I have not been excited about seeing anything on Broadway since “The Color Purple.” When I was asked to attend a preview performance of the new play starring two of my favorite actors, I was secretly jumping for joy inside.
If you love the theater or just looking for a reason to getaway for the weekend this is the play you’ve been waiting for, it’s must-see Broadway! The Bernard B. Jacobs Theater becomes the Lorraine Hotel on April 3, 1968, in playwright Katori Hall’s award winning play “The Mountaintop.” Hollywood’s dream team, award-winning actors Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett return to their acting roots on Broadway in this unique portrayal of a meeting between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a beautiful stranger, a Lorraine Hotel maid named Camae the night before the assassination.
“The Mountaintop” gives us a glimpse into the softer side of Dr. King. Jackson delivers a captivating performances as King the man, the father, not the icon (of the movement) talking to his baby girl trying to get her to go to sleep and the caring husband who never leaves home without sending his wife flowers that will last until he returns. We also see the man who is afraid, angry and tired of the games played by those who don’t want the movement to succeed. Then temptation arrives in the form of the beautiful stranger, a hotel maid with a cup of coffee and a pack of squares (smokes). Bassett gives a phenomenal performance as the lovable foul mouthed maid on her first day of work. After a little joking, flirting, brandy and revelation we learn that a kiss is not just a kiss. “The Mountaintop” is what Broadway is all about, compelling story telling! Broadway and Hollywood met for a reason in this production. “The Mountaintop” could easily be made into an Oscar winning movie starring Jackson and Bassett.
The play also features original music by Brandford Marsalis and is directed by Kenny Leon, the director of “Fences.” Opening night is Thursday October 13th @ 6:30pm. Don’t miss the outstanding performances by Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett. This is a limited engagement thru January 15, 2012! For show times and ticket prices, please visit: www.themountaintopplay.com or www.telecharge.com.
A weekend getaway to NYC to see “The Mountaintop,” is a great idea for date night with your spouse or a friends’ weekend getaway. While in NYC do a little holiday shopping at the famous Macy’s store on 32nd street and the fantastic M&M’s store in the middle of Times Square.
Enjoy a night out in the city that never sleeps!
By the Travelin Diva (Kirstin N. Fuller of Reservations Travel Guide)
Follow me on twitter for more exciting weekend getaways”... @thetravelindiva.
I’m really not a play person but this one looks very good. Hoping that I get the time and the chance to see it at some point.
I love plays, although the last one I saw was Dreamgirls. I need to catch up so I will definitely put this one on my list! Gotta be a bonefide winner with Jackson and Bassett in it.
You know I was thinking the same thing when I first became aware of it. Jackson, Bassett – MLK = winner no matter how you slice it up.
Note to the author: You really shouldn’t reveal a significant plot twist in your review without warning. You’re really ruining it for those of us who plan to see it. Other than that, I appreciated your review. Thanks.
@Simonique… that’s not the significant plot twist. Thanks!
You could’ve been honest and admit that you edited your review AFTER I commented that you revealed a significant plot twist. Instead of feigning as if you didn’t expose a major spoiler. I remember this vividly because I had planned this trip to NYC down to a T only to see this play. While doing my research, I ran across your review. *warning spoiler for The Mountaintop ahead* I enjoyed your review as I said, save for the fact that you totally revealed Angela’s character Camae was in fact an angel sent to take MLK home to heaven. There was NO other way I would’ve known that before watching the play if it weren’t for your spoiler.
Despite this, you did not actually spoil the show for me because Angela and Samuel’s performance were so epic. I saw the show three times! It’s been 9 years and I still remember it fondly. Just as I remember your review. Still I hope you haven’t done this again to anyone else. Thanks.
@Simonique… that’s not the significant plot twist. Thanks!
You could’ve been honest and admit that you edited your review AFTER I commented that you revealed a significant plot twist. Instead of feigning as if didn’t expose a major spoiler. I remember this vividly because I had planned this trip to NYC down to a T only to see this play. While doing my research, I ran across your review. *warning spoiler for The Mountaintop ahead* I enjoyed your review as I said, save for the fact that you totally revealed Angela’s character Camae was in fact an angel sent to take MLK home to heaven. There was NO other way I would’ve known that before watching the play if it weren’t for your spoiler.
Despite this, you did not actually spoil the show for me because Angela and Samuel’s performance were so epic. I saw the show three times! Still hope you haven’t done this again to anyone else. Thanks.
I saw The Mountaintop last month and I loved it. It’s a compelling look at the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. not as an icon but as a man. Both Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett are riveting.
Thank you for removing the significant plot twist that was in the original version of your article!