The Mountaintop

Play

Writers: Katori Hall

Overview

Show Information

Text And Format
Category
Play
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
2009
Genres
Drama
Settings
Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
the lorraine motel in memphis, april 3rd, 1968
Cast Size
small
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male
Casting Notes

Includes adult characters

Synopsis

The Mountaintop is a fictional retelling of how Martin Luther King Jr. spent his last night on earth, before his tragic assassination. After delivering his famous “I’ve been to the mountaintop speech” on behalf of the sanitation workers in Memphis, Martin goes to the Lorraine Motel to rest before another long day of campaigning. His world is spun on his axis when he meets Camae, a beautiful maid, who delivers his room service. At first, they only exchange flirtatious remarks, but soon they start a deep dialogue about Martin’s hopes and fears, and the two develop a true understanding. When Camae reveals that she is an angel that has come to prepare him for the soon-to-be-coming afterlife, Martin must confront his fears and face his own mortality. The Mountaintop shows the audience a different side of Martin Luther King: a man who is tired, flawed, yet -- despite everything -- is an inspiration.

Lead Characters


The Mountaintop guide sections