I didn't quite know what to think when I learned that one of my favorite actors, Cajardo Lindsley, wasn't going to be available to play Martin Luther King, Jr. in the groundbreaking play, "The Mountaintop." My disappointment vanished as I watched Cedric Mays skillfully take on the role on very, very short notice. Thankfully, he had played the challenging role once before.
The premise of the story centers around what Dr. King might have done on the night before he was killed. The action takes place in the somewhat rundown motel where King was staying. He was working on the speech/sermon he was to give the next day, so he called room service for some coffee, while he waited for one of his assistants to bring him some cigarettes. The coffee was brought to him by the maid, Camae (Betty Hart). He asked if she had some cigarettes and was delighted when he discovered that she smoked his brand. The saucy maid used very colorful language for which she constantly apologized.
The chemistry between the two was evident from their first conversation and the connection continued throughout Camae's extended visit. King asked her to listen to the speech he was working on so she reluctantly agreed to do so. A violent thunder storm was raging outside and it was clear that King was frightened by the clamor. As the evening wore on, King's human frailties became more evident. It was very clear that he was physically attracted to Camae, as they engaged in some horse play.
Ultimately Camae reveals that she is an angel God has sent to take Martin home to Heaven. Needless to say, he was stunned when she told him that he would be murdered the next day, on the balcony of the motel where he was staying.
While the play dragged a bit in the beginning, I became completely engrossed as the story unfolded. Cedric Mays and Betty Hart are spectacular. Gavin Mayer's direction was spot on, or "on fleek" as my granddaughter says.
I spoke with director Gavin Mayer after the performance and he told me that he and Cedric collaborated very well as they exchanged thoughts about how the role could best be structured. Cedric was in town for slightly over a week before he took to the boards. Amazing. A real pro.
"The Mountaintop" plays through Apr. 17 in the Black Box Theatre at the Arvada Center. Playwright Katori Hall obviously had a clear vision of what she wanted to accomplish with this story that shows King's struggles as well as his triumphs. It's a brilliant story and I hope you'll avail yourselves of the opportunity to see it.
For tickets and information, call the box office at 720-898-7200 or visit the website at arvadacenter.org.
Columnist Harriet Hunter Ford may be reached at hhunterford@gmail.com.
from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Mountaintop-shines-at-Arvada-Center,211022?branding=15
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