Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 03/24/2026
(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre presents The Mountaintop from April 16 to May 3, 2026. This is a gripping reimagination of events the night before the assassination of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright–Katori Hall and directed by Jamil A.C. Mangan, the play imagines a pivotal moment in history through a deeply human lens.
The play takes place on April 3, 1968. Room 306, the Lorraine Motel, Memphis. The smell of cigarettes and coffee hangs thick in the air as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. winds down from a day of preaching and marching.
The Mountaintop offers an intimate glimpse into the quieter moments of King’s life, chipping away at the myth of the great man to reveal his humainity—his fears for his family, concerns for his country, and the ever-present threat of violence. Set during the height of America’s Civil Rights Movement, the play blends historical drama with imaginative storytelling to explore the legacy of a man whose words and leadership continue to resonate across generations.
The production is directed by Jamil A.C. Mangan and includes Hassiem Muhammad as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr; Kendra Holloway as Camae; and Petra Hinds as Camae Understudy.
Performances take place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 7:00pm; and Sunday matinees at 3:00pm. Note: the performance on Saturday, May 2nd is at 3:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. The theater is located at 1400 Clinton Street in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Dr. King shares a meaningful connection to Hudson County. During the height of the civil rights movement in the 1960s, he visited Jersey City twice to support local civil rights efforts and speak out against racial inequality, connecting the national struggle for justice to the communities of this region.
"In this play, Camae tells Dr. King that what makes him different is that he is able to love those that could never love him back," said Chris Cragin Day, Artistic Director, Mile Square Theatre. “I can't think of anything we need more in America today. Dr. King's wisdom and example is as relevant in 2026 as it ever has been.”
The Mountaintop premiered on Broadway at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on October 13, 2011.
Special Nights:
* Artists Night/Previews: Thursday, April 16 at 7:00pm - all seats $25
* Opening Night: Friday, April 17 at 7:00pm with post show reception with cast/crew
* Black Theater Night: Saturday, April 18 at 7:00pm
* Dr. King Book Club Discussion: Sunday, April 19 at 3:00pm with post show discussion
* Rainbow Night: Friday, April 24 at 7:00pm with post show talk back
Founded in 2003, Mile Square Theatre is a nonprofit professional theatre dedicated to producing bold, relevant, and engaging theatrical work for audiences of all ages. MST enriches the region through professional productions and innovative arts education.
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