Aint No Weak Links on this Train (Actors Theatre)
Mar 30
2 min read
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67
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FLEX
Written by Candrice Jones
Directed by Kendra Ware
A review by Kate Barry
Entire contents are copyright © 2025 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
A basketball hoop towers over a portion of a worn out court as a CD player blasts tunes from the late 90’s. This sets the scene for FLEX. Five high schoolers with ambition in the shadow of the newly formed WNBA dribble, shoot and fight for the ball, with each other and themselves in this action packed coming of age story. A cancelled Humana Festival entry from 2020, FLEX makes its way back to Actors Theatre of Louisville in the midst of March Madness.
The play opens on a practice for the Lady Trains as they prepare for the State Championships. The movement and execution of running plays and scrimmage is authentic and well timed. The five actor ensemble fills the space and handles the ball with expertise with each pass and lay up. They move as a team and share palpable chemistry that makes for a court side experience for the audience. Even though the action was fictional, as the Lady Train players score each basket, you can’t help but cheer. The physical talent is undeniable and added an interactive quality to the show.
FLEX follows The Lady Train as they grow up on the court. Starra played by Ja’Naye Flanagan is stubborn yet natural leader who lives with some pretty heavy consequences for her choices. A charismatic “showing up or showing off” point guard who wants her team to stick together, Starra’s monologues about her childhood and relationship with her mother explore her dreams and fears. Flanagan shares relatable chemistry with her Coach played by Lisa Rosetta Strum who pushes and guides Starra and the other players to make the right choices.
As with any team, these players are met with real world issues that affect their futures both on and off the court. Coming from a town that has low expectations not only on the school they attend but also the girls’ basketball team, these are characters with a lot to prove. The relationships between these players hold a lot of weight throughout the performance. Starra shares a conflict with Sidney, played with a steady determination by Daniella Ochman. Ochman does well to create tension with Flanagan which boils to a pitch as secrets are revealed about Starra’s actions.
With high stakes on the line, Alyssa James, Shaunie Lewis and Kala Ross do well to provide lighter performances. James and Lewis explore sexual identity in a small town and how religion can hinder expression as Donna and Cherise. Kala Ross’ April portrays a high school pregnancy with all the pressures and choices that come with it. Ross brings a strong performance without appearing as a victim as April considers abortion and discovers the truth behind her pregnancy.
Just like any story centered on sports, FLEX sees The Lady Train to the championship game. With everything this team has learned and experience, they take it to the court and score big. And the victory is sweet but the way this team comes together and supports each other is even sweeter.
FLEX
Actors Theater of Louisville
March 26-April 6
Actors Theater/Bingham Theater
316 West Main St Louisville KY 40243
