My Lord, What a Night – Play – Review – Taproot Theatre – Shows I've Seen

@showsiveseen Deborah Brevoort's "My Lord, What a Night" #play at @TaprootTheatre. Starring Kataka Corn & Mark Emerson. Engaging dialogue, beautiful juxtaposition of opposites, timely message, thought-provoking quotes, & good exploration of dilemmas. Mah lawd! Closes next weekend 10/19. Review: showsiveseen.com/9904 Photos: Robert Wade Director: @Bretteney Beverly #showsiveseen #theatre #AlbertEinstein #Einstein #MarianAnderson #civilRights #racism ♬ Dere´s no hiding place down here – Kosti Vehanen & Marian Anderson

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): My Lord, What a Night play at Taproot Theatre. Starring Kataka Corn & Mark Emerson. Engaging dialogue, beautiful juxtaposition of opposites, timely message, thought-provoking quotes, and good exploration of dilemmas. Mah lawd! Closes next weekend.

Recommendation:
See it if you enjoy plays that are more dialogue than action.

My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Two famous opposites (Albert Einstein and Marian Anderson) meet and become friends. Together they struggle with the best way to respond to racism.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Based on the real-life friendship between famed contralto Marian Anderson and physicist Albert Einstein. Marian Anderson is denied lodging after delighting a sold-out Princeton audience. When her long-time fan, Albert Einstein, invites her to stay in his home, the two begin a lifelong friendship. Watch as they grapple with their responsibility as an artist and scientist in a world plagued by racial segregation and a looming world war.

Attended Performance Date: Opening Night 9/20/24 – Keep your eyes peeled for preview posts on my website and social media if you want earlier notification of shows I’ve seen. Get your tickets now since this production ends 10/19/24!

Type: Play

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: I think there were only 2-3 scenes

Several or Few Settings/Locations: One – Albert Einstein’s living room

Static (Stationary) Set? Yes

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: No, but you might appreciate the play more if you’re familiar with Albert Einstein, Marian Anderson, or western world history.

Defined Plot/Storyline: No, it was mostly dialogue

Equity Actors: 3

Total Number of Actors: 4

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2 hours

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? No

Mainstream Appeal: Low to medium

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

Juxtaposition: The unexpected friendship between an eccentric scientist and an artiste blossomed beautifully on-stage. It was also refreshing to see two people, famous in their own realms, admire each other despite their opposite passionate pursuits. The right and left brains unite!
Dialogue: While I’m usually not a fan of plays heavy on dialogue and low on action, the discourse between the characters was engaging. I especially enjoyed the way Marlette Buchanan delightfully delivered Mary Church Terrell’s lines. However, a part of me wondered if that character was pandering too much to the audience as a stereotypical colorful older black woman caricature.
Hair and Makeup: Throughout the entire first act, I didn’t realize Mark Emerson played Albert Einstein until I saw his picture in the lobby during intermission. This transformation reminded me of how I didn’t recognize Cassi Q Kohl in Taproot Theatre’s The Hello Girls.
First Act Song: There was a lovely segment in the middle of the first act when Marian Anderson (played by Kataka Corn) entranced the audience with a vision and an acapella song.
Dilemmas: The script explored the arguments for/against each action (or inaction) well. There were seemingly no correct answers. You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
Quotes: There were several thought-provoking quotes throughout the script. One example was something like “the treatment of the Negro is no different than the treatment of Jews” and it stood out the most since I disagree. Both groups were treated terribly throughout history (and I know it’s not a competition), but one group arguably had/has it way worse.

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

First Act: Like many shows, the first act was better. But the first act also could have probably afforded to end earlier.
D Flat: Anderson and Einstein’s obsession with D flat was kind of weird. This is coming from someone who occasionally sings and plays the piano.
Marian Anderson’s Music: I’ve never heard of Marian Anderson or her music before attending this play. After the show, I curiously searched for her music recordings, and I’d have to say it was boring and stuffy. The music in my TikTok reel about this show was the most upbeat song I could find. But this is coming from someone who’s favorite artist is Lady Gaga and favorite genre is showtunes. 🙂

Theatre Company: Taproot Theatre

Venue: Jewell Mainstage

Venue Physical Address: 204 N 85th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Price Range: $25-62

Dates: September 18 to October 19, 2024

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid lot or usually-free street parking. I always find free street parking on Greenwood Ave just South of the theatre.

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Pictures: See pictures below by Robert Wade.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.