THE MOUNTAINTOP

Magic Coordinator

Written by Katori Hall

Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg

Round House Theatre, 2023

The night before his untimely death, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. returns to his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis after delivering a speech to local sanitation workers. While waiting for room service, he is visited by a mysterious and beautiful maid, Camae, with whom he begins a humorous and flirtatious conversation that progresses into a soul-searching discussion about their mutual hopes and fears. When Camae reveals her true identity, Dr. King must reflect on his legacy and the challenges facing the civil rights movement. “Audacious [and] inventive” (Associated Press), the Olivier Award-winning play offers an intimate and empathetic portrait of one of history’s most consequential figures.

Ryan worked as the Magic Coordinator for this inspiring production. With the help of visionary director Delicia Sonnenberg, Ryan developed a magical language for the character of Camae. Lit cigerrettes appeared at her fingertips. Her magic breath turned lukewarm coffee into a steaming hot cup of joe. She popped fresh buttery popcorn from a lampshade. When Camae cried, her tears transformed into red carnations. Ryan worked with the props department to construct and impliment a variety of special actor driven props to create these moments. He also coached the actor to perform sleight of hand and learn the fundamentals of magic theory.

Reviews:

“There are several miraculously inventive touches that I dare not mention in this review as they would spoil the mystical and supernatural effect of these little, magical touches. I must credit the Magic coordination work  of Ryan Phillips.”-BroadwayWorld

“By dwelling on King’s humanity, “The Mountaintop” shrewdly emphasizes just how much change one man can effect. Like any decent work of historical fiction, this one ultimately wields embellishment as a tool for unlocking a greater truth.”- Washington Post

“The Mountaintop is mandatory viewing! Both actors are brilliant and deserve our witnessing, celebration, and acknowledgment for giving their all to this production.”-DC Theater Arts