The story of baseball icon Jackie Robinson has been told many times, yet in “Jackie and Me,” which can be seen at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, audiences will now be able to get a glimpse into history and see Robinson in a more relatable way.
“In this play, we move through a story where he’s at his most vulnerable and the most uncertain he’s ever been in his life,” said Courtney Sale, the play’s director.
“Jackie and Me” tells the story of Joey Stoshack who needs to learn a few lessons in how to control his temper and not give in to bullies. He is assigned a school report and chose Jackie Robinson as his topic. Selecting the iconic athletic and civil rights hero helps Joey find the answer to his problems.
Despite his troubles, Joey has an amazing skill – he can travel back in time. With his baseball card from 1947 in hand, he travels back and arrives to find himself in Branch Rickey’s office on the day Jackie Robinson is signed to the Brooklyn Dodgers. With Jackie as his role model, Joey learns to face bullies without losing control and stooping to their level.
This play, written by Steven Dietz, is based on Jackie and Me, a novel by children’s author Dan Gutman.
“Jackie and Me” may seem like a whimsical children’s play, however Sale said this production is complex and real.
“The vehicle is magic, but we’re not backing off any of the places where it’s most brutal or harsh,” stated Sale.
Playgoers should note that “Jackie and Me” does not tell the story of Jackie Robinson through the eyes of a white boy. When Joey travels back in time, he is no longer himself, but has transformed into an African-American boy facing the same taunts Jackie Robinson endured.
Joseph Mervis who plays the lead character “Joey” said that although the play uses a historical figure, the play is relevant to today’s issues of racism and bullying that continues to persist.
The 13-year-old eighth grade student who attends Sycamore School, said that he could relate to his character Joey in many ways. The IRT is offering several student matinee shows and it’s there, Mervis hopes young audiences will also identify with “Joey” and take away lessons they can use in their own lives.
“There’s a part in the play where Joey says ‘I always thought if I were another color, I’d feel different. I still feel like me.’ That’s the moment Joey realizes we may look different on the outside, but we’re all the same on the inside,” said Mervis.
Many know the superficial story of Jackie Robinson, yet “Jackie and Me” gives a more intimate view into Robinson’s personal life and inner struggles and triumphs.
Beethovan Oden, who is making his IRT debut in this production, said playing the role of Jackie Robinson was an “eye-opening journey” and one of the most difficult characters he’s ever had to play.
“It’s that burden of saying ‘I’m going to do this,’ and that stress and taking all of the insults and wondering ‘am I good enough to do this?’” said Oden. “There’s no advice on how to be the first at something so that’s the struggle in this play. He’s trying to find that balance between being a gentleman and a fine ballplayer.”
Theatergoers will also get a chance to see Jackie Robinson and the relationship he had with his wife, Rachel. Oden compares Jackie’s plight and his marriage to that of President Barack and Michelle Obama.
“Jackie and Me” explores racism, bullying, magic, divorce, history and sports, among other themes that people, male or female, young or old, can enjoy.
“What I love is ‘Jackie and Me’ flatters the intellect of young people. It doesn’t pander to them. It inspires imagination, but it’s real,” said Sale. “There’s also two very strong female characters in the play so girls can find a hero in this play too.”
“Jackie and Me” is the tale of Jackie Robinson’s struggles and courage it took for him to become the baseball player and man of courage that he was brought to life.
See “Jackie and Me” at the IRT’s upper stage now through Feb. 16.
For tickets to “Jackie and Me,” call (317) 635-5252. For more information on the Indiana Repertory Theatre, call (317) 635-5277 or visit irtlive.com.
