Where is Jackson? And why do they dance so slowly?

Those are just two of the questions audiences will bring to the high school’s fall production, “And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson,” which opened last weekend.

“It’s a mystery, in a way,” said director Bob McAllister, “like any play – not just what happens, but the how and why behind what happens.”

The play revolves around Elizabeth Willow, a wheelchair-bound victim of cerebral palsy, and her struggle for independence and acceptance in the fictional setting of Jackson, Indiana.

A 21-member cast portrays family and other central characters in Elizabeth’s life in a drama that slips back and forth in time as she grows from age 10 to 24.

The play might sound like a “downer,” McAllister says, but it’s not.

“It’s very funny at times, sweet and very beautiful,” he said. “It involves so many truisms we all have to deal with: the trauma of being 16-17-18, the need for acceptance, the need to create one’s own life, the desire to be normal and the limitations society imposes upon those who aren’t, the universal yearning for love.

“It’s that amazing struggle for independence we must all go through in order to achieve freedom.”

McAllister was attracted to this play for many reasons.

“I think I’ve always had an affinity for differences,” he said. He remembers being conscious of them for the first time in fourth grade, when he befriended a girl who was the object of ridicule among his classmates.

“You’d come back in from recess, and somebody would have written so-and-so plus her name on the blackboard.”

“I certainly didn’t become Ghandi overnight,” he said, “but I did begin to realize that there were people out there who were unfairly treated.”

Elizabeth begins the play in a state of complete isolation, retreating to her room where four fantasy figures alternately taunt and encourage her – asking her to dance, then cruelly reminding her that she can’t.

“The play involves that quality that’s within everyone, part child and part adult, the fantasies that we have to put aside in order to become adults,” he said.

The play also depicts more literal physical struggles in an unfriendly world. It was written by Jim Leonard, Jr., in 1986 – well before the advent of legislation designed to help disabled persons cope and compete on a more equal basis.

McAllister says that’s the mark of a classic drama. “And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson” has been performed at the Kennedy Center since its debut on Broadway, and is now a repertory standard.

“Any play that’s any good transcends any kind of political agenda, and transcends its own time,” he said.

The original Broadway version had a much smaller cast, with each actor playing multiple characters. In addition, the play involves significant technical as well as acting challenges.

McAllister acknowledges the valuable help from Bainbridge Performing Arts’ Mark Sell, who serves as technical director for this production.

“He’s done quite an amazing job of teaching this technical crew – drawing together the magic resources of light and set and atmosphere,” McAllister said.

In addition, BHS has become used to staging ambitious shows.

“We do quality stuff,” he said. “And it’s challenging stuff – we’re not just recycling the same old Broadway musicals. We like to skate a little bit on the edge.”

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“And They Dance Real Slow In Jackson” plays at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14-15 and Nov. 21-22 in the Bainbridge High School auditorium.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for students and seniors. Information: 780-1653.