Anyone who knows me, knows my affinity for Alabama (and the South in general). I didn’t grow up there, but I attended Auburn University for my undergraduate studies.

A lot of people ask me, what drew you to Auburn? To Alabama? To the South?
To be honest, it was mostly because my family wasn’t keen on the idea of me leaving the midwest for the “big city” (a.k.a. NYC), so when we traveled around, touring college campuses and came upon Auburn, to my own surprise, I loved it (and so did my parents)!

The campus was so picturesque, a quintessential college town. It was a small place for sure, but with a big soul. And rich in history. I immediately felt at home. Like I could be safe there and also learn, grow and be out from under my parents wing for the first time. It was a wonderful place to call home for four years.

Though I am super grateful for the time spent there, they weren’t the easiest years of my life. I struggled with loving myself enough, with partying too much, tumultuous relationships and of course the typical early 20’s question . .. “Who am I?”
But despite all of the difficult moments, I still felt safe there. People were nice. Friendly. Open. Well that is . . . unless they weren’t.

You see, Alabama is a state of extremes. I met some of the most open and accepting people there. And yet I experienced some of the most blatant and harsh forms of racism and sexism to date in my life.

That’s the thing about the South. It’s got a checkered past. It has done some things that no one should ever do. Enacted laws supporting inequality, has denied humanity to an entire race and even killed a number of them. It’s shameful. And horrific. And makes my stomach turn. And yet (or maybe because, of this), the modern day South is filled with soul. You can feel the weight of those who were shackled, their tears that fertilized the land, their screams that still echo from corner to corner of the entire state. It’s a complex place. But a beautiful place.

And this brings me to THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS.

Last night, I was taken back to my Alabama days, at Center Theatre Group’s THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS at the Ahmanson Theatre.

This Tony Award winning (to the tune of 12 of ’em) musical is a wildly entertaining show that boldly tells the true story of the nine African American men accused of a crime, they didn’t commit, back in 1931.

From the minds of John Kander & Fred Ebb (creators of Chicago and Cabaret), the music and lyrics take you on a wild ride of glorious music, inspired storytelling, innovative staging and extraordinary performances. It is emotional, powerful and poignant, even though the events occurred more than 80 years ago.

This controversial play gives light to one of the most infamous events in American history. The Scottboro case ignited the civil rights movement. The nine boys, ranging in age from 19 to a mere 13 years old, were convicted of raping two white girls on a train in the deep South. They were sentenced to death. But that wasn’t the end. The ensuing drama, multiple trials and pain that followed is a stain on our country’s past. The show does an amazing job of riding the line between emotional depth and comedic relief.

It must be said, this isn’t a “feel good” play. But in all fairness, it’s not meant to be.
In my opinion, great theater makes you think. It makes you squirm in your seat. It’s uncomfortable. AND it’s breathtaking, beautiful and inspiring. This show is all of those things. And more. In fact, Whoopi Goldberg says, “It knocked me out. This is probably the best show I’ve seen in ten years”.

There are so many points about racial inequality, justice and how we treat the disenfranchised. I am left pondering what it all means. And feeling simultaneously horrified and in awe of these nine boys’ journey. A journey that saw them in and out of prison and court rooms for more than 10 years.

I should note that just last month, April 2013, the state of Alabama, finally pardoned the nine boys, absolving them of their crimes.
Though this feels too little, too late, I hope that we as a country, and the world at large, can learn from these experiences. It’s my deep wish that history won’t continue to repeat itself – again and again.

Here’s a little trailer that gives you a preview of this powerful show:

THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS is playing at the Ahmanson Theatre in downtown LA thru June 30th.
And I’ve got another special giveaway for you beautiful people this week.
2 tickets to the May 31st (8pm) performance.
If you’d like to win, simply leave a comment below and tell me why you want to see the show!
Bonus points if you tweet this out by clicking here.

The giveaway ends and a winner will be selected on TUESDAY May 28, 2013- so don’t delay!

CONGRATULATIONS to Kathy Mendoza!
You are the lucky recipient of a pair of tickets to The Scottsboro Boys, courtesy of Center Theatre Group!

Stay tuned to the blog for more giveaways + goodies coming your way very soon!

And if you’d like to score yourself some seats, click on the image below, and you’ll get a special LIMITED TIME OFFER!

xo

DISCLOSURE :: Financial compensation was not received for this post, but complimentary tickets were gifted from the organization. The opinions expressed here are my own. Regardless of compensation, I will always give my honest opinions, beliefs, and reviews of my experiences. My goal is to provide you with the best curated content and information – always. Cheers!