Musical Reimagines Family Trauma of Greensboro Massacre

Writer-composer Cesar Alvarez's "The Potluck" transforms a bloody episode from family history into a critically acclaimed new musical. The show delves into the 1979 Greensboro, N.C., massacre, where the Ku Klux Klan and Nazis killed five communist union organizers. Alvarez, whose parents survived the attack and who was named after a victim, explores this profound family trauma.

Premiering at Playwrights Horizons, the musical begins with Alvarez addressing the audience about the anxieties of staging such a political piece. An intern named Moss assists Alvarez, highlighting the show's unconventional structure. The narrative shifts, incorporating elements like a performance inspired by "The Producers" and a disturbing documentary made by Alvarez's mother about the massacre.

The documentary vividly depicts the ambush during a "Death to the Klan" march, with police notably absent. Despite its fragmented, "loosey-goosey" structure, "The Potluck" avoids alienating its audience. It unpacks complex questions about the unlikely alliance of hate groups and the organizers' intentions.

"The Potluck" is deeply autobiographical, touching on Alvarez's nonbinary identity and personal life. The musical culminates in a powerful "seance" and staging of "The Ballad of the 5," bringing the five murdered union organizers to life. Alvarez's songwriting showcases remarkable range, featuring diverse styles from drag torch songs to poignant ballads and social-justice anthems.