“The Mountaintop” is a gripping re-imagination of what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last night on earth could have been. King is visited by a mysterious and beautiful maid in his room at the Lorraine motel. What begins as a humorous and flirtatious conversation progresses into a soul-searching discussion laying bare the profound humanity of the civil rights leader.
Nashville Repertory Theatre presents “The Mountaintop” at Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Johnson Theater February 14-23, 2025. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tennessee native playwright Katori Hall, this gripping reimagining of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final night is a powerful exploration of legacy, humanity, and hope.
“As we celebrate our 40th season, we are honored to present Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop,” says Amos Glass, Interim Executive Director. “This powerful reimagining of Dr. King’s final night is both timely and deeply moving. Showcasing the work of a Tennessee playwright makes this production even more special for Nashville Rep.”
Set in the Lorraine Motel on the eve of his assassination, “The Mountaintop” is a deeply moving and thought-provoking play examining the man behind the iconic figure. A mix of humor and raw emotion offers an intimate portrait of Dr. King’s struggles, dreams, and the profound impact of his work.
“I cannot describe the gratitude I have for this opportunity to work and play with my friends,” says director Alicia Haymer. “Tamiko, Rashad, and I share close to two decades of personal and professional kinship. I believe the life lessons we’ve shared have brought us to this moment — a mountaintop of our own, if you will.”
A native Nashvillian and a celebrated actor, director, and playwright, Haymer previously directed Nashville Rep’s “School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play.” Joining her are longtime collaborators Tamiko Robinson Steele as Camae and Rashad Rayford as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Steele, an award-winning actor, director, and performance coach, starred in Nashville Rep’s “POTUS” and “School Girls.” Rayford, Nashville native and Alabama A&M graduate is an award-winning poet and speaker, with work featured on NPR, TEDx, and more.
With Scenic Design by Gary C Hoff, Costume Design by Melissa K Durmon, Lighting Design by Amber Whatley, Sound Design by Sara E. Johnson, and Stage Management by Persephone Felder-Fentress, tickets are available at: nashvillerep.org
“& Juliet”, created by the Emmy®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. “& JULIET” asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including “Since U Been Gone‚” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life‚” “That’s The Way It Is,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”— all from the genius songwriter / producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it. Feb 11 – 16, 2025.
