Revisiting the early civil rights movement from the female point of view

At Vintage Theatre, ‘Cadillac Crew’ depicts women fighting a multi-front battle for recognition and respect

Cadillac Crew, currently on stage at Aurora’s Vintage Theatre, offers a strong behind-the-scenes look at a time in our history that is well worth remembering. Set in a Virginia civil rights office in 1963 and in the Deep South somewhere, we are allowed to ride along with a “Cadillac crew” as they try to make a difference in their lives and the lives of those around them. Written by Tori Sampson and directed by ShaShauna Staton, the play depicts the ups and downs of four vibrant women who are committed to the civil rights cause — often with the potential for great physical harm.

Cadillac crews were groups of women who traveled secretly by car, instead of by bus, generally through southern America, espousing equal rights for Black people — especially women. As the play opens, the four women are excited to be sponsoring civil rights activist Rosa Parks as the keynote speaker for a conference on women’s rights. However, the male leaders of the conference pull the rug out from underneath Parks’ speaking engagement and cancel her appearance much to the women’s shock and disappointment. Rachel (Kenya Mahogany Fashaw) is particularly hard hit while Abby (Shadiya Lyons), fresh out of college, adds a level of cynicism at this turn of events. Other workers in the office who are also committed to the cause include Dee (Zeah Loren), a wife and mother, and Sarah (Katelyn Kendricks), the only white woman among them.

Because of the failed attempt at presenting Rosa Parks, the four women come to realize that men are never going to support them by putting a women’s movement on the agenda, so Rachel suggests forming a Cadillac crew of their own to take their message directly to the women of America. After several scenes on the road, winding their way through what could be considered enemy territory, the group has little luck advancing their cause and barely escapes with their lives.

During the final moments of the play, the audience is quickly transported to the present day and introduced to modern-day activists around the time of the formation of the Black Lives Matter movement. In concept, for the playwright, this may have been a way to highlight the movement then and now, but it is a very abrupt change and particularly jarring. This scene is more of a radio play than a stage play, with the actors in their newfound characters, Alicia (Fashaw), Opal (Lyons), and Patrisse (Loren) responding to questions from the journalist (Kendricks).

The four women in their major roles all deliver hugely relatable and highly detailed characters. As Rachel, Fashaw has just the right amount of inner drive to propel her throughout the play. She is crestfallen by the Rosa Parks incident, but far from defeated. Lyons as Abby brings to their character the right amount of contempt and youthful energy. In the role of Dee, Loren is justifiably torn between her involvement in the movement and that of being a wife and mother. This juxtaposition is one of the strongest character elements in the play, and Loren gives a robust performance as Dee. Kendricks as Sarah is devoted to the cause of civil rights, and we later learn how broad their involvement is.

As directed by ShaShauna Staton, the play is at its best in the first act when the women are evaluating what their future might hold after the Rosa Parks incident.  With rapid-fire dialogue allowing the actors to establish their characters quickly and completely, Staton uses this opportunity to get the play off to a strong start. The remainder of the play is increasingly problematic because of the jumbled script but Staton is successful in guiding the audience through the ups and downs of the women’s journey from the early ’60s to present day. It’s a noble effort for a first-time director, and Staton rises to the occasion admirably.

Cadillac Crew is a story worth telling — especially for those wanting to learn more about some of the unsung heroes of the early civil rights movement.