Beverly Arts Center Celebrates MLK's Legacy With Staging Of 'The Mountaintop'

CHICAGO — The Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, will honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy with four performances of the powerful play, “The Mountaintop” Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 15 through Jan. 18.

Inspired by MLK’s famous speech,”I’ve Been to the Moutaintop,” Katori Hall’s 2009 drama is set in in Dr. King’s room at the Lorraine Motel the night before he is assassinated in Memphis, Tenn. On a thundery night in April 1968, after delivering his fiery ‘Mountaintop’ speech at XXX Church Dr. King forges a relationship by a mysterious hotel maid, Camae. The maid helps talk him through what he doesn’t know will be the last night of his life.

Katori Hall received the Olivier Award for Best New Play for The Mountaintop in 2009, making her the first Black woman to win the award.

Tickets are $45 for members, $50 for non-members. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 and Jan. 16, and 3 p.m. Jan. 17 and Jan. 18. Purchase tickets in advance online at the Beverly Arts Center.