By Claire DeMarco
Ruby Bridges (Saniya Lavelle), a very bright six-year-old is encouraged to attend the William Frantz Public School. What’s so special about that? A lot of talented kids have opportunities to excel.
The difference is that this is 1960 in New Orleans, the William Frantz Public School is all white and Ruby is black. This is the first time that the school will be integrated.
An NAACP Representative (DeVaugh Robinson) entreats Ruby’s parents Lucille Bridges (Joylette Portlock) and Abon Bridges (Richard McBride) to consider this opportunity. Although both are concerned yet interested, Abon is more reluctant than Lucille, fearing for her physical safety even though Federal Marshalls would escort Ruby to school each day.
Lucille’s religious faith convinces Abon to give Ruby a chance that would normally be out of her reach. Abon agrees.
Entering the school on the first day, Ruby is met with angry crowds and ugly words.
Note: This greeting occurred every day of the first year she attended William Frantz Public School.

Her first-grade teacher, Mrs. Henry (Stacia Paglieri) is white and comes from New England. On the first day Ruby is the only student in the class as the other students have either been assigned to another teacher or their parents have pulled them out of Mrs. Henry’s class.
A strong bond develops between Mrs. Henry and Ruby. Ruby wants to learn and Mrs. Henry wants to teach her. Mrs. Henry’s classroom was a secure world for Ruby against the turmoil within and outside the school.
Ruby is the only student in Mrs. Henry’s class for the entire first grade year.
Lavelle plays Ruby as a six-year-old but also shows the courageous side of a child faced with unrelenting discrimination from racial mobs outside her school. She displays a mature aspect that projects confidence and resilience. There are times, though, when her youthfulness pops to the surface as she dances about, holding a much-loved and well-worn doll.
Portlock’s strength comes through as the mother whose love of God and the belief in the equality of all people transfers those strong beliefs to Ruby.
As the supporting but fearful father, McBride’s anguish about whether to allow Ruby to attend school is often emphasized by the tortured look on his face.
Paglieri displays unwavering support for her only student. She radiates a gentleness that builds a bond between her and Ruby. They become more than teacher and student but ultimately friends during that unique first grade experience.
The entire cast is outstanding! Excellent direction by Linda Haston.
Ruby Bridges is a real person and this is her story. Many of us remember or have heard about the 1960’s as a time when many well-known organizations, associations, and people focused on eliminating legalized racial discrimination, in all its forms. Ruby Bridges made an amazing contribution in that effort.
-CED
“Looking Forward: The Ruby Bridges Story” is a production of Prime Stage Theatre. Performances run from January 17th to January 26th at the New Hazlett Center for Performing Arts, 6 Allegheny Square E, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, click here.