PLAYWRIGHT KATORI HALL’S POTENT AND INTRIGUING REIMAGINING OF MLK, JR'S “DREAM” SPEECH SCORES AT DEZART PERFORMS

Cortez Johnson and Shante DeLoach in Dezart Performs
Production of "The Mountaintop"

It’s been two years that audiences have been denied the pleasure of sitting in live theatre venues. However, the thrill and the excitement of attending an opening night performance never goes away; the experience is too seductive. The good news is that Coachella Valley theatre companies are venturing out and reaching out to entertain their loyal audiences once again.

Case in point is Dezart Performs of Palm Springs and their current production of “The Mountaintop”, written by award-winning playwright Katori Hall, which presents her riveting reimagining of the last night on earth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The play, directed by Artistic Director, Michael Shaw, is set in Memphis, Tennessee at the Lorraine Motel, in Room 306 amidst a late night thunderstorm.  Dr. King (nicely played by Cortez Johnson) is going over his notes for his soon to be famous “I Have a Dream” speech the next day. He is tired and worn out from the rigors of being the country’s civil rights leader.  He calls the front desk to ask about some food only to be told the kitchen is closed for the night. A minute later a knock at his motel room door reveals Camae, a maid (sassily portrayed by Shante Deloach) with a tray of food and coffee ready to serve him.

“The Mountaintop” is play where the audience needs to pay close attention to the story to fully appreciate its many metaphors running throughout this provocative, 90-minute, no intermission production. There are just two talented actors who flesh out Ms. Hall’s quasi-spiritual points of view that are both earthly and a tad salty at times. After all, we’re dealing with and observing flesh and blood characters here… or are we? No spoiler alerts from me. One has to attend this splendid production for oneself.

That’s the beauty of Ms. Hall’s play. She forces the audience to think about matters in life that are really important. Dr. King is fully aware of his position and his destiny and all that it entails. Mr. Johnson’s deft performance hits the mark in his nuanced interpretation.

Ms. Deloach’s character, as the conscience of the audience, must either accept or reject what she believes. Both characters are firm in their knowledge. The chemistry between Mr. Johnson and Ms. Deloach is palpable which is what makes the play so watchable, and hopefully, will expand our own life experience with its enlightenment.  

“The Mountaintop” is produced by director Shaw and Video and Sound designer Clark Dugger. The technical team led by Shaw includes Set Designer Thomas L. Valach; Lighting Designer Derrick McDaniel; Frank Cazares, Costume Designer; Lynda Shaeps, Wig and Make-up Designer; Greg Thorneycroft, Props and Effects Master; and Yvans Jourdain, Assistant/Director and Fight Choreographer.

The icing on this splendid must see production cake is the wonderful projections sequence created by Clark Dugger. They’re simply first class.  Nathan Cox stage manages the production.

There is a short window to see this show, which only runs through to March 13th.  For tickets and reservations go online to DezartPerforms.com.

Remember, a great nation deserves great art… support all the arts!

-- Jack Lyons