Review: MY LORD, WHAT A NIGHT at GSP-The Best in Thought-Provoking Theatre

“Someone has to work against this lust for hatred that is sweeping the world,” by Einstein in My Lord, What a Night

Great theatre is alive and well at George Street Playhouse (GSP).  The renowned New Brunswick theater, located at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC), is presenting My Lord, What a Night on a limited engagement through Sunday, May 17th.  This finely crafted play by Deborah Brevoort enjoys splendid direction by Sheldon Epps and features a terrific four-person cast.  

Set in Princeton in 1937 and 1939, the play is based on a true story. The famous Contralto, Marian Anderson performed in the upscale community but was denied accommodation at Nassau Inn because of her race. When Albert Einstein welcomes Marian into his home, her presence causes a media frenzy, professional concern from Einstein’s colleague, Abraham Flexner, and a challenging visit from the NAACP’s leader, Mary Church Terrell. The story portrays the fond, honest relationship between Anderson and Einstein, and also smartly addresses the scourge of racial discrimination and its parallels to the era’s disturbing rise in antisemitism. The themes in My Lord, What a Night speak to human rights and social justice.  It is a call to action that is as significant today as it was nearly 90 years ago. This thought-provoking show proves very timely and must be seen.

The cast is a dream team as they master the portrayal of their characters and deliver Deborah Brevoort’s rich dialogue with perfect pacing. You will feel transported to Albert Einstein’s home, as though the events are unfolding in real time. The company includes Rashidra Scott as Marian Anderson; Anthony Cochrane as Albert Einstein; Mitch Greenberg as Abraham Flexner; and Gayle Samuels as Mary Church Terrell. 

Enthralling scenes include Marian Anderson appreciatively coming to Einstein’s home; Abraham Flexner expressing his concern that Einstein is jeopardizing the reputation of  the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University; Mary Church Terrell’s plea for Marian to make a statement to the press; Marian singing a hymn for Mary; Einstein playing the note of D flat on the violin for Marian;  Marian bringing Swiss chocolates for Einstein; Marian and Einstein reviewing recent newspaper headlines; Mary advocating for a massive protest in Washington DC to defy the DAR; Abraham speaking of antisemitism at the university;  Einstein telling Abraham that there is the threat of an atomic bomb; Marian deciding to sing the National Anthem at the Lincoln Memorial.

The creative team has done a top job of bringing My Lord, What a Night to the New Brunswick stage. They include scenic design by Meghan Raham; costume design by Karen Perry; lighting design by Jeff Croiter and Katy Atwell; sound design by John Gromada; and projection design by John Narun. Casting is by McCorkle Casting. Samantha Flint is Production Stage Manager.

We congratulate George Street Playhouse’s Executive Director, Edgar Herrera and the theater’s Artistic Triumvirate that includes Christopher J. Bailey, Scott Goldman, and Laiona Michelle for continuing to produce excellent theatre for metro area audiences.

George Street Playhouse is located at 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.  It is in the heart of the city’s entertainment and restaurant district with plenty of parking options and public transportation available. For more information, please visit George Street Playhouse  and call 732.246.7717.  

Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson

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