Mesmerizing, powerful, and timely are a few words to describe The Mountain Top. Directed by Ryan George is a culmination of history and a beautiful fictitious account of what Dr. King’s last days would have looked like from the prayer of Bernice for her dad not to be alone.
What to Expect at The Mountain Top
Make sure that you arrive at least 20 minutes before your show. This will allow you time to go to the bathroom or get snacks. Parking is nearby but I found on the weekend the lots can fill up quick. So give yourself time to find parking in case you have to walk. In addition this production is only 90 minutes and there is no intermission. This show is powerful and has some imagery that may not be suitable for kids under 13 years old.
The Mountain Top Imagery
This production takes place at the Lorraine hotel where Dr. King loses his life. It is only two actors involved but the power between them are not to be missed. The production showcases Camae, played by Brianna Miller, as we think her to be an ordinary maid. The exchange between her and Dr. King, played by Chaz Rose, takes many forms almost literally. The dialogue makes Dr. King more human than just a civil rights leader. I personally loved this approach. We see Dr. King and he is rightfully so. However you have a man that is giving his life, sacrificing time from his family and more and at the end-human.
The design team on this production deserves their flowers. The way they showed the coldness of Winter and death sent chills down my spine. It is so many deeper meanings that unfold.
The Baton Passing in The Mountain Top
Who will take on the baton? Who is standing to take on the legacy of Dr. King. We all are in our way. I was so proud at the end. I had tears in my eyes because this production took the greatest points of history and it flowed not in a perfected muse, but the way that we all live-real. Dr. King had so much to do. So many more stops to make. More laws to change but at the end when it’s our time, we have to answer the call even when it doesn’t make sense.
Chaz Rose and Brianna Miller
Both actor and actress deserves their flowers. The way that Chaz studied Dr. King’s vernacular and character made me think Dr. King had come back to life. All of the conversations between him and Brianna was so raw. There are a lot of things that were said that make you think. It will peel away the greatness of Dr. King to see the greatness of him as a human. There were many times I wanted to shout out because the imagery was too real. There were times I cried silently. Moving is the only way to put into words the impact that both of them made for my daughter and I.
Katori Hall is a genius for this piece. Well written, fully developed and climatic are truly words that I would use for this piece. The timeliness of having this piece during Black History month gives us all something to take home. Pass the baton, know that no matter your character flaws, when there is a charge in your life to do something it won’t matter how you fight it-it comes back. Answer the call.
Thank you to the staff of Knauer Uptown Performing Arts, Chaz Rose and Brianna Miller, as well as Aversa PR for having me. The conversations that my daughter and I was able to have from what we experienced has created a bond that can’t be taken away. Make sure you see this production as it ends February 19th. Get tickets here.
Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center is located at 226 North High Street, West Chester, PA 19380. It’s about 30-35 minutes outside of Philadelphia.
