Press notes describe the work as such: "In early 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. informed his advisors that he intended to play a major role in the anti-war movement, advocating immediate withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Vietnam. No major figure of Dr. King's stature had yet been willing to take such a dramatic stand, even those thought to oppose the war, such as Senators Kennedy and McGovern. King knew he would be turning past allies like President Johnson into powerful enemies and reviving the animus of old enemies as well. King’s inner circle feared he would trigger a political backlash that could undo the progress made in civil rights. The play draws upon the historical record, including the FBI's relentless surveillance, often illegal, and the White House's infamous secret telephone recordings." Tony Award winner John Cullum (On the Twentieth Century, Shenandoah) stars as President Lyndon B. Johnson with DB Woodside ("24,""Viva Laughlin,""Grey's Anatomy") as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rounding out the cast are Chad Carstarphen, Jimonn Cole, Brian Hicks, Jonathan Hogan, Rachel Leslie, James Miles, Steve Routman, Geddeth Smith and Harold Suratt.
The Clurman Theatre is located at 410 West 42nd Street. Tickets are available by visiting www.ticketcentral.com.
Below are some photos from the opening-night party at the lounge on the second floor of the Theatre Row Theatres:
All photos by Aubrey Reuben