By Janice Malone
NASHVILLE, TN — SistaStyle Productions is pleased to announce a revival of their critically acclaimed 2012 limited engagement of Katori Hall’s award-winning play THE MOUNTAINTOP scheduled for performances November 1 through 15 at the Z. Alexander Looby Theater located at 2301 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard.
The Nashville production is directed by acclaimed director Barry Scott. The storyline is a fictional depiction of Dr. Martin Luther King’s last night on earth set entirely in Room 306 of the Lorraine Motel on the eve of his assassination on April 4, 1968. Unfortunately, because of the Ferguson, MO incidents, and other race-related tragedies across the U.S., the play is more relevant than ever.
The two leading roles are beautifully acted by two of Nashville’s most talented actors. Portraying the iconic Civil Rights leader is Nashville actor, writer, singer, and inspirational activist Rashad “thaPoet” Rayford. And Mary McCallum stars as ‘Camae’ – the Lorraine Motel employee who encounters Dr. King in his room as both literal and figurative storms rage outside.
This will be both actors second time in these iconic roles. The Mountaintop first premiered in Nashville in 2012 at the Shades of Black Festival, where it received favorable response from the public.
Mary McCallum says portraying the character of Camae is a dream role for an actress. “This is one of my favorite roles that I’ve ever done in my career as an actress, says McCallum. “Camae is a maid at the Lorraine Motel. She’s outspoken and she challenges Dr. King on various things. She brings him a pot of coffee, which he had ordered from room service. And from there the two characters begin an enlightening conversation.”
Ms. McCallum is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and founder of SistaStyle Productions. The creative talents from this production company has taken Nashville-created work to New York City, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Kentucky, and beyond.
In 2012, the State of Tennessee House of Representatives presented a proclamation to SistaStyle Productions for, “Providing quality and culturally relevant material to Middle Tennessee for more than a decade.”
Some of Rashad Rayford’s recent acting credits include Boy Willie in THE PIANO LESSON as well as the Nashville Repertory Theatre RepAloud productions of A RAISIN IN THE SUN and A BEHANDING IN SPOKANE. He also was a prior presenter at TEDxNashville. Rashad says he’s never met any members of Dr. King’s family but he once sang at an event for Dr. King’s daughter Bernice at an Atlanta church event.
Portraying one of the most important men in modern day history is obviously no easy task. But Rashad readily accepted the role as a welcomed challenge. He says, “I was very nervous about playing the role when I first got the part. Those are some big shoes to try and fill. But once I got the script and understood the role, I took it on as a challenge. The public hasn’t really seen Dr. King like this before. This role shows his private moments as a real everyday person away from the media and his followers. The role is about him being an ordinary, everyday man. We bring a lot of honesty to the role that’s also very respectful.”
Both Mary and Rashad did extensive research for their roles by reading material, studying videos from the Civil Rights Era, and drawing from their previous visits from the Memphis-based Lorraine Motel, which is now a museum. Each actor says they hope after viewing this production, it will cause even more dialog among the public on the topic of race and racial reconciliations.
Performances of THE MOUNTAINTOP begin with two shows opening weekend Saturday, November 1, at 7:30pm and Sunday, November 2, at 4pm. Performances continue at 7:30pm Thursdays through Saturdays November 6-8 and again November 13-15.
Reserved seat tickets are $15 and are available for purchase online at SistaStyleProductions.com or by calling 615.476.6430.
For more information, send an email to SistaStyleProductions@gmail.com