On April 9th, 1947, a meeting took place that would change sports and society forever. Branch Rickey, the General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, is about to break the color barrier by calling up Jackie Robinson, who would be the Major League’s first black player and he is looking for support. The play takes place in a single hotel room where Mr. Rickey hosts renowned boxer Joe Louis, actor/activist Paul Robeson, entertainer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Jackie Robinson himself. As the meeting progresses, the often heated debate to support the move to African American communities by the three influential leaders takes on many faces, as trust, what is best for the future of Jackie and the advancement of blacks in America, risks and motives are all challenged or reviewed.
Finely directed by ensemble member J. Nicole Brooks, Lookingglass’ production of “Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting” has all the elements of a wholly entertaining play. The cast is exceptional. Simply put Larry Neumann, Jr. is superb as Mr. Rickey, Javon Johnson is heartwarming as Jackie Robinson, James Vincent Meredith is electric as the skeptical Paul Robeson, Ernest Perry is pure gold as Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Joe Lewis couldn’t have been played better than by Anthony Fleming III. Kevin Douglas also brings with him terrific comic timing to his character Clancy Hope, the awestruck bellhop. A lapse of interest never takes place in this dialogue driven production that easily holds the audiences attention for the entire 90 minutes.
“Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting” is significant. This powerful play is eye opening, warm and educational.
“Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting is playing through February 19 at Lookingglass Theatre located in Chicago’s historic Water Tower Water Works (821 N. Michigan). For more information visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org.
