The Watsons Go to Birmingham – Chicago Children’s Theatre
Rounding out the 2018-2019 Season, Chicago Children’s Theatre, in a co-commission with Seattle Children’s Theatre and the University of California- Santa Barbara, will open a brand new adaptation of acclaimed author Christopher Paul Curtis’ groundbreaking, timeless work, The Watsons Go To Birmingham- 1963.
When Kenny’s older brother starts getting into too much trouble in Michigan, it’s decided that he needs to pay a visit to Grandma Sands in Birmingham, Alabama to straighten him out. The whole family – Momma, Dad, Byron, Kenny and Joetta – sets out on a wild cross-country journey in the family car, the “Brown Bomber.” When they make it to Birmingham, however, they find much more than they bargained for. The powerful story reminds us that during times of crisis, hope reveals itself in the forms of family and friendships; learning, growing, and evolving.
Internationally acclaimed playwright Cheryl L. West will to adapt the work for CCT’s stage after penning the world premiere musical adaptation of Last Stop on Market Street. Wardell Julius Clark will make his directorial debut at CCT with Watsons.