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Jeanne Paulsen and Carl Palmer. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

The cast of Alabama Story. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Anna O'Donoghue and Corey Allen. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.

Alabama Story

by Kenneth Jones |
Directed by Paul Mason Barnes

A determined librarian and a segregationist senator face off over an innocent children’s book in 1959 Montgomery. Depicting the marriage of two rabbits – who happen to have different-colored fur – the story has Sen. E.W. Higgins calling for a book ban. But even as the pressure mounts, librarian Emily Wheelock Reed refuses to yield to censorship. Inspired by true events, Alabama Story is a stirring testament to free expression.

Running time: 2 hours, 28 minutes. Performed with one intermission.

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Cast & Creative Staff

CAST:

  • Jeanne Paulsen (Emily Wheelock Reed)
  • Carl Palmer (Senator E.W. Higgins)
  • Larry Paulsen (Garth Williams, Others)
  • Corey Allen (Joshua Moore)
  • Anna O'Donoghue (Lily Whitfield)
  • Carl Howell (Thomas Franklin)

CREATIVE STAFF:

  • Director: Paul Mason Barnes
  • Scenic Designer: William Bloodgood
  • Costume Designer: Dorothy Marshall Englis 
  • Lighting Designer: Kenton Yeager
  • Sound Designer: Barry G. Funderburg
  • Stage Manager: Tony Dearing

Enhance Your Experience

  • Visit Webster Arts Center's "Freedom of Expression" exhibit, opening to the public on January 15. The exhibit ties into the themes of Alabama Story, with renowned artists from throughout the country presenting works based on concepts of censorship, bigotry, free speech, racism and speaking truth to power. More info here.
     
  • Visit Saint Louis Art Museum for a tour related to the themes of Alabama Story. Tours are scheduled for January 12, 19 and 27 at 2 p.m. More info here.

Age Recommendations

Alabama Story is recommended for general audiences. The show contains discussions about segregation, politics and censorship, and some content may difficult for our youngest theatregoers to understand.