BLACK IN THE GAME
Toni Stone is as much about storytelling as it is about the story it is telling. Thanks to the inspiring source material by Martha Ackmann and this resulting play poignantly written and directed by Lydia R. Diamond, this important piece of history is vividly brought to life in its regional premiere at Boston’s Huntington Theatre., now playing through June 16. The skillful Jennifer Mogbock plays the title role, a talented athlete rejected from playing women’s professional baseball because of her race who then becomes the first woman to play professional baseball on a man’s team in the Negro Leagues. Mogbock shines not only in her portrayal of the moving and complex human turned unassuming historical figure, but also as an engaging storyteller, breaking the fourth wall and inviting us into the action.
Jennifer Mogbock
The Cast
Diamond’s script (aided by Brian J. Lilienthal’s evocative lighting, Collette Pollard’s simultaneously utilitarian and creative scenic design, and Mara Blumenfeld’s subtle costume design) weaves us seamlessly through time and space, creating a nonlinear narrative that makes for a dynamic theater experience. Top it off with a talented ensemble cast who deftly play a variety of roles, and this play hits on many levels. Stanley Andrew Jackson is particularly impressive as Toni’s unlikely and only female friend, Millie, a composite character representing multiple real friends in Stone’s life. (Diamond once stated that she wanted the entire company other than the actress playing Stone to be male, in order to show how isolated and alone Stone was as the sole woman in her environment.)
Al’Jaleel McGhee, Jonathan Kitt, Ryan Vincent Anderson, Olutayo Bosede
The Cast
Diamond’s ability to give voice to layers of complex issues such as race, gender, and class in even a few short lines of a scene without being preachy or on-the-nose creates a textured experience of depth that sneaks up on the audience. This is highlighted in the juxtaposition of the two main dance sequences, one toward the beginning of the play, and the other at the end of Act 1. With original music by Lucas Clopton and inventive choreography by Ebony Williams (who has worked closely with such greats as Beyoncé), these two dances together pack quite a punch.
Bobby Cius, Jennifer Mogbock
As such, since the first act serves up a balanced combination of lightness and seriousness, the second act may catch you a bit off guard with its leaning into the darker side and perhaps dragging a bit. However, the darker side certainly deserves its stage time, and the actors keep the energy flowing throughout.
Jonathan Kitt, Jennifer Mogbock
Through Toni’s remarkable story, we see parts of ourselves and parts of history repeating. We are reminded of the importance of breathing life into this history to remain inspired, and to provide hope for the future. Toni states: “Between the weight of a thing and the reach, there is breath. And in that breath is life.” When she proudly concludes, “I reached,” it is a call for us to meet her there and do the same in our own lives and communities.
Jennifer Mogbock and the Cast
photos by T Charles Erickson
Olutayo Bosede, Jonathan Kitt, Bobby Cius, Blake Morris, Anthony T. Goss
Toni Stone
Huntington Theatre Company
The Huntington Theatre, 264 Huntington Avenue in Boston
ends on June 16, 2024
for tickets, call 617-266-0800 or visit Huntington