{"id":6256,"date":"2013-09-05T22:22:16","date_gmt":"2013-09-06T03:22:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/college.unc.edu\/?p=6256"},"modified":"2024-07-02T14:25:05","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T14:25:05","slug":"mountaintop-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/collegearchive.unc.edu\/?p=6256","title":{"rendered":"PlayMakers opens season with \u2018The Mountaintop\u2019 Sept. 18"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"PlayMakers<\/a>PlayMakers Repertory Company kicks off its new main-stage season Sept. 18-Oct. 6 with the regional premiere of \u201cThe Mountaintop\u201d by Katori Hall. The play focuses on the last night in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.<\/p>\n

PlayMakers is the professional theater in residence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Special events associated with the show begin Sept. 11.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Mountaintop\u201d is a co-production with Triad Stage in Greensboro, combining the artistic forces of two of North Carolina\u2019s leading theater companies. The partnership offers the region a unique opportunity to experience this innovative and moving play throughout the fall, as the nation commemorates Dr. King\u2019s legacy and the 50th<\/sup> anniversary of the March on Washington and his seminal \u201cI Have a Dream\u201d speech.<\/p>\n

Set on April 3, 1968 in Memphis, Tenn., at the Lorraine Motel, \u201cThe Mountaintop\u201d unfolds on the historic last night in the life of the civil rights icon. A visitation from a mysterious woman leads him to confront his innermost thoughts and fears on the stormy evening before his assassination.<\/p>\n

\"(Left<\/a>
(Left to right) Lakisha May as Camae and Cedric Mays as Martin Luther King Jr. (photo by Jon Gardiner)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

PlayMakers performances will be in the Paul Green Theatre in UNC\u2019s Department for Dramatic Art on Country Club Road. Show times will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and Sunday, Sept. 29; 2 p.m. Sundays and Saturday, Oct 5. There are no performances Saturday, Sept. 28.<\/p>\n

For a complete schedule, more information and to purchase tickets, call (919) 962-PLAY (7529) or visit www.playmakersrep.org<\/a>. Individual ticket prices start at $15. Tickets are also available as part of PlayMakers\u2019 2013-2014 subscription packages.<\/p>\n

The play premiered in London to critical acclaim, winning the Olivier Award for Best New Play (2009). A hit Broadway run followed, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett. The Independent (London) called it \u201cbreathtaking, hilarious and heart-stopping.\u201d Variety said \u201cThe Mountaintop\u201d is \u201cemotionally powerful and theatrically stunning.\u201d<\/p>\n

The co-production will be directed by PlayMakers associate artist Raelle Myrick-Hodges, who helmed the theater company\u2019s hit production of \u201cA Raisin in the Sun\u201d last season and also directed \u201cTopdog\/Underdog\u201d (2008) and \u201cI Have Before Me a Remarkable Document Given to Me by a Young Lady From Rwanda\u201d (2010).<\/p>\n

\"Lakisha<\/a>
Lakisha May as Camae. (photo by Jon Gardiner)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cedric Mays appears as Martin Luther King Jr. and Lakisha May performs the role of Camae.<\/p>\n

In conjunction with \u201cThe Mountaintop,\u201d PlayMakers will host \u201cThe Vision Series-Directors in Conversation,\u201d a behind-the-scenes preview with director Myrick-Hodges, Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Paul Green Theatre. The event is free and open to the public. Participants share coffee and hors d\u2019oeuvres provided by series sponsor Jujube Restaurant, learn about the vision for the show and get a sneak peek at the sets and costumes in progress. Reservations are appreciated. Call PlayMakers\u2019 box office at (919) 962-7529.<\/p>\n

Other special events will include:<\/p>\n