Encore Theatre Opens New Season with ‘Akeelah and the Bee’

Birmingham, October 4, 2025

News Summary

Encore Theatre and Gallery will launch its season with ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ at Carver Theatre. This inspiring play highlights resilience and community support, making it a great family-friendly event. Local actress Trinity Anderson takes on the lead role, bringing Akeelah’s journey to life. The production underscores the cultural significance of Birmingham’s only Black-led theatre, emphasizing the importance of diverse storytelling in the community.

Birmingham – Encore Theatre and Gallery will kick off its 2025–2026 season with the play “Akeelah and the Bee” written by Cheryl L. West. The production will take place at the historic Carver Theatre from October 2 to October 4, 2025. This performance is done in partnership with the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and aims to celebrate the essence of community and artistic collaboration in Birmingham.

“Akeelah and the Bee” tells the inspiring story of an 11-year-old girl from Chicago who has a natural gift for spelling but faces various challenges while pursuing her dream to compete in the National Spelling Bee. This high-energy play is suitable for ages 9 to 99, making it an excellent family-friendly event. Its themes of resilience, courage, and community support resonate deeply with current cultural dynamics in Birmingham.

Trinity Anderson, a 20-year-old theatre student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has been cast in the lead role of Akeelah. Anderson has described feeling a connection to Akeelah’s journey, emphasizing the character’s passion for perseverance. Artistic director Marc Raby has highlighted Anderson’s dedication, discipline, and emotional honesty, which will be essential in portraying the joys and struggles of Akeelah’s journey.

The plot emphasizes Akeelah’s difficult path as she strives to overcome her classmates’ skepticism and her mother’s initial resistance to her ambitions. Akeelah’s mentorship from Dr. Joshua Larabee, a knowledgeable guide, is a crucial component of the narrative and underscores the importance of community involvement in pursuing one’s dreams.

Encore Theatre and Gallery, which is Birmingham’s only Black-led theatre company, is committed to amplifying diverse voices by producing contemporary works that reflect the multicultural aspects of society. The current season marks the 7th season for the theatre and reflects its ongoing dedication to establishing a permanent performance space in the city. The collaboration for this production is seen as a significant cultural milestone that strengthens Birmingham’s artistic future.

Tickets for performances of “Akeelah and the Bee” range from $29.95 to $54.95 and can be purchased at www.encorebham.org. Attending this production is not only an opportunity to enjoy a compelling story but also a vote of support for local theatre and Black-led arts in Birmingham.

Background of “Akeelah and the Bee”

The narrative of “Akeelah and the Bee” revolves around Akeelah’s race to the finals of the National Spelling Bee, where she must confront various obstacles that challenge her belief in herself. The play has won acclaim for its portrayal of empowerment, community mentorship, and the importance of dreams in shaping lives. The story illustrates a journey characterized by growth and resilience, which aligns with the broader themes the Encore Theatre seeks to promote through its productions.

Local Impact

As the only Black-led theatre company in Birmingham, Encore Theatre and Gallery is not just producing plays but is also fostering a vibrant cultural environment. Their focus on telling diverse stories connects with the artistic aspirations of the community, engaging audiences of all ages and backgrounds. This initiative promises to contribute significantly to the cultural tapestry of Birmingham, advocating for inclusivity and representation in the arts.

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HERE Resources

Encore Theatre to Launch Season with Akeelah and the Bee
Huntsville Prepares for October Music and Cultural Events
Birmingham Celebrates October with Over 50 Shows and Festivals
Encore Theatre to Launch the Season with Akeelah and the Bee
Birmingham to Host ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ Production

Additional Resources

• Bham Now: Akeelah and the Bee Live on Stage
• Birmingham Times: UAB Student in Breakout Role as Lead in Akeelah and the Bee
• Broadway World: Akeelah and the Bee
• Spot on Alabama: UAB Student in Breakout Role as Lead
• Hudson Valley One: KCSD Walks Back Black History Month Opt-Out Language
• Wikipedia: Akeelah and the Bee
• Google Search: Akeelah and the Bee
• Google Scholar: Akeelah and the Bee
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Akeelah and the Bee
• Google News: Akeelah and the Bee

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