Samuel L. Jackson to debut on Broadway as Martin Luther King

[HMG Celebrity News] – It’s now forty-three years since Dr. Martin Luther King was murdered in Memphis and Samuel L. Jackson has just signed to make his Broadway debut in a play that explores the great man’s last days.

Rumors of Sam’s decision to take his bow on Broadway had been around for some time, but although the news is now official it’s tainted by the fact that Halle Berry, who was all set for a major supporting role, can’t take part because of her child custody problems.

Called ‘The Mountaintop’ the play is set on April 3, 1968 – the day before Dr. King died. He arrives at Room 306 of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, having just delivered his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech at a local church.

He then calls room service and a maid brings some food, and together they review his life and his legacy.

Halle was supposed to be ‘Camae,’ the maid, but the press statement says casting for that role is still open and their choice will be announced ‘soon.’ And the producers were really jazzed to get Sam for the role;

“The Mountaintop is a brilliantly conceived gem of a play,” says the official announcement. “We are thrilled to be bringing Katori Hall’s remarkable work to New York, and we are honored to be presenting the Broadway debut of the great Samuel L. Jackson.”

The play first opened in June 2009 and the critics adored it. It then transferred to London’s West End with the same reaction. The Broadway version will open for previews on September 22 at the Jacobs Theater on West 45th Street, before the ‘official’ first night on October 13.

It’s sad that Halle can’t make it, but the chance to see Mr. Jackson work live will be a joy if you have the good fortune to live in New York. I’d say this sounds like a winner, but what’s your review?…

Source: Deadline