BWW Reviews: ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI at The Space Theater

All of the characters in "One Night in Miami" have a lot of fight in them, even though only one is a heavyweight champion. And when 4 men with as much passion for life and justice as Malcolm X, Cassius Clay, Sam Cooke and Jim Brown are put into a hotel room together, it becomes a powder keg of emotion, debate, and triumph for each of them.

The show takes place on the night after Cassius Clay defeated heavyweight champion Sonny Liston, to claim the title. Cassius and his friends rent a hotel room in Miami for what is supposed to be a celebration of the victory. But Malcom X (played spectacularly by Jason Delane), uses the night as a point of reflection on his activism, and a chance to convince his friends that Cassius's position as a champion is a stronghold for the civil rights movement. The others are skeptical of his radical activism, and argue a gentler approach to the civil rights they too fight for. Jim Brown (Morocco Omari) is an NFL superstar, but is beginning his career in film, and, as he explains, can influence the nation as much as violent protest, by integration of the Hollywood scene. Sam Cooke (Nik Walker) uses his golden voice to cross the interracial barriers in music. As Cassius (Colby Lewis) takes in the views of his friends, he concludes that his decision to join the nation of Islam and change his name to Muhammad Ali is the right step in his own fight for civil rights.

The play features an incredible cast of actors who maneuver deftly through the incredible script. Playwright Kemp Powers has created a wonderful story for what happened on that night that 4 friends met in Miami. The dialogue keeps the audience on the edge of their seat and periodically breaks the tension with comic moments. Director Carl Cofield has wonderfully staged the production in the round, and with set design by Lisa Orzolek and lighting by Charles MacLeod, the world inside this hotel room changes and adapts to the moods of the show and the highs and lows of the debates.

"One Night in Miami" is a slice of history that has not been seen, and this play's theory of what went on that evening is definitely a wonderful guess. With a brilliant script, a phenomenal cast, and wonderful design and direction, this show is certainly not to be missed.

"One Night in Miami" plays the Space Theatre March 20-April 19. For tickets and information, contact the box office at 800-641-1222 or go to www.denvercenter.org.