Blues for an Alabama Sky

Blues for an Alabama Sky fully explores the “blues” referred to in its title, but other than the Alabama roots of one of the characters, the show itself is more about Harlem, N.Y., and the difficulties of life in the 1930s. Four friends face the vicissitudes of life, in some cases with more grace than others, until the arrival of a young man from Alabama highlights the differences in their moral fiber.

The production at Celebration Arts is unevenly paced, particularly in the second act, but the exceptional work of the lead actors more than made up for it. As the showgirl Angel, Ifamodupe Edington does a remarkable job conveying self-centered fearfulness beneath the worldly wise exterior, and her singing voice is incredible. As Angel’s best friend Guy, Romann Hodge delivers an exceptional performance, while Rob Anthony brings a calm center to the action as Dr. Sam Thomas.

As Delia, Deadra LaShawn Elam concentrates a bit much on the naive elements of her character, which makes it difficult to find her convincing as a revolutionary feminist. And as the man from Alabama, Roderick Campbell carries the weight of tradition as he prompts the other players to reveal more of their own natures.