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.