THE MOUNTAINTOP by Carol Kaufman Segal

            The Mountaintop is a tour de force written by Katori Hall and playing at the Garry Marshall Theatre in Burbank.  Directed by Gregg T. Daniel, it features two outstanding actors, Gilbert Glenn Brown and Carolyn Ratteray.  The play takes place on the night of April 3, 1968, following one of Martin Luther King’s most famous and stirring speeches known as I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.  Could he have foretold what the next day would bring?

            It is a stormy night with lightning and thunder accompanying the rain when Dr. King arrives in room 306 at the Loarraine Motel following the speech that he made in Memphis, Tennessee.   He appears uneasy, wanting coffee, which he orders from room service, and cigarettes, for which he has sent a friend out to bring back to him. 

            Dr. King’s coffee is brought to him by Camae, a charming hotel maid who, at first, is spellbound by being in the company of such an icon.  But as their conversation reverts from mundane subjects to love, civil rights, and King’s hopes and fears for the future, (all the while sharing cigarettes provided by Camae since Dr King’s friend never shows up with his). He is shown to be a man like any normal man with insecurities, fears, and tribulations.

            Finally, Camae reveals her real reason for being the person sent to Dr King’s room that night which precedes the history made on April 4, 1968.  The Mountaintop is a powerful play and is captivating throughout.  Gilbert Glenn Brown and Carolyn Ratteray give exceptionally strong performances         

            The Mountaintop is playing Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 3 PM, through March 10, as well as February 23, at 2 PM and 8 PM, at the Garry Marshall Theatre, located at 4252 West Riverside Drive, Burbank.  Tickets are available online at garrymarshaltheatre.org, or call (818) 955-8101.  

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