When a play about Martin Luther King, Jr. is set at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis on the evening of April 3, 1968, it’s easy to assume that you know where the play is going. But The Mountaintop, by Katori Hall and being staged by NextStop Theatre Company, still has a few tricks up its sleeve.
The play takes place entirely within the messy confines of King’s spacious if dingy hotel room (brought to life by scenic designer Evan Hoffman). The show is largely a battle of wits between King (Curtis McNeil), weary from his time on the road and his experiences leading demonstrators in the city, yet if ever charming, and a spunky and charismatic maid, Camae (Shayla Simmons), who comes up to bring him coffee on her first shift working for the hotel and can’t quite seem to make herself leave.
The Mountaintop closes February 2, 2020. DCTS details and tickets
The two spar over everything from what King should be saying to his followers to whether he should shave off his moustache until it finally becomes clear what Camae’s true intentions for being in that room are — that’s when The Mountaintop takes an abrupt turn.
Before that turn, the play can feel meandering and a bit all-over-the-place, but there’s one thing it does consistently: Hall is determined to portray King not as a symbol or a saint, but as a man. This King has flaws, from impatience to vanity to flirtatiousness, and does not shy away from talk of the leader’s potential extramarital affairs (the play predates even more scandalous, and disputed, allegations from King’s FBI files). But it’s clear The Mountaintop and director Kevin McAllister aren’t looking to tear down King as much as they’re interested in examining the costs that incur when someone isn’t looking to be a hero in the first place.
The Mountaintop is worth watching as much for its performances as its message. Curtis McNeil seems comfortable in the Reverend’s shoes, never lacking in charm but clearly haunted by the weight of the tasks in front of him. Simmons commands the room as Camae, who comes from a humble background but is more than capable of sparring effectively with her larger-than-life customer. The pair have terrific chemistry, whether they’re sharing a cigarette, teasing each other over his holey sock and smelly feet, or sincerely debating what sort of message King should be delivering to his loyal followers. Seeing the two sizzle on stage together is one of the main reasons The Mountaintop effectively resonates.
The Mountaintop by Katori Hall. Directed by Kevin McCallister. Featuring Curtis McNeil and Shayla Simmons. Scenic Designer: Evan Hoffman. Costume Designer: Paris Francesca. Lighting Designer: Lynn Joslin. Sound Designer: Yaritza Pacheco. Properties Designer: Alex Wade. Production Designer: Samba Pathak. Production Stage Manager: Sarah Usary. Rehearsal Stage Manager: Jordan Ross. Assistant Stage Manager: Lynda Bruce. Scenic Painter: Suzy Alden. Produced by NextStop Theatre Company . Reviewed by Missy Frederick.
