“The Mountaintop” On Broadway
A Broadway Play by Katori Hall
Review by: Neresa M. Joseph
The Mountaintop,” is a play inspired by truth and a whole lot of history. It kept its viewers entrapped and drawn into the remarkable performance of Samuel L. Jackson and the incomparable Angela Bassett.
This play is not just about two great actors who entertain their viewers; instead, it embodies truth and immense meaning. This historical play about the distinguished Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. brought its viewers back in time to get a clear look at the life of an illustrious legend. Dr. King was not only a pioneer, but he was also human. Behind all his great speeches and marches, he was a man who had needs, a man who drank, smoked, and cheated on his wife. However, this does not depict the true person he was. Dr. King stood firm to his beliefs and fought for the rights of all people. He believed that we are all equal and neither race nor religion should give one entity the power to mistreat another.
Samuel L. Jackson played the role of this dynamic leader and portrayed how he may have spent his final moments before his assassination. This role was perfect for Jackson, for he is an inspiring and talented actor, and he delivered every line just as we thought he would. He brought life to the late Dr. King, and his dialogue kept the audience on edge. In the play, when Dr. King learned that he would be living out his final moments on earth, he stated, “upon the departure of every trip, I would give my wife flowers and hoped that they will not fade too quickly before I returned home with fresh flowers.” Then he went on to say that before he left home that day, “I gave my wife for the first time artificial flowers.”
This in itself is a very symbolic moment; it goes on to say that we never know when our last moments with our loved ones will be. This scene caused a great deal of emotion throughout the audience, and for Jackson as well. Jackson’s final scene reflected upon the civil rights of man, as he inspired all the great leaders who came after him. He also delivered a heart-clenching speech that left the audience speechless and in awe. The lines were filled with wisdom and encouragement; hence, the crowd was left applauding, even through tears.
The great Angela Bassett played the role of Camae, a neurotic and flirtatious maid who kept Dr. King company on his final night at a broken-down motel. Her performance was tremendous; this breathtaking woman delivered her monologues like no other could. The dialogue between herself and Dr. King was somewhat funny and very captivating. Nevertheless, there were scenes the audience may have found extreme, like her continuous profanity. However, these were surpassed by her passion and natural talent, which made it all seem real. In one scene, Camae gave a sermon in the style of Dr. King that may have left some viewers in deep thought, for it was powerful and challenging at the same time. She may have opened the eyes of many to realize that we are more than the standards that others set for us. We are stronger than what others allow us to be, and that it’s about time that we stand and allow ourselves to be who and what we are destined to be without limitations.
The beautiful staging of Dr. King’s final moment was brilliant. It brought forth two astounding actors who left their audience satisfied and applauding. In my opinion, this exceeds by far the greatest Broadway play of all time. This play represents me and who I am as an individual. It stands for the choices I make and the reality of life. It is the difference between then and now, and what I stand for as a woman of color!